2026 NSLM Polo Classic Presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™

The 2026 NSLM Polo Classic presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ will take place on Sunday, September 13, at Great Meadow Foundation in The Plains, VA. Ticket sales are now closed! General Admission Car Passes are available at the Gate for $60 Cash Only. 

As the National Sporting Library & Museum's sole fundraising event each year, the proceeds from the Polo Classic support the NSLM’s mission to preserve, promote, and share the literature, art, and culture, of equestrian, angling and field sports as well as advocate for the conservation of open space and waterways crucial to these sports. Funds raised from the event allow the Library & Museum to host dynamic public programs and fine-art exhibitions, as well as care for its world-renowned collection of nearly 22,000 works covering 500 years of history—all located in the heart of Middleburg.

The Polo Classic is a fun and festive day of polo and wonderful way to experience the NSLM’s mission first-hand. The event includes two top-tier polo matches, seated lunch in the Founders’ Pavilion, champagne divot stomp, traditional parade of the hounds, and much more!

Event Schedule:

10:30 am - Gates Open

11:00 am - Parade of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Founders’ Cup Players
Presentation of Colors by the St. Andrew’s Society of Washington, D.C. 
America the Beautiful performed by Cecelia McKinley, alumna Cafritz Young Artist of Washington National Opera

11:15 am - Founder's Cup Match (Holman Hall vs. National Sporting Library & Museum)

12:00 pm - Dog Divot Stomp Sponsored by NUTRO™
“Best Turned Out Dog” sponsored by NUTRO™

12:15 pm - Founders’ Cup Award Ceremony
“Most Valuable Player” Award sponsored by Securiport, LLC
“Best Playing Pony” Award sponsored by Tri-County Feeds, Fashions, Finds and BUCKEYE™ Nutrition

12:30 pm - Seated Lunch (Pavilion Guests)

1:30 pm - Parade of the Orange County Hounds

1:45 pm - Parade of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Mars Cup Players
Presentation of Colors by the St. Andrew’s Society of Washington, D.C.
The Star-Spangled Banner performed by Cecelia McKinley, alumna Cafritz, Young Artist of Washington National Opera

2:00 pm - Mars Cup Match (Active Security vs. NetJets)

3:00 pm - Close of Bidding for 2026 Polo Classic Silent Auction
Mars Cup Award Ceremony
“Most Valuable Player” Award sponsored by Securiport, LLC
“Best Playing Pony” Award sponsored by Tri-County Feeds, Fashions, Finds and BUCKEYE™ Nutrition
Best Tailgate Award, Snazzy Hat, and Dapper Dresser Awards sponsored by The Town Duck

3:30 – Gates Close

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The Polo Classic is held at Great Meadow Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving open space, advancing equestrian excellence, and enriching the community through accessible outdoor events.