Doug Barnes - OTTB Polo Clinic - Session 4
8/11/2026
Clinic Overview:
This introductory clinic provides participants with a safe and supportive introduction to arena polo, highlighting the discipline as an exciting second-career option for Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds. The clinic emphasizes partnership, responsiveness, balance, and confidence-building rather than competition. Riders will gain an understanding of the unique horsemanship skills required in polo while learning how Thoroughbreds naturally excel in the sport.
The session is designed for riders who have little or no previous polo experience and focuses on transferable flatwork skills that benefit horses regardless of their future discipline.
Meet the clinician: Doug Barnes!
Doug has been in polo for over 30 years. He has started and trained many players in both Virginia and Florida who are passionate about their love for horses and the game of polo. Using his in depth knowledge of the game of polo as well as a deep understanding of horses he is able to progress players at a rapid pace to learn the game of polo while keeping safety as a top priority. In addition he has created a network of contacts to be able to play polo in unique venues around the world.
OTTB ReStart Clinic Series at Great Meadow:
The goal of the program is to showcase best practices in Thoroughbred retraining and highlight the versatility of these horses across disciplines. This clinic focuses on developing OTTBs from the foundations to the rigor of a horse show environment. Under professional instruction, riders and their horses will have the opportunity to learn through the lens of a top-level professional, focusing on navigating the complex inner workings of OTTBs.
Organizer Notes
*Sign up by 5:00pm August 12th
*Current signed Great Meadow Waiver & Release required
*Negative coggins required
*Certified helmet must be worn while mounted
*No riding alone; must have another rider with you or a grounds person
✅ Submit a Complete Entry
The organizer requests the following for a complete entry - Learn More:
- Coggins
- Rider Signature
- Parent Signature (if under 18)
Session 4
$200.00
Session 4 Auditor
$25.00
Administrative Information
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Ride Time
5pm Introduction & Ground Session (30 Minutes)- Introduction to the sport of polo
- Why Thoroughbreds make exceptional polo ponies
- Arena safety and etiquette
- Polo equipment and tack
5:30pm Mounted Skills Session (90 Minutes)- Warm-Up
- Polo Fundamentals
- Applied Exercises
- Introduction to simple "ride-off" concepts using safe spacing (no contact)
Exercises are adapted to rider confidence and horse experience.
7pm Wrap-Up Discussion (15 Minutes)
- Review + Q/A
- Resources for riders interested in pursuing polo 
Trailer Direction Directions:
Address:
Great Meadow Foundation; 5089 Old Tavern Road; The Plains, VA; 20198 From D.C: I-66 west to exit 31 to VA Rt. 245 toward Old Tavern; turn left onto Old Tavern Road; 1.8 miles, your destination is on the left. From Winchester I-81:Take exit for I66 East to exit 28 towards Warrenton; go 2.7 miles, take a right onto Old Tavern Road; your destination will be on the right.
Change Policy Changes are not permitted.
Refund Policy No refunds.-
Entry Option(s)
Secure Spot: Pay in full via STRIDER
