NEWS

In the heart of Orange County, California, the Orange County Polo Club (OC Polo) stands as a testament to the enduring passion for the sport of polo. Founded over 30 years ago as the Winston Polo Club, the club has undergone significant transformations and is now thriving under the leadership of Denny Geiler and his dedicated staff in Silverado, California.

Denny Geiler, a true polo enthusiast, has been the driving force behind the club's growth and success. His unwavering commitment to the sport led him to establish a state-of-the-art venue, Rancho Silverado Stables, in 2015. Prior to this, the club operated at various rented facilities, but Geiler’s vision was to create a place where polo could be enjoyed in a fun, safe, and convenient manner.

Located in Orange County, where open land is scarce, OC Polo embraced arena polo as the primary form of the sport. Recognizing the need for the horses to be in full-time professional care, the club made the decision to provide comprehensive horse care services for all its members. From feed and exercise to training, veterinary care and farrier services, the club manages every aspect of the horses' well-being. This approach ensures that the horses are fit, healthy and ready for play, enabling the club members to focus on enjoying their time with their equine companions.

Another distinguishing feature of OC Polo is its emphasis on horse ownership. OC Polo fosters a culture of horse ownership among its members, as aspiring players are encouraged to buy their own horses. The club's string is primarily reserved for lessons, while club chukkers are reserved for horse owners. This approach not only strengthens the bond between players and their horses but also cultivates a sense of responsibility and commitment to the sport.

The Orange County Polo Club's commitment to both polo and social camaraderie is exemplified by its incredible facilities. With two arenas, a spacious clubhouse, a locker room, stabling for 60 horses, and additional amenities like a hay barn, workshop, hitting cage and Jumbotron scoreboard, OC Polo offers a vibrant hub for polo enthusiasts to gather, connect and enjoy the exciting sport of polo together. The club's focus on fostering a sense of community among its members extends beyond the field, as conversations in the clubhouse revolve around the incredible horses and their recent exploits.

“Having been active in the polo community for over 40 years, the latest incarnation of OC Polo is beyond my wildest dreams. For me, polo is truly a family affair. Without the support of my wife all these years, I don’t think I’d be playing polo at my age alongside my granddaughters. On any given Sunday after chukkers, you’ll find me in the clubhouse having lunch with my whole family and our OC Polo friends,” Geiler told CLICKPOLO.

Nestled in the scenic beauty of Silverado Canyon, Rancho Silverado Stables stands as the premier polo destination in Orange County. Their state-of-the-art facilities, owned and operated by OC Polo are the result of Denny Geiler's resolute dedication to creating a polo haven that combines convenience, safety, and fun.

Built in 2015, Rancho Silverado Stables was meticulously designed to provide an exceptional polo experience for players and audiences alike. The facility features two well-maintained polo arenas, both equipped with lights for evening play. These arenas are the main stage for thrilling chukkers and allow the club's members to showcase exceptional horsemanship and skill.

With stabling for over 60 horses, Rancho Silverado Stables ensures that equine athletes receive top-notch care and attention. The horses are managed by a professional team which handles all aspects of their well-being, including feed, exercise, training, veterinary care and farrier services. This comprehensive approach guarantees that the horses are in peak condition, ready to show their prowess on the polo field.

In addition to the arenas and stabling, Rancho Silverado Stables boasts a magnificent clubhouse that is truly the heart of the OC Polo community. Spanning over 3,000 square feet, the clubhouse offers a welcoming and comfortable space for players and fans to gather, relax and share their passion for the sport. It serves as a hub for social interaction, where friendships are formed and stories of exhilarating chukkers are told.

To further enhance the polo experience, Rancho Silverado Stables provides a 2,000-square-foot locker room. Equipped with all the amenities necessary for players to prepare for their matches, the locker room ensures that they can focus on their game and feel their best both on and off the field.

The attention to detail and commitment to creating a thriving polo community is evident throughout the facilities at Rancho Silverado Stables. From the hay barn to the workshop, every aspect of the venue is meticulously designed to meet the needs of players, horses and staff. The presence of a hitting cage allows players to refine their skills and technique, ensuring that they continually progress in their polo journey.

With its picturesque surroundings, top-notch amenities, and vibrant atmosphere, Rancho Silverado Stables has become the go-to destination for polo enthusiasts in Orange County. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer to the sport, their exceptional facilities offer an unparalleled setting to immerse yourself in the thrill of polo.

“After many years of operating the club at leased facilities with limited event potential, designing Rancho Silverado from a blank slate was an incredible opportunity. The inspiration for the design came from the many experiences my family and I have had traveling and playing polo around the world. Our goal was to create an intimate place where our club members feel at home and that has the potential for amazing private events,” Shelley Geiler said to CLICKPOLO.

At the heart of the Orange County Polo Club's success is the dedication and expertise of Heather Perkins, an instrumental figure in the day-to-day operations of the club. Alongside Shelley, Denny Geiler's daughter, Perkins works tirelessly to ensure that the club runs smoothly and that its members are taken care of.

Perkins’ journey in the equestrian world began in Huntington Beach, California, where she grew up riding hunter/jumpers. Supported by parents, she purchased her first horse at the age of 14 and quickly developed a deep passion for all things equine. Her love for horses eventually led her to the world of polo.

At the age of 15, Perkins joined OC Polo (then known as Playa Grande Polo) and immersed herself in the sport. Starting with basic horse care tasks, she eagerly seized every opportunity to learn more about polo. Heather's dedication and natural aptitude for the sport propelled her into playing polo at a young age. Today, she continues to be an active player, sharing the field with her father and husband, and eagerly anticipating the day when her son, Tanner, will join them.

Perkins’ true joy lies in introducing new students to the world of polo. Through the club's polo and riding school, she creates a welcoming environment for individuals of all ages and experience levels to have the opportunity to learn and develop their skills. Heather truly goes above and beyond, showing her students and club members various activities beyond polo, such as horse camping, cattle sorting and beach riding, with the goals of broadening their horsemanship and deepening their bond with their horses.

Perkins is not only dedicated to teaching and mentoring polo players but also plays a key role in the day-to-day care of the club and its horses. She ensures that the horses receive the highest standard of care, overseeing their exercise routines, feed schedules and overall well-being. Heather's deep understanding of the horses' needs and her unwavering commitment to their welfare contribute to creating an environment where equine athletes can thrive.

Perkins’ passion for polo and her role within the Orange County Polo Club extends beyond the sport itself. She understands that polo is not just about the game; it's about building a community of like-minded individuals who share a love for horses and the thrill of competition. Through her dedication, expertise, and genuine care for the club and its members, Heather plays a significant part in shaping the vibrant and supportive polo community that exists at OC Polo.

“When I started with the club, the office was located in a 12x12 box stall. To see what OC Polo has become today is humbling and exciting. This September marks 29 years since I started working with Denny Geiler, and 20 years since Shelley joined us. I’m so grateful to be on this amazing journey with the Geiler family. Around here, the future just keeps getting brighter,” said Perkins.

All photos courtesy of ©Orange County Polo Club.