Sussex Polo

Winter Polo School – El Casal

El Casal polo ranch is situated in 25 de Mayo which is approximately two hours and 230km from the capital, Buenos Aires. This area has become one of the most important centres for polo in Argentina (Claire Tomlinson, a senior England polo coach, also has a farm nearby).

The polo ranch, El Casal, which means ‘lovebirds’, is just on the outskirts of the town at the end of a long driveway past open fields full of horses and cattle and many exotic birds.

The Estancia is owned by the Raschia-Grau family. The accommodation at the ranch has been newly built by Memo, one of Sussex Polo Club’s polo professionals, in traditional Argentine style with a swimming pool that overlooks the polo grounds.

The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, with the same familiar faces to groom for you that you will have seen during the summer months at Sussex Polo. There is a large selection of ponies for you to try, with the option to buy at favourable rates compared to the UK. There is also the luxury of a laundry, childcare and boot cleaning service available.

During your stay you will be able to participate in morning hacks and stick and ball practice sessions, followed by a dip in the pool and a traditional Argentine lunch of their world famous beef, lamb and fresh salads. It is advisable to take a siesta after lunch or perhaps take advantage of the superb shopping opportunities nearby before evening chukkas begin. If you still have the energy after riding all day, the nightlife continues until the early hours of the morning. So if your taste is Tango or cavorting with the carnival dancers of 25 de Mayo, or simply lying in a hammock looking at the stars, Argentina has it all covered.

The weather is nearly always sunny and hot, so you will need sunscreen! Casual wear, riding attire and swimming costumes are de rigueur! All of the shops in the town accept pesos and larger stores also US dollars. Buenos Aires has a similar feel to New York and the shopping opportunities and often cheaper than the UK.

Please speak to Sallie Anne in the polo office for more details on polo holidays at El Casal (especially the shopping part).Tel: 01342 714920