Shelley is holding her two minor children, standing next to Denny Geiler in front of a brown horse and an aluminum horse trailer.

THE GEILER’S

Legacy Lives On

For the Geiler family, polo began as an unexpected adventure. Throughout her childhood, Shelley and her father, Denny, were active in the equestrian sport of hunters and jumpers. Their shared love for horses was undeniable, but Shelley’s mother sparked their passion for polo. While at an equestrian competition, Shelley’s mother came across a flyer for polo lessons and decided to gift Denny a single lesson for his birthday. 

“He returned from that first lesson and said it was the most fun he’d ever had. Shortly thereafter, he sold his sports car and bought two polo ponies. The rest is history,” Shelley recalled.

Polo became a family affair from the start, with Denny and Shelley progressing in the sport together. The unique nature of polo allows men and women of all ages to share the field, creating an opportunity for camaraderie and connection that Shelley’s mom recognized. “My mom understood how powerful it was for a father and teenage daughter to play a sport together like that, and with her support, we were able to build a team and eventually a club together,” said Shelley. As the club has developed, so has the Geiler family’s involvement, with the third generation now actively playing the sport. Whether it’s club chukkers featuring players ages 12 to 82 or members gathering at the clubhouse for post-game meals, the OC Polo Club has evolved into a second home for many.

- The Scout Guide, Newport Beach

Black-and-white portrait of Shelley and Denny Geiler dressed formally, seated together on horseback, side by side, embracing each other.
Vintage photo: Shelley and Denny Geiler wearing red polo shirts and white pants walking down a grass field.
Portrait of a smiling man wearing a pink buttoned-down shirt, white pants, and brown polo zip-front boots sitting in a wooden chair.

Denny

My journey with horses began thanks to my mother, who believed her children should know how to ride a horse and shoot straight. That meant a lot of housework in exchange for riding time during family vacations and after-school programs. The turning point came in junior high when my parents arranged for me to work on a cattle ranch in Wyoming. It was there, surrounded by open land and working horses, that I developed a true connection to them. Later, my sister introduced me to English riding, and when my daughter Shelley was born, we found our way back into the horse world together, participating in English horse shows side by side.

Polo entered my life as a birthday gift—literally. Thirty years ago, my wife Joanne surprised me with a polo lesson. From the first swing, I was hooked. I discovered a community of people who loved horses and competition as much as I did, and I dove in. Roughly thirty years ago, I became president of OC Polo Club. Since then, I've been dedicated to building a welcoming, family-friendly environment and developing a sustainable model for polo in our region. Through my involvement with the United States Polo Association, I’ve continued that mission by focusing on national efforts, such as the Polo Development Initiative.

Polo brings together many of the things I value most: the athleticism and heart of the horses, the friendships formed on and off the field, and the joy of sharing the sport with others. Whether introducing someone to their first chukker or playing alongside friends and family, I’m reminded every day why I fell in love with the game.

Photo of a woman standing wearing blue denim and a cream cowboy jacket at the threshold of a western-themed room.

Shelley

My love for horses began early, on my great-uncle’s cattle ranch in Arizona, when I was just three and a half years old, riding a gentle old Quarter Horse. I rode from dawn until dusk on that first trip and never looked back. By the time I was seven, I was riding hunter/jumpers and competing on the local show circuit. Eventually, even my dad couldn’t resist the pull—he joined me in the ring, breeches and all, and we spent years showing together.

Polo entered my life thanks to my dad. He started playing when I was in junior high school, and I would tag along to the barn whenever I could. I loved helping tack up the horses and would “warm up” his mount by galloping wildly around the arena until someone stopped me before I tired the horse out. It was a thrilling departure from the structure and restraint of the show world, and I was hooked.

Before long, I found myself spending more time at the polo barn than at the show barn. It took some practice to adjust, especially since I’m left-handed and polo is a right-handed sport. But the challenge only made it more rewarding. I’ll never forget the awe of watching high-goal arena matches at the LA Equestrian Center—thousands of fans in the stands, speed, precision, and power on display. It felt magical.

Polo has remained a passion ever since, blending horsemanship, athleticism, and a sense of camaraderie that’s unlike anything else.

Many years later, polo has become the cornerstone of our family. Being able to play a sport alongside my father, my kids, dear friends, and beloved equine companions truly feels like a dream come true. In fact, our story is not unique.  We often see families where one member starts playing polo, and soon, the entire family joins in. There aren't many sports that allow you to play with people from diverse backgrounds, varying skill levels, and ages, from young to old. For me, there's no better way to spend a day than with family and friends at the polo club.