Fauquier Times-Democrat

May 23, 2007

By; Taylor Shapiro

LLANGOLLEN, DESTINATION, CHETWOOD SCHOOLS BRINGING POLO TO THE PEOPLE

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, 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."

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A third venue has been set up at historic Llangollen Farm in Upperville.  The new polo mecca will have several regulation grass fields, including a championship field, boarding stalls for traveling teams and players, a mile oval exercise track to keep the ponies fit and more.  The facility also will play host to high-goal play as early as this fall.  Llangollen's resident pro, German Noguera, said that league play and his polo school are already in operation. 

Polo offers exceptional aerobic exercise, superb muscular training, and an excuse to be out in the sun for an afternoon of fun, added the Chilean native.  "Polo is very healthy.  (It) keeps young people out of trouble.  If they've got a string of ponies to care for, and games to play, they'll stay off the street."

Karber couldn't agree more.  "Great Meadow does not compete with local clubs, but gives them a place to play each other as well as a central gathering act to interact with others interested in the sport."

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