Great Meadow Polo is the center of polo in the Washington region.  The polo club is based on the grounds of Great Meadow, which is also home to the Virginia Gold Cup.  The Great Meadow Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization established by philanthropist and horseman, Arthur “Nick” Arundel, for the preservation of open space. The polo operation started in 1993 with construction of a top-flight polo arena.  Arena polo is played in an open-air enclosure, instead of a larger grass field.  It is played with a miniature soccer ball with three players per team. Arena polo is the intercollegiate form of the game and is more affordable, easy to learn and fun to watch for spectators.   As polo became more accessible to players and fans in the Virginia hunt country the sport grew popular throughout the region. Played in a well-lit stadium on Saturday nights, Great Meadow Polo has become a major summer venue for charity causes, tailgate parties and family fun. In 2001, local contributions to the club made it possible to build a world-class polo field next to the arena.  Grass polo is the traditional form of the game and is played with a smaller hard ball and four players per team.  Much like the Gold Cup races, the polo field is an ideal setting for corporate entertainment and major charity events.   In keeping with the community mission of the Great Meadow Foundation, the polo club was founded with a charitable mission: Ride for Charity. As a charitable organization, polo event sponsorships are tax deductible.  Proceeds go to preservation of open space in the Virginia Piedmont, supporting dozens of affordable community events such as youth sports, family activities and education. Great Meadow Polo is an “open membership” organization run by polo professionals and overseen by a Board of Directors.  The structure was established to maintain credibility with a broad range of civic interests.  The club maintains the highest standard of horsemanship and well-managed events.

John Gobin (club manager) & HRH Queen Elizabeth II Westchester Cup, US vs UK (1992) The Brits (1995) Winners of USA vs England The Founders Dick "Rico" Varge, President Bill Ylvisaker, Founder Palm Beach Polo Peter Arundel, Founder Great Meadow Polo Great Meadow Founder Arthur Arundel with Jackie Onassis Foxhunting, Orange County Hunt (1990)