Each polo session will consist of ‘stick and ball’ practice, followed by some chukkas, each lesson focusing on particular skills, tactics and rules of the game. The holiday will culminate with a club tournament on the final weekend, in which you take part.
Day 1
Transfer by luxury bus from Buenos Aires International Airport to Mar del Plata. The journey takes between 4 and 5 hours. After settling into your hotel, Carlitos will take you to the polo club for your first ride on the beach (if time permits).
It is important to let Carlitos know what you hope to get out of your holiday. His aim is to teach you enough polo during the fortnight so that you can play with confidence and skill. He will push you and is a tough coach, be ready for many hours of hard tuition! However, if all you want is fun – please feel free to let Carlitos know and he will happily adapt the itinerary for you. It is also important to advise how you feel physically as your comfort and safety is of paramount importance.
Dinner will be in one of the many excellent local restaurants and you will be able to discuss the day with Carlitos and plan the forthcoming days.
Days 2 to 13
The daily format for the next two weeks will be as follows:
- 08:30 breakfast
- 09:30 pick up from hotel
- 10:00 Ride on the beach. This helps you get used to the polo ponies and teaches you how to control your pony polo, stopping and turning and fast transitions. It is fun way to get used to the speed of the polo tournaments.
- 11:30 Stick and ball session, here you are taught how to hit the polo ball correctly from your pony, and all the different swings needed to play polo.
- 14:00 BBQ in the stables, (at the weekend lunch in the polo club restaurant).
- 15:00 Siesta
- 16:00 Chukkas. During these sessions you will learn to play polo as part of a team, and cover defence and attack and the tactics and rules of the game of polo.
- 20:00 Return to the hotel for a chance to freshen up.
- 21:00 Evening meal with Carlitos to discuss the next day’s training and how you have done that day.
On the final weekend you will be able to take part in the scheduled club tournament. The tournament matches take place in the afternoon, so the itinerary for the morning stays the same at weekends as on a weekday.
(Please note that lunches taken in restaurants (normally at weekends and during inclement weather conditions) should be paid for locally.)
Day 14
After breakfast, transfer back to Buenos Aires.
Please note that polo is weather dependent and that in the event of heavy rain additional beach riding will be offered.
The Horses & the Riding
ABOUT THE RIDING
Style of Riding: Western.
Type of Riding: Centre-Based.
Type of Tack: Argentinean polo saddles.
Hours in the Saddle: 5 to 7 hours a day.
Riding Ability Required: Beginner upwards. This is meant as a fun introduction to Polo for people of any riding ability. All the ponies are specifically selected to suit the guests ability and the instructors are of the highest standard. The course is designed to cater to you.
Maximum Weight: 100kg
Number of Instructors: 1 or 2 depending on group size.
Minimum/Maximum number of riders in group: 1/8.
Looking after the horse: Guests are not expected to groom or tack up their horse but can help untack and wash them down..
ABOUT THE HORSES
Carlitos owns a large selection of quality polo ponies available, suitable for complete beginners up to medium goal players. All the horses have been chosen, not only for their ability to play polo, but they were bred and brought on by individuals Carlitos has known for many years. All these people took time from the day these horses were born, right the way through their handling, breaking, schooling, riding around the farms, introduction to polo, chukkas and finally tournaments.
Carlito also has polo ponies for sale and can organise door to door delivery of these ponies to any destination in the world.