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By Betsy Parker Rappahannock News Staff Writer
Since colonial days. Virginia has held a national reputation as a center of equestrian excellence for its hunts, steeplechases and its famed cavalry remount station. For 100 years, polo’s also made the list.
At the century mark of the sport in the commonwealth. polo has grown into its own in Virginia.
Based cm available evidence, historic researcher Phillip Karber, president of the Great Meadow Polo Chib, said it is fair to say that polo came to Virginia by the combined influence of two New Yorkers — one president of the U.S., the other one of the nations preeminent foxhunters.
Rough Rider Theodore Roosevelt remains America’s only president to have played polo. A dedicated fan, he pushed it as cavalry training for army horses and soldiers.
Around the turn of the century; during Roosevelt’s rule, the Orange County Hunt just north of New York City relocated permanently to The Plains. OCH master John Tbwnsend was also an avid player and promoter of polo
Townsend influenced his friend William Skinker ofThe Plains, widely viewed as one of area's top horsemen, to try his hand at polo. Skinker owned what is now the Chetwood Park polo estate of
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