For those of us who have become addicted, it is the place to go to
play, watch,
experience and enjoy this wonderful game of polo and
all things Argentinian.
Brightling Polo Club is delighted that Estancia El Colibri have sponsored a tournament on 6th July, strengthening the clubs links with this fantastic polo ranch.
Located in the heart of the Argentinean campo near Cordoba, Estancia El Colibri offers 170 unspoiled hectares of beautiful parkland and combines the ambience and traditions of an authentic estancia with the style and service of a five star hotel. It is the perfect location for a polo holiday, where you can stick and ball, play chukkas and matches, or simply ride around the estate soaking up the uniquely Argentinean atmosphere. The polo is organised for you, the horses are picked for you, the competition is set at the level you want and you can keep going until the sun goes down.
Argentina is today considered polo’s spiritual home, the game having arrived in the country at the end of the 19th century courtesy of English and Irish engineers and ranchers. The modern Argentine polo horse is bred from original 16th century criollo stock mixed with pure racing thoroughbreds.
A typical day might be like this… wake early, throw open the windows of your delightful room and breathe in the fresh air as you take in the stunning countryside. After an excellent breakfast, head straight out to the polo fields to partake in the “king of sports”. No matter what your level is, there will be opportunities to ride some of the best polo horses in the world, and the resident professional, Pio Otamendi, (ex 10 goals and now 5), can organise personalized polo lessons, practice games and tournaments for you. After a day in the saddle, you might enjoy a refreshing dip in the heated outdoor swimming pool or a relaxing massage or Turkish bath in the spa, before rounding off your day with an authentic asado, Argentina’s world-famous meat barbeque, and a delicious glass of Argentinean malbec at the Clubhouse. Buenos Aires may be where the top tournaments are held, but for playing and practising, this is the real deal.
The Estancia can also plan a multitude of other activities including riding, walking, bird watching, shooting and mountain biking. Golf, fishing or a visit to the fascinating nearby Jesuit Missions can all easily be arranged. You can even join the gauchos as they work the cattle, a truly unforgettable experience. Children are welcomed, and there are specific activities organised, including tree-top adventure trails, survival courses, treasure hunts, horse-riding and lessons.
When to visit? Cordoba is a year-round destination, but October to April is the warmest time. The Argentinean polo season is in full swing during this time, culminating in the Argentine Open Championship, the highlight of the world’s poloplaying calendar, held in the centre of Buenos Aires at the Campo di Polo in November and December.
El Colibri location: 45 minutes from Cordoba airport, just over one hour’s domestic flight from Buenos Aires. You can fly to Buenos Aires from London with British Airways in about 16 hours.
Located in the heart of the Argentinean campo near Cordoba, Estancia El Colibri offers 170 unspoiled hectares of beautiful parkland and combines the ambience and traditions of an authentic estancia with the style and service of a five star hotel. It is the perfect location for a polo holiday, where you can stick and ball, play chukkas and matches, or simply ride around the estate soaking up the uniquely Argentinean atmosphere. The polo is organised for you, the horses are picked for you, the competition is set at the level you want and you can keep going until the sun goes down.
A typical day might be like this… wake early, throw open the windows of your delightful room and breathe in the fresh air as you take in the stunning countryside. After an excellent breakfast, head straight out to the polo fields to partake in the “king of sports”. No matter what your level is, there will be opportunities to ride some of the best polo horses in the world, and the resident professional, Pio Otamendi, (ex 10 goals and now 5), can organise personalized polo lessons, practice games and tournaments for you. After a day in the saddle, you might enjoy a refreshing dip in the heated outdoor swimming pool or a relaxing massage or Turkish bath in the spa, before rounding off your day with an authentic asado, Argentina’s world-famous meat barbeque, and a delicious glass of Argentinean malbec at the Clubhouse. Buenos Aires may be where the top tournaments are held, but for playing and practising, this is the real deal.