Estancia Los Potreros

This championship is the premier polo championship in the world, and is the only place where you can see all of the best players together. Teams range this year in handicap from 29 to 39, and of the 8 teams competing, 7 are all-Argentine!

It was a great privilege to watch these teams at work, who make what is often a fairly aggressive sport look something like ballet on horseback! The level of play and horsemanship is simply extraordinary. For us relative novices watching, Adolfo Cambiaso (picture below) simply stood out above the rest, and received a standing ovation for one of his plays. But my money for now is on Ellerstina . . .watch this space!

“Thank-you for an amazing three days. What a truly magic place. I was made to feel really at home from the moment I stepped out of the taxi. Fab food, friendly people, gorgeous scenery but the absolutely best part - the magic ingredient - were the fantastic horses. I think I am in love with all of them.”

“Thanks for a fantastic combination of riding and ‘Gemutlichkeit’. Simply the best ranch we have stayed at!

“To quote from the Footprints guide - ‘an unmissable Argentine experience’. Well-mannered, sure-footed horses, great scenery, excellent (and fun) staff and charming hosts - only one more thing to ask for - an introduction to polo which was the icing (on many!) on the cake”

“We don’t want to leave!”

The first round went extremely well, with a resounding win for the Los Pots Hotties! Kevin returned wondering whether Cambiaso would like to come for a training session with him to pick up a few tips, after scoring 3 goals. The second round on Friday was a little more sobering, when their opposition (Humi’s retired uncle and a twelve year old) took their team to a 5-4 win against our local heroes.

Unfortunately after that, rain stopped play, and the remaining game in the qualifying rounds was decided on penalties against some strange handicapping system, that meant that our team returned crestfallen, having not reached the finals. Humi is still convinced that our team won though, so that is good enough for us!

A particular mention of thanks and applause to our lovely and very patient horses, who took all of this in their stride (literally), but were extremely happy to get back home to their green fields and our happy-go-lucky weekly polo amongst friends, watched only by a couple of hopeful vultures . . . 

Must be laughing at Humi’s favourite horse . . .what a beauty!

‘Laughing Horse’ photo courtesy of Bevis Tetlow, only and surviving member of the Bermudan polo team