Camino Travel Magazine Issue 2

EXPERIENCE THE
THRILL OF POLO –
THE SPORT OF KINGS
JANE HARRIS TAKES US ON A DAY TRIP TO EXPERIENCE THIS MAJESTIC SPORT.
No sport can match the skill, speed, agility and
Early morning I was picked up from my city
union of horse and rider than polo & no trip to
hotel within an hour was in polo heaven. Julieto,
a professional player himself warmly greeted
Argentina is complete without experiencing
me and served as my bilingual instructor for the
this country’s love affair with this
day.
quintessential sport.
Horse experience is preferred but not essential,
as a couple in my group that had never been on
By itself, polo is an exhilarating sport to watch
a horse before. Whether you’ve ridden before
and experience for yourself. Combined with
does not matter to Julieto or the ponies
Argentina’s history of masterful horsemanship
because in time they will teach you everything
and courage, it is a masterful mix.
you need to know.
Over tea, coffee and local sweet treats, Julieto
Polo is more than a sport, it is a way of life the
provided an overview of the sport before taking
Argentinean capital, Buenos Aires.
us on a tour of the stables and the estancia.
After initial instruction on the ground, or more
aptly, on top of a crate, we were taken through
There are numerous places within easy reach
the basics and practiced polo technique.
of Buenos Aires where you can immerse
When the gauchos brought out the ponies, it
yourself in the legacy and tradition of polo for
was time to put this practice into action in what
the ultimate day trip.
is referred to as a ‘stick and ball’ session. Lots of
laughter and some hitting of the ball ensued.
The ponies are well trained and already head
Experience the Sport of Kings
towards the ball so all you have to focus on is
your swing, trying to make contact and of
I had the privilege of experiencing polo in
course, having fun.
Canuelas at an Estancia and Polo Club, the
latter brings with it players from the region and
from all around the world.
CAMINO MAGAZINE 10