Chicas Polo Clinics

Introduction
Cordoba/Mendoza Argentina

Using the estancia as your base, explore the Sierras Chicas on a trail rides and play polo ‘country-style’.

This is an 6,000-acre working farm that has remained in the same Anglo-Argentine family for four generations.

The Estancia is very secluded and located on the top of the "Sierras Chicas" at an altitude of 3,000 feet. Nestled between the pampas and the Andes, the Estancia lies the heart of the beautiful region of Cordoba. Steeped in family history, there is much local evidence of the pioneering work of the Jesuits who first organized farming in the area, before they were forced to leave in the 1760's.

Here we provide you with the opportunity to get involved with the sport of Polo for a week - Country Polo to be specific. Country Polo is an introduction to polo. It is aimed at the novice or occasional player who would like to improve their Polo skills, but also enjoy varied and interesting rides in fabulous countryside.

We would like polo to be cheerful and fun, with no pressure or embarrassment, a starter rather than main course. 

Sierra Chicas Country Polo Clinics offer a fun holiday in beautiful scenery, with excellent horses and all within the context of a real farm environment.

This is a place for people who appreciate fine horses and know how to ride. However, there are horses for every ability

Accomodation

Accommodation on the farm is simple and very comfortable providing you with all creature comforts. All rooms are individual and tastefully furnished, and all have their own private bathroom. Antiques abound and cooler winter nights are warmed by log fires and wood-burning stoves.

Meals are European in style, varied and delicious with plenty of excursions into local dishes, with the dishes supplemented by our own organically grown vegetables, fruit and free-range eggs. Our excellent chef can cater for a range of special dietary requirements. We have our ‘own label’ Argentine wines to accompany the meals, and various grape varieties make for interesting wine tasting.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

The horses, all bred on the estancia, have exceptionally soft mouths, are well mannered and in excellent condition, they are responsive and sure-footed, and most are either "Criollos" or "Paso Peruanos" with some crossbreeds. These horses differ in that here they are used constantly on the farm, so moving cattle over the terrain makes them sure footed and willing animals.

Itinerary

The week:
In a typical day a two to three hour morning ride will be followed by lunch at the estancia, or a picnic if out doing some cattle work. Swimming, a siesta or reading a book will fill the warm hours. After tea we ride to the polo ground and take a lesson playing some chukkas at the end of the day. Evenings revolve around candle-lit dinners back at the farm.

We hope to prepare for a mini tournament at the end of the week when local players may visit, or we go to the village and "play away" representing the estancia in the team colors. All of this takes place in a beautiful setting allowing you to explore the hills and a traditional way of life.

We can provide you with polo gear during your stay, however we strongly recommend that you bring your own boots, gloves and helmet to guarantee a comfortable fit.

Our success is that even though accomplished players have their contacts, there is a larger market for riders who have always fancied a "go" at polo. We offer a holiday that far exceeds the average polo estancia - adventure in a beautiful landscape, excellent horses and all within a real country environment. We are not swanky about polo but it would be wrong to underrate our farmers polo.

A "country polo" week with an inhouse tournament will take place several times a year and guests are welcome.

This concentrated week of polo can be arranged at most times of the year with a minimum of four players. Professional polo tuition is also available.

Included in your week:
- Stick and ball, polo lessons followed by chukkas
- Riding on the farm, including farm
   activities when they are going on
- Ride the Paso Peruano horses
- Accommodation at the Estancia
- All meals, appetizers, and drinks
- A wine tasting evening of local wines
- Airport transfers from Cordoba

Rates and Dates for Chicas Polo Clinics

Dates Note: A concentrated weeks of polo can be arranged at most times of the year with a minimum of four players.

Other Info
Meeting: Cordoba
Airport: Cordoba
Transfer: Cordoba

Climate:

The Cordoba region or Argentina is well known for its pleasant weather and healthy climate - "siempre de temporada" or "always in season", is the old slogan. In Cordoba the climate can vary but is generally sunny and dry. The rainy season is in the summer months, whilst the winter is short and dry with crisp nights, made cosy by log burning fires The sun is strong all year round, so hats and good sun protection are recommended!

Cordoba's climate is often descirbed as  'Mediterranean', even despite the fact its eastern border is 480 kilometres away from the Atlantic Ocean, and western edge 520 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean.

During the summer season the days are warm and the nights pleasant. In winter the climate is drier - but never badly cold. The annual average temperature is approximately 16° C to 17° C,  and can vary throughout the year to between 14 and 15° C.

Rain amounts hardly surpass 500 cubic millimetres per year, with rain levels in the north western provice hardly exceeding 200 cubic millimetres a year. Eastern and western winds are rare, short-lived and weak. 

South and northeast winds begin to blow during the month of September - increasing in strength during times of Antarctic cyclonic depressions.
 
Strong and windy storms are frequent during the months of summer, along with heavy rains and electric storms.

The estancia is situated at 1100 metres and therefore weather can sometimes be unpredictable - there is always the possibility of a wet, windy or cold day, and so you should pack accordingly! In addition, the sun is very strong, and so hats and good sun protection are recommended all year round.

- Hard hat (a limited supply of hard hats are available on the estancia but for comfort, fit and to ensure compliance with safety regulations in your own country we recommend you bring your own)
- Comfortable trousers or jodhpurs
- Layers on top, including a warm fleece
- A good windproof/waterproof
- Long riding boots or short boots and half chaps (a limited supply of half-chaps are available from the estancia)
- Riding gloves
- Casual clothes for the evening
- Swimsuit
- High factor sun cream and sun hat
- Insect repellent
- Small torch
- Personal medication and toiletries
- Closed toe walking boots/shoes if you wish to explore the estancia on foot
- Personal insurance details
- Camera + batteries or charger + film or card
- Binoculars
- Towels for the room and swimming pool are provided

The estancia generates its’ own electricity and supports responsible tourism. Therefore, the use of electrical items such as hairdryers and irons may be limited, and are not provided by the estancia.