Argentina has a hugely diverse landscape, which ranges from the beautiful snow-capped mountains in its south to the incredible Iguazu Falls in its subtropical north. But one common passion that unites the length and breadth of the eighth-largest country in the world is polo. The Argentine culture is dedicated to horses and it is still common for the local farmers – or ‘gauchos’ – to use the native Criollo ponies to work on the cattle farms and as a form of transport to go about their daily chores. The vast areas of open countryside give rise to an abundance of ponies, and thus many children are brought up in the saddle, which goes some way to explain why there are so many talented polo players. This availability of horses, together with plenty of fat land and good weather, makes it the perfect setting to play polo. Add to that the fact that it is home to the world’s top professionals of the moment, such as the Pieres brothers and Adolfo Cambiaso, that many polo dynasties have huge breeding organisations and that it hosts the highest-rated tournament in the world, the Argentine Open, and it’s not surprising foreign players seek their own little piece of that magic by holidaying in Argentina. The universal draw for any polo enthusiast during the dreary British winter months is the chance to escape to glorious sunshine plus an endless array of ponies and skilled professionals with which to practise. And the experience can easily become a mini-adventure for the whole family, because there are many things to enjoy while in Argentina as well as polo. For those looking to unwind, the laid-back atmosphere and obligatory afternoon siestas offer a different pace of life. The peaceful countryside beckons you to take a stroll under towering eucalyptus trees while admiring the unusual local wildlife – iguanas, armadillos and colourful parakeets. For the adventurous, there are plenty of outdoor activities, while
30
hurlinghampolo.com
