Polo at 8,000 feet: Stout Ranch hosts 21st Devereux Cup
Taylor Cramer/Post Independent
Stout Ranch, sitting high above New Castle at 8,000 feet, will host the 21st annual Devereux Polo Cup on Saturday — the highest-elevation polo event in the United States.
The event, a collaboration with the New Castle Historical Museum, has been held on Barry Stout’s ranch for more than two decades.
“We do different things that you can’t get at every polo match,” Stout said. “It’s all for the New Castle Historical Museum.”
This year’s match is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, with Team Land Rover facing off against Team Hotel Colorado once again on the scenic mountaintop field.
Festivities continue on Sunday afternoon with live music, food, refreshments, photos with players and horses, and other family-friendly activities — all free of charge. Cash donations are encouraged and go directly to support the event and the historical museum.
After drawing more than 300 attendees for last year’s 20th anniversary, Stout said he expects an even bigger crowd in 2025. The weekend will include performances by Mark Shiiba of “The Voice” and John Riger, with wine provided by Wild Mountain Cellars.
“I feel like it’s been building for a while now,” Stout said. “It’s really nice up here. I mean, my closest neighbor is four miles away.”
The ranch, set 3,000 feet above the town of New Castle, offers an ideal setting for the celebration — combining a day of polo with sweeping views and a tribute to the region’s history.
“This is your chance to experience world-class polo nestled at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers, surrounded by stunning mountain views,” the Roaring Fork Polo Club said in a release. “Carpooling is encouraged, and we recommend bringing cash for tips and donations. Water and restrooms will be available on-site, along with two large shade tents and bleacher seating for your comfort. For the safety and comfort of your pets, please leave them at home.”
The site, once frequented by President Theodore Roosevelt during his Western hunting trips, now serves as a backdrop for honoring those who helped shape the Western Slope. The event is named in honor of Walter Devereux and the Devereux family, recognizing their contributions to early Glenwood Springs and preserving a Victorian-era legacy.
Guests from across the country have already begun traveling to the ranch, which overlooks the Colorado River Valley. Stout said he’s ready to welcome them — even if this year’s crowd surpasses expectations.
“There are a lot of people flying in, and we have a big group of people coming up from the state capital,” he said. “We’ll be cooking for three to four hundred people. It’s hard to get a solid number, but we’re expecting a big crowd.”
For directions and more information about the event, visit stoutranch.com/polo.
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