Horse Riding Holidays and Equestrian Breaks - beginner or experienced rider, we have a Horse Riding Holiday for you. Horse Riding Holidays and Equestrian Breaks - beginner or experienced rider, we have a Horse Riding Holiday for you.

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.

The Polo Week is aimed at riders who have 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
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. (D)
Day 2
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. (B,L,D)
Day 3
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. (B,L,D)
Day 4
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. (B,L,D)
Day 5
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'. (B,L,D)
Day 6
Your final lesson will incorporate: skills, consolidation of all learnt, 'stick and ball' practice, passing of the ball between players in threes. (B,L,D)
Day 7
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. (B,L,D)
Day 8
After a final ride transfer back to Cordoba. (B)
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Argentina
  • Departure Dates: 30 Mar, 21 Sep & 16 Nov. Departures from the UK need to be at least one day earlier.
  • Prices (2009 Land only): £1955 per person
  • Includes: Return transfers from Cordoba, accommodation and meals as indicated, all drinks and all riding and polo instruction.
  • PRICE WITH FLIGHTS FROM LONDON: From £2,645 depending on the season and availability. Please note a night's hotel accommodation may be required in Buenos Aires.
  • Single Supplement: None if willing to share, otherwise supplement on request.
  • 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.
  • Children: Aged 8 and upward are accepted if they have the necessary riding skills and are accompanied by an adult rider.
  • Riding ability required: Intermediate upward
  • Type of ride: Centre-based Argentina

    Argentina

  • Trip Code: EAPW