The Virginia Polo Club’s early years were blessed with a number of hard-working individuals who dedicated their time and energy to building the club from scratch and who then stayed involved after graduation to ensure the club survived. Dick “Remo” Riemenschneider was one of those individuals.
A young Dick Latham (UVA ‘63) witnessed his devotion to the club and his work ethic, Remo left a lasting impression. Thanks to Mr. Latham each Spring a member of the Virginia Polo Club will be recognized with an award for the most improved player in the club, harkening back to Remo’s coaching. To honor the memory of this esteemed man Mr. Latham has written a few words about Remo’s lifelong role in the Virginia Polo Club.
Dick “Remo” Riemenschneider at the Virginia Polo Club
Written by Dick Latham
From his arrival at UVA in 1955 until his death in 2022 Remo devoted much time and treasure to UVA Polo. Perhaps no one except the Rineharts gave of themselves as much as Remo did.
Dick began his polo career in Milwaukee walking hots and hanging around Joy Farm, a local club there. It was here he began to hone his horsemanship skills as well as learn the basics of polo. Remo was an apt pupil. He developed into a very accomplished rider who closely observed conformation, movement, and personalities of horses. He also developed a classic polo swing and an intimate knowledge of the strategy of the game of polo.
Remo became an instant starter for the fledgling UVA Polo team and was captain in 1958. Also in ‘58 he chosen along with Frolic Weymouth (Yale), Peter Baldwin (Cornell) and Stanley Woolaway (Cornell) to go to England representing the USA as an “All Intercollegiate” team. The team was rated 4 goals outdoor but 9 goals indoor. They played 11 outdoor matches in England, almost always against higher rated teams, and won 10 of them.
Remo graduated in 1959, served two years in the Coast Guard and returned to UVA for three years of law school. During his time in law school he devoted much time to UVA Polo mentoring the younger boys, giving tips on ball striking and team play. He was a hands-on coach and instructor. A young player could learn a lot by watching Dick’s picture book swing and light hands as he rode. His style and form were graceful and unforced.
Dick had a wonderful eye for horses and was a good judge of conformation and temperament. He valued the polo pony highly.
After law school Remo moved to Northern Virginia where he continued to play polo for many years. UVA Polo was never far from his mind however and he provided legal expertise, fundraising, administrative counsel and recruiting aid until his death.
Of all the people who have been important contributors to UVA Polo, Remo stands among the top of that list. Those who knew him were indeed fortunate and those who did not can thank him in absentia for what he helped build at Virginia Polo.
Dick Remo, far right of top row.
Dick Remo, far right.
Dick Remo, bottom right.
