Argentina Buenos Aires

Where to learn, play and watch Polo in Argentina

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  Joaquín Colman 02/02/2017

Argentina offers a wide variety of entertainment, art, and culture in general. Among the highlights are soccer, concerts, food festivals, tango shows, comedy performances, theater productions, and more. One of the strongest points in this array of activities the country offers is perhaps polo. This characteristic sport of the country attracts thousands of tourists interested in delving into this glorious activity.

 

Polo carries with it a status, an aspirational component. This is the reason why it is so appealing to foreigners and Argentine beginners alike. With a past rooted in the upper echelons of society, this sport is positioned as one of the most exclusive. At matches, it is common to see high-end brands and sponsors seeking to create an aesthetic that complements the elegance of the sport.

 

This is why Argentine polo attracts people from all over the world. Tourists and locals alike are fascinated, though few dare to try playing it. In this article, we’ll tell you where you can play and learn about this sport.

 

Where to Play Polo?

Less than two hours from the city, there are several estancias that offer the opportunity to learn how to play polo with top-level instructors.

 

One of them is the Polo Day Tour, where in addition to learning everything about the sport, techniques for hitting the ball, and the equipment, you will also learn how horses are selected, their bloodlines, and how they are trained. You will also be able to watch a real 4-chukka polo match, using more than 30 horses! Additionally, you can visit the stables, learn about the horses' feeding habits, and most importantly, you will have the chance to play your own polo match with the guidance and supervision of the instructors.

 

Another excellent option is the Polo Tour Night. This new option invites you to enjoy a professional polo match under the stars. It takes place at the only illuminated polo field in the country, located in Capilla del Señor.

 

It's ideal for sports fans as well as those looking to experience something different at night. Here, you'll learn more about the game's rules, the history of polo in Argentina, and get an in-depth look at the equipment used. Between each chukka, you'll have the opportunity to visit the stables to see how the handlers prepare the horses. You'll also be able to practice different polo strokes.

 

If you're looking for a more intimate experience, the Polo Tour at Estancia Villa María is an excellent choice. This famous estancia near Buenos Aires offers a full day of polo, and you can also try delicious local food.

 

The day starts with a reception at the estancia, where you'll be introduced to the world of polo. You'll learn about the rules and the sport's history. You'll also learn how the horses are bred and trained. Afterward, you'll enjoy a two-hour polo class, taught by bilingual instructors, which includes both theory and practice. Whether you're a beginner or advanced player, the class is designed for all levels.




The most important Argentine teams

Argentina has the best teams and world polo players. It is for this reason that foreigners who want to improve come to the country to train or hire the best polo players to provide the service in their countries. If you want to see a true polo show with the most outstanding players, I recommend that when choosing a game you take into account the most important teams



  • La Dolfina: Perhaps one of the, if not the most important club in the country. Founded by Adolfo Cambiaso and Bartolomé Castagnola in 1997, it is one of Argentina's most successful teams of recent times. They have won the prestigious Argentine Open Polo Championship more than 10 times and are the biggest winners of the Triple Crown with three victories. It has made a mark in international tournaments, consolidating its position as one of the most formidable teams in the world.
  • Ellerstina: Founded by the Argentine polo player Gonzalo Pieres and the Australian businessman Kerry Packer in 1992. Since its foundation, they have become one of the main and best teams in Argentine polo, having won the Argentine Polo Triple Crown twice in 1994 and 2010. Ellerstina is recognized for its commitment to excellence in the sport and its contribution to the growth and development of polo worldwide.
  • La Aguada: Emerged in 1963 in Córdoba, by the initiative of Julio Novillo Astrada, known as "Iaio", a polo and horse breeding enthusiast. Today, the club is managed by his children and grandchildren, who achieved great feats, including the Triple Crown in 2003. This historic milestone not only consolidated its position as one of the most respected teams in Argentine polo but also demonstrated its ability to compete and succeed in the most prestigious tournaments in the world.
  • Las Monjitas: Born at the end of 2017 with the aim of competing in the Triple Crown tournaments. It is the only team with a foreign patron, as it is mostly made up of Argentines but has two Colombian players. Being one of the youngest teams in the country, it has quickly emerged as a formidable contender in high-level tournaments and events.





What championships to see in Buenos Aires?

The polo season in Argentina begins with the Triple Crown in September and ends at the end of the year. It is made up of the three tournaments with the highest international recognition: the first is played in the northern area of ??Buenos Aires with the Tortugas Open, also known as the Tortugas Country Club Open, it is one of the top Argentine polo competitions


Then comes the Hurlingham Open, it is the oldest tournament in the world and the second most important event after the Argentine Polo Open Championship. It is played at the end of October and ends at the beginning of November on courts 1 and 2 of the Hurlingham Club, in Greater Buenos Aires. The competition is for teams with 28 to 40 handicap goals.


And finally, in the Argentine Polo Field the Palermo Open Championship is disputed, whose main court is known as the Cathedral, for its history and uniqueness. It is the highest interclub competition worldwide and the fifth oldest in the world. The tournament has been held annually since 1893 and is organized by the Argentine Polo Association (A.A.P.). The handicap of the teams that play this great event must be between 28 and 40 goals.


These events are far reaching and increasingly popular. The main parties can attract 30,000 people and are broadcast live on various television channels. I recommend that you take out the tickets in advance, especially for the final that takes place in December.

 

It is clear that polo is a passion that moves crowds and excites those who dare to delve into its world. Standing out above other countries, Argentina proudly carries the sport as another national emblem. Hundreds of awards only attest to the quality of the game being carried out. Seeing and learning about this sport is an appointment that no one can miss. 

 



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