E Q U I N E AT H L E T E
Peaceful approach Horse training methods derived from Ranquel indians Words and photos by Alice Gipps
Top, left: Cristobal hangs out with La Coqueta, who he trained; Top, right: Oscar, Gonzalo Pieres Sr. and Cristobal; Bottom, right: Nico Pieres on La Coqueta in the Argentine Open; Bottom, left: Oscar and Cristobal with an Ellerstina polo pony.
THE SCARPATIS are a family of horse tamers from Argentina. Seeing them work will change your view about training wild horses. They make something that is believed to be difficult and dangerous so simple. Their method works with horses of any age, even traumatized and difficult ones. Patriarch Oscar Scarpati’s connection with horses started as a child. One of 11 children, he was very
16 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N
withdrawn and exhibited unusual behavior from an early age. He was subsequently diagnosed with autism at the age of 12. He didn’t speak a word for many years, however, his mother realized he was always happy and relaxed around horses so she would often leave him to watch them. Although his mother had always taught him to be sensitive and kind towards animals, a big influence in
