Riders try out their mallets in Nokesville

'Tis the season for twilight polo once again ... and this put some young Nokesville riders in the mood to try their hands—or, should we say, mallets—at the sport.

So they set out for the Middleburg Polo Academy on a beautiful afternoon recently.

Soon after polo ponies and mallets were assigned to the riders from the South Run Riding School, the training be-gan.

Then the scrimmages started after some much-needed instruction by Daniel Tognini, the academy's owner.

The facility offers Argentine training methods in a family-oriented environment that serves all ages and skill levels.

Its location is also key. Right down the street is Great Meadow, home of the Virginia Gold Cup, where the Twilight Polo season begins Saturday.

Twilight Polo runs through Sept. 5 and offers two matches every Saturday beginning at 7 p.m.

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for those wanting to set up tailgate parties or picnics on the lawn.

Great Meadow offers halftime entertainment, tailgate competitions and more. It's a regular spot for dates or for family outings in Virginia Horse Country.

Ticket prices for Saturday's event start at $50. See greatmeadow.org for more information.