Polo has shaped Northern Virginia’s renowned horse country since the late 19th century. From the rolling fields of Fauquier and Loudoun counties to the historic equestrian communities of Middleburg and Upperville, the region has cultivated a strong polo tradition. The sport is supported by private farms, training facilities and dedicated clubs that have attracted superstars in the polo world, including celebrity player Nacho Figueras.
Ignacio “Nacho” Figueras is internationally recognized as the “David Beckham of polo.” Figueras began playing at age 9 and turned professional at 17. He remains excited to return to the field and compete, bringing with him notoriety and a high level of skill.
In the league, there are 6-, 8- and 12-goal matches. The polo handicap system was created to allow evenly matched players to compete against one another, and the words “goal” and “handicap” may be used interchangeably. The best players in the world are rated at 10 goal, and fewer than a dozen players have made it to that level. Each match is made up of players performing with different handicaps, but the rating of the match is determined by totaling the handicaps of all four players. Figueras sports a 6-goal handicap, placing him in the top 100 active players in the world.
While Figueras has excelled in his sport and polo career, he became recognized the world over as the supermodel representing the Polo brands of Ralph Lauren for over ten years. While Figueras continues to set goals for himself that involve a variety of business ventures, he is still a highly accomplished polo player and remains captain and co-owner of the BlackWatch Polo Team. Figueras also owns Cría Yatay on his property in Pilar, Argentina. The farm is home to a critically-acclaimed Argentine breeding operation dedicated to developing high-performance polo horses for competition.
Nacho Figueras: The Face of International Polo
Figueras became the face of Ralph Lauren’s Polo Black fragrance campaign in 2005. He then went on to represent the brand’s Polo lifestyle image internationally. His crossover success in polo and fashion also inspired a series of polo-themed romance novels, where he served as the face of the franchise. Readers of ‘Vanity Fair’ also voted him the second most handsome man in 2009.
While Figueras is particularly renowned as the international “face” of polo, he has leveraged his longtime modeling partnership as the face of Ralph Lauren to introduce polo to millions of non-traditional sports fans. He is often quoted as wanting to use his celebrity to raise the profile of the sport and has done so without question.
On a personal level, Figueras has a well-documented friendship with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. The two met at a charity polo match in 2007 and have worked together on numerous fundraising events ever since. They play polo together both as teammates and as friendly rivals. Married since 2004 to Argentine Delfina Blaquier, who is most well known for photography work, the couple have four children.
The Game of Polo
An ancient sport for horse and rider, polo traces its origins to Persia (now Iran) sometime between 600 BC and 100 AD. Today, the sport is played worldwide, with most clubs located in the United States, Argentina, India and Western Europe. The sport is often associated with royalty and has long been played by members of the British royal family.
The game of polo is a magnificent sight, one filled with finesse, strategy and athleticism. It requires ponies and riders to work together, combining strength, speed and agility. Polo season typically spans from late May through the end of September, depending on weather.
Important Polo Terminology
For newcomers or those needing a refresher, these key terms will help you better understand a polo match.
- Chukka/Chukker: Like other sports, polo is divided into periods. Each match consists of six 7.5-minute chukkers separated by five-minute intermissions.
- Numbers: Each of the four players on a team is assigned a number corresponding to their position on the field.
- #1: the goal striker
- #2: backup for the goal striker and defense
- #3: versatile
- #4: primarily defense
- Mallet: This is the tool that players use to propel the ball down the field in order to score a goal.
- Polo “Ponies”: Although polo players’ mounts are referred to as “ponies,” they are almost always full-sized horses. Many are bred for the quick reflexes, tight turns, speed and endurance required of a sport horse.
- String: Professional players typically maintain a “string” of two to 10 polo ponies, depending on their level of play. They switch mounts between chukkers, allowing horses to recover between high-impact rounds.
- Number “Goal”: In the league, there are 6-, 8- and 12-goal matches. The polo handicap system ensures an evenly matched competition. The words “goal” and “handicap” may be used interchangeably.
What to Prepare for a Northern Virginia Polo Outing
- Most polo venues encourage you to bring a picnic or even set out an entire tailgate spread, including coolers packed with beer, wine and your favorite non-alcoholic beverages.
- If you don’t want to prepare everything at home, stop by local markets and stores for seasonal snacks and meals to make up your tailgate. Head to your favorite local winery or brewery to pick up your beverages.
- Bring a few comforts for the ultimate polo experience. Consider including portable chairs, foldable tables, battery-operated fans and umbrellas for especially hot summer days. Here are some of our recommended summertime polo must-have items.
- For attire, consider chic garden-party styles that remain casual and comfortable in warm weather. Men may want to don sport shirts, linen pants, or khakis, while sundresses and skirts may be most comfortable for women. Hats will help to add a little shade, too. Follow this link for some of our favorite summer polo outfits and accessories.
Polo in Northern Virginia
Great Meadow Polo
Located in the heart of Virginia’s horse country in The Plains, Great Meadow is among Northern Virginia’s leading equestrian destinations. The Great Meadow Foundation established the 374-acre nonprofit venue in the 1980s to preserve open space and create a permanent home for equestrian sports, outdoor recreation and community events. Great Meadow is the home of Twilight Polo which hosts Saturday evening matches all summer long that are fun and family friendly.
While Great Meadow is best known for hosting the Virginia Gold Cup and International Gold Cup steeplechases, its calendar also features horse trials, show jumping and dressage. Veterans Stadium, the venue’s dedicated polo field, hosts not only seasonal play but notable tournaments for the U.S. Polo League as well.
Great Meadow offers an approachable way to experience polo, whether you’re a seasoned spectator or attending your first match. Guests can watch thrilling competition while enjoying classic horse country traditions such as tailgating, picnicking and gathering along the sidelines. These experiences make Great Meadow one of Northern Virginia’s premier polo destinations.
Polo at Beverly Equestrian
Throughout the summer, Sunday evenings at Beverly Equestrian in The Plains offer an inviting introduction to the fast-paced sport of polo. Beginning at 5 p.m., visitors can watch two consecutive matches unfold across the farm’s expansive green fields. Skilled players and ponies showcase the athleticism, strategy and excitement that define the game.
Located in the heart of Virginia’s Horse and Hunt Country, Beverly Equestrian opened in 2010 as a training facility before expanding its offerings to include public polo matches. Today, the farm welcomes hundreds of spectators each week from early summer through mid-September, creating a relaxed gathering place where longtime polo fans and first-time visitors can experience the sport.
Designed for visitors of all ages, Beverly Equestrian encourages guests to arrive early, find a spot along the berm and enjoy an evening of polo in a scenic countryside setting. VIP options are also available for those looking for reserved seating, premium views and additional amenities.
With opportunities to meet players and horses after matches, learn more about the game and even experience what it feels like to play on a stationary polo horse, Beverly Equestrian offers an accessible way to discover one of Northern Virginia’s most celebrated equestrian traditions.
Polo in the Park at Morven Park
Located on the grounds of the historic Morven Park estate in Leesburg, Virginia, the Morven Park International Polo Equestrian Center offers visitors an opportunity to experience polo in Northern Virginia. Their Polo in the Park summer series highlights the tradition and excitement of the sport. Spectators can enjoy arena polo matches in a relaxed setting that reflects the region’s equestrian roots.
Played on a nontraditional, smaller enclosed field with three players per team, arena polo delivers fast-paced action while keeping spectators close to the game. Polo in the Park takes place on Saturday Evenings throughout the summer. Guests jave the chance to enjoy competitive matches alongside picnic areas, tailgating, local food and beverage options and reserved rail seating.
Polo in Northern Virginia attracts both local spectators from Virginia and the D.C. metropolitan area as well as international players competing at the highest levels. From beautiful scenery and local shops to exceptional dining and a welcoming atmosphere, Northern Virginia blends horse country charm with Southern hospitality. It is rare to see top athletes like Nacho Figueras competing in such a relaxed environment, but Northern Virginia’s polo scene continues to offer that experience and more. ~
For more polo in Virginia Wine Country, you can also visit Roseland Polo at King Family Vineyards near Charlottesville. Read more Virginia Equestrian and Sporting Life articles on more equestrian activities in Virginia, find tailgating inspiration in our Style & Culture section and discover wonderful places to stay in Virginia Hunt Country such as The Goodstone Inn and the Salamander Resort & Spa. Check out our Events Calendar for even more Virginia Wine Country experiences like the Upperville Colt & Horse Show and the Montpelier Hunt Race.
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ABBY MEREDITH is a Double Hoo who loves all things Charlottesville and equestrian. Abby grew up competing through the Arabian Horse Association where she found success as a four-time Youth National Champion. During college, Abby made the switch to Hunter Jumpers and competed throughout Virginia. Abby worked as an attorney in Washington, D.C. and now is a freelance writer.
JENNIFER WALDERA shares her hunger for, and curiosity about, food, travel and drinks as a freelance writer for numerous mid-Atlantic publications. Her storytelling spans from the importance and fundamentals of local farming to the intricacies of modern mixology. Read more of her work at jenniferwaldera.com.
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