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By Taylor Shapiro
Special to the Times-Democrat
The sizzling summer sun brings welcome warmth to Fauquier County; right on its coattails, it brings something else that simmers the blood of the Piedmont region.
A recent epidemic has hit the area, spreading its contagious grasp over hill and dale — polo.
From its exclusivity, rich and royal appeal, to the gritty, rough and weathered faces of seasoned polo pros, the addictive sport has gained in recent years to call Fauquier's horse country home.
“Polo is undergoing a tremendous growth in the region,” said Phil Karber, president of the Great Meadow Polo Club, based out of Great Meadow in The Plains. “One indication of it is the 25 percent increase in playing infrastructure — fields and arenas — in the last five years.”
With local fields popping up like springtime dandelions, the thirst for the sport can be quenched at ground zero of the Virginia polo scene: the Great Meadow Fblo dub. Home to several professional players, induding Doug Barnes, John Gobin and J.B. Olinger, Great Meadow has attracted recognizable names from other arenas, including actor John Walsh of “America’s Most Wanted.”
Every summer Saturday night, Great Meadow will host doubleheader arena matches. These evening games bring polo to a new crowd who attend not only for sport but for a night of tailgating and socializing under the stars.
“I cannot think of a better way to spend my Saturday night than being under the lights hanging with friends and watching great polo,” said Warrenton’s Lydia Reynolds, 21. “Its simply the best”
Destination Polo, located at Willow Rim Farm across from Great Meadow, is captained by Doug Barnes, a 3-goaler from Texas. Destination Polo offers every level of instruction, including basic beginner riding
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