Take 2 guys who’ve ridden a horse maybe 5 times in their life (combined). Add a ranch, some malets, fake Polo Jerseys, a keg and a group of entertained-Argentine-spectators and you’ve got yourself a great day of Polo Lessons in Buenos Aires.
Jed from LandingpadBA.com set us up with an awesome guy named Fernando from Poloelite.com who took us out to his ‘club’ for the day. We met up at the Millhouse Hostel at 12:30 this afternoon. And may I just say, if you’re coming to Buenos Aires you need to stay at this hostel. It’s incredible. Honestly, the coolest looking hostel I’ve ever seen.
Anyway, We jumped in Fernando’s car and took a 45 minute ride into the country. We pelted him with every question we could think of on the way, from “how’d you get started in Polo?” to “Do you laugh when girls fall off horses?”
When we got to the ranch I was worried we’d have to go through some instructional videos or something but that wasn’t the case at all. Fernando ran through proper etiquette in about 15 minutes, threw us some helmets and said “let’s go!” Balance and hand-eye coordination is everything. Imagine trying to hit a golf ball off a tee but enlarge your club and ball 10-fold and then prop yourself up on a horse (not to mention moving). Trying to hit the ball just walking while on the horse was no easy task. I have totally new found respect for polo players and this incredibly difficult sport.
We had two sessions with a much needed crotch break in between. While we hung out and dried off our swamp-ass we got to watch Fernando and some of the other guys from the club in a “pick-up” match.
The environment on the ranch was tranquil and welcoming. Their were lots of local players there enjoying the holiday, drinking beer and heckling each other. It was a perfect country day and a great break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
All-in-all Greco was the superior ball wacker while I edged him in riding style. Our buddy Nate shot all the video and photos while trying to dodge horse patties and mosquitos. It was a great experience, thanks to Fernando, the ranch and most of all the horses who let 2 idiots swing giant sticks on their backs all day.
3 Amigos Playing Polo in the Argentina Countryside
Do it – Poloelite.com
