POLO 101.

As the oldest team sport in the world, Polo was able to establish itself in a country where equestrian culture is widespread.

Argentina has a fangio, Argentina has Maradona and Messi, but Argentina also has a great polo player, Adolfo Cambiaso. Undoubtedly, Cambiaso is not well known all over the world, but he is still a symbol of the sport that Argentina and our country continue to impress.

Ancient origin

It may seem strange given today's reputation, but Polo was born in Asia around 2000 BC, not Argentina. When British settlers discovered this discipline on their trip to India, they fell in love with this collective game and imported it into Europe. After all, it was precisely these British people who first brought this Polo culture to Argentina at the end of the 19th century.

Polo's first game in Argentina dates back to 1875. Wherever they were, the British were always looking for an opponent. Polo was originally reserved for aristocratic British players in Estancia, Buenos Aires, but the club grew and in 1921 an organization called the Argentine Polo Federation was formed. At this time, the sport began to develop nationwide, with more and more Argentine-born practitioners participating.

Gradually, some local teams are invited to participate in European tournaments. But Argentina has no right to make mistakes, given that it has sailed the Atlantic Ocean for months and is unlikely to return without victory! After all, Argentine Polo players in the Old World caused a general surprise: everyone was amazed at the skill of the riders and the strength of their horses. But the real surprise is when Argentina defeats two world powers, the United States and Britain, at the 1924 Olympics. When they return, players will be celebrated nationwide. The Argentine Polo has just been recognized worldwide!

Polo won the gold medal in the field of the Olympics five times (1900, 1908, 1920, 1924, 1936) and Argentina twice (1924 and 1936). In addition, the first World Cup was held in Buenos Aires in 1987.

What is the game about?

Basically, it's very simple. Two teams of four riders compete during a match, each divided into 4 to 8 minutes (or chuckers) of 7.5 minutes, with a 3-minute break between them to change horses. Players should score as many goals as possible by using a cue to push a plastic ball 8.5 cm in diameter and passing it between two wicker stanchions. The level of the player is defined by the "handicap". Rating on a scale of 4 to 10, 4 is a beginner level. Please note that there are currently only 10 handicap players in the world. They are all Argentine.

Two referees are riding horses on the pitch, and the third is looking from the outside. At the end of the game, trophies will be awarded to the best teams and the best horses.

Argentine Polo Horse, an undeniable asset

The Argentine Polo is globally recognized for its high quality, both athletes and horses. The ideal polo horse was created by mating an Argentine Creole horse with a British thoroughbred. Fast, obedient, flexible, intelligent and agile. In 1984, the Argentine Association of Polo Horse Breeders was established to officialize the breed.

This polo rush continues. Argentina is currently one of the largest exporters of polo horses in the world. Breeding these animals is a lucrative activity in this country, even on a small scale. The best polo pony can sell for over 100,000 euros in Europe!

Polo around the world

As of now, the Argentine capital continues to accept the best players in the world, especially during the most anticipated event of the year, the Palermo Open. The final of this championship will be held at the end of the year at the magnificent Polo Stadium in the Palermo district and can accommodate up to 60,000 spectators.

This sport was originally only played in aristocratic circles, but today its practice is much more accessible. Currently, there are more than 300 clubs, 1,000 courts and 5,000 players across Argentina.