Owen Rinehart says his sentimental dream team would be to play with his father and brothers. Photo by David Lominska

      Owen Redd Rinehart grew up in a foxhunting, polo-playing family in the horse-crazy countryside near Charlottesville, VA. He has contributed to many championship teams as a 10-goal player, and currently carries a seven-goal handicap on grass.      
In 1993, Owen and his wife Georgina moved to Aiken, SC, where they established Isinya HDC (Horse Development Corporation). They established their breeding program with foundation sire Amber Shoes, bred by Centennial Farms (NY). The stallion first caught their attention when Adam Snow played the horse at Vero Beach. After purchasing the stallion, Owen took him to California to play in the US Open. Over the years, Amber Shoes' foals earned Best Playing Pony titles in Florida and South Carolina.      
The Rineharts also carry on the bloodlines of La Fortuna, thanks to the stallion Lord Franco whose progeny earn BPP titles in 20-goal and higher play. They stand Asian and Lord Easy, who both stamp their get with athleticism, speed and love of the game.      
The proof of their progeny takes place on the field: Owen won Best Mounted Player for the entire US Gold Cup in 2005, playing six out of eight homebreds, and BMP again in 2007 at the US Open when seven of his eight mounts were homebreds from Isinya. (www.isinya.com)

Sidelines: How did you get hooked on horses and polo?
OR: My parents [Rodger and Mary Rinehart] were the biggest influence while I was growing up around Charlottesville. My father Rodger is 81 and still lives in Charlottesville. He just stopped riding two years ago.
I was around polo as a kid, because my father played enthusiastically and I always liked riding horses. I preferred polo to other horse sports, because in showing you are judged by one or two people. In polo you only have to look at the scoreboard at the end of the game to know how you did. I am very competitive.

Sidelines: How did Isinya HDC come about? What's your goal?
OR: Georgina always loved horses and can't stand not to be doing something productive so it was natural for her to start Isinya HDC. We board, breed, foal, wean and train. Breed the best to the best, and expect the best! Many horses bred, raised and trained at Isinya have received honors as Best Playing Pony at many games. Stallions at this time don't receive honors in polo in this country, but hopefully that will change.

Sidelines: About 12 years ago, you teamed up with Adam Snow and Tiger Kneece to re-establish Aiken as a polo Mecca. Why did you zero in on Aiken?
OR: Aiken was obviously founded in the old days because of the mild climate and sandy soil. We are never rained out and can play year round. Tiger was born and raised in Aiken. Adam and I were attracted to Aiken for the two reasons stated above. Plus, Aiken is a very nice town, it's close to Florida, and the land prices are very cheap compared to other quality polo clubs where you can play 16-20 goal polo.

Sidelines: What players and ponies would be on your dream team?
OR: I have been very lucky to play with so many great teams and players, so it would be hard to choose. I guess my sentimental dream team would be my father and my two brothers, Rob and Rodger. The ponies would also be a very hard choice. The ones I'm playing now are from great mothers I have played before - Angie, I'm Courtney, Lilly, and Salina . I'm very fortunate to have the horses I have and have had. If you want to be great in polo, the horses are the most important thing. I was taught that by great horsemen and great polo players.

Sidelines: Do you and Georgina have any offspring? What is their involvement? OR:
OR: Georgina and I have one son, Marcus, who is 17 years old. He knows how to ride, but doesn't care that much about it. He has his own hobbies, goals and dreams. If I could write the description of a perfect son, it would be Marcus.