Polo Week at Los Potreros
8 days - Cordoba to Cordoba
Estancia Los Potreros is an exclusive 6.000-acre working cattle and horse farm that lies on the top of the "Sierras Chicas ", at an altitude of 3,000 feet, nestled between the pampas and the Andes in the heart of the beautiful region of Cordoba. It is a place for people who appreciate fine horses and love to ride. It offers guests exceptionally high standards of accommodation, food, and guiding, and some of the best horses in South America. This week is aimed at the rider who has always fancied 'having a go at polo' and provides a fun introduction to the game as well as providing varied and interesting rides in fabulous countryside.Throughout the week, the aim is to have one polo session per day, either morning or afternoon. The other half of the day may be spent riding out in the fabulous countryside, perhaps trying out the unique 'Paso Peruano' horse, or simply relaxing by the pool.
Each polo session will consist of 'stick and ball' practice, followed by some chukkas, each day focusing on particular skills, tactics and rules of the game. As well as tuition from the managers, there will be the opportunity throughout the week to receive tuition and play with a low/medium goal professional player. The week will culminate in an in-house tournament, often joined by regular players from the local towns.
It is important to note that polo is weather-dependent, and therefore the itinerary needs to remain flexible. Your hosts will advise of the plans for each day on a daily basis.
- Day 1 (D)
- On arrival in Cordoba you will be met and transferred to Estancia Los Potreros. After a chance to freshen up there will be an introduction to horses and 'neck reining' style of riding, followed by a short ride.
- Day 2 (B,L,D)
- During the morning enjoy your first polo session. This will encompass: introduction to the game of polo, safety briefing, skills, holding the polo stick, the basic off-side forward shot, including position of the ball relative to the horse for hitting, style of riding, rules, briefing on some of the simplified, key rules of polo - the line of play, right of way, stopping on the ball, 'stick and ball' practice, the basic off-side forward shot at walk canter.
- Day 3 (B,L,D)
- Your second polo session will include: skills, consolidation of the off-side forward shot, including body rotation, introduction to the basic off-side backward shot, introduction to the basic defensive manoeuvres - hooking sticks and riding off or 'the bump', tactics, the 'train' and backing up your team-mates, 'stick and ball' practice, the basic off-side backward shot at walk and canter, forward movement in pairs - backing each other up.
- Day 4 (B,L,D)
- Your lesson to day will cover: skills, consolidation of the basic off-side backward shot, introduction to the forward and backward near-side shots, 'stick and ball' practice, defensive manoeuvres in threes (two offensive, one defensive) and gaining possession.
- Day 5 (B,L,D)
- This polo session covers: skills, introduction to penalty shots, practising control and possession of the ball in forward motion and turning, rules, penalties, throw-ins, knock-ins, tactics, the four key positions/roles in a polo team, positioning of team for penalty shots, 'stick and ball' practice, control and possession of the ball in forward motion - turning the ball - completing a 'slalom'.
- Day 6 (B,L,D)
- Your final lesson will incorporate: skills, consolidation of all learnt, 'stick and ball' practice, passing of the ball between players in threes.
- Day 7 (B,L,D)
- The finale of the week. A chance to play in a mini-tournament! Local players may visit or you may go to the village to 'play away' representing Los Potreros in the team colours. All this takes place in a beautiful setting allowing you to explore the hills and a traditional way of life.
- Day 8 (B)
- After a final ride transfer back to Cordoba.
- Cost per Person:
- Ride Only: £1,455
- Includes: Transfers from Cordoba, accommodation and meals as indicated and all polo instruction and riding.
- All Inclusive: From £2,435 depending on the season. Please note a night's hotel accommodation may be required in Buenos Aires. A supplement of £62 may be levied if there are no other passengers to share the transfers between the International and Domestic airports in Buenos Aires
- Includes: Flights, transfers, accommodation and meals as indicated and all polo instruction and riding.
- Single Supplement: None if prepared to share. 30% of ride only price if unwilling to share. Please note a supplement of £62 may be levied if there are no other passengers to share the transfers between the International and Domestic airports in Buenos Aires.
- Departure Dates: 29 Mar, 16 Aug, 15 Nov. Departures from the UK are one day earlier.
- The Accommodation: Accommodation is in traditional adobe estancia buildings, with all rooms having a private bathroom. The estancia generates its own electricity and supports responsible tourism. Therefore the use of electrical items such as hairdryers may be limited.
- Food & Drink: The food is all exceptional. The menu is a mixture of traditional Argentinean and International cuisine., with cooked breakfasts, and 2 course lunch and dinners. All locally made drinks are included.
- Laundry: Is included but it is a cold wash only and there is no ironing.
- Children: Children are welcome providing they are experienced riders and accompanied by an experienced adult rider. A discount of 20% of the ride only price is offered to those under 16.
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Non-Riders: Non-riders are welcome. There is plenty of walking to do on the estancia, along with a rich variety of birdlife. Other activities can be arranged such as mountain biking, paragliding, golf and visits to the Jesuit churches and Cordoba. Additional payments for these activities should be made locally.
