Sierras Country Polo Clinics

Introduction
Cordoba/Mendoza Argentina
Swathed in 15,000 acres of secluded grassy wilderness at the top of the Córdoba hills, Estancia Sierra Chicas is an idyllic retreat for horsemen, hikers and nature lovers. This working ranch breeds Aberdeen-Angus cattle and Paso Peruano pacing horses. It has been in the Anglo-Argentine Begg family for four generations and offers the possibility of combining the pleasures of British-style estancia life with long-distance riding in one of Argentina's most interesting riding areas. On the distance rides, participants can camp if they wish, but lodging is generally in cozy hostels and local cottages. The main house is steeped in family history with many references to the days of the Jesuits who first organized farming in the area.

Polo
Fun, fast and exciting, polo is a competitive team sport that combines good horsemanship with tactics and ball skills. Often too expensive or inaccessible to try at home, these polo weeks allow you to try this fabulous game in a truly unique environment, whilst not breaking the bank at the same time. Argentina has the best polo players in the world and so what better place to start? If you have never tried it, we should warn you that polo is highly addictive, and it may be the start of an extremely expensive habit . . . 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.

Who are the polo weeks for?
These polo weeks are aimed at the beginner, novice or occasional player who wishes to learn how to play, brush up their skills or just have some fun in an informal and friendly environment. Half-day polo sessions are combined with stunning trail rides out into the estancia on our fabulous horses, so combining two amazing holidays in one! 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



Accommodations
This is a stationary ride where are all 7 nights are spent at the estancia.

Description
The estancia has a rustic elegance and is very comfortable providing you with all creature comforts. Many of the estancia buildings are several hundred years old, and have been lovingly restored with traditional materials to reflect the history of the area, with every room unique and individual. Antiques and books abound and cooler winter nights are warmed by log fires and wood-burning stoves. Deep roll-top baths in most of the rooms provide the perfect antidote to a long day in the saddle. One of the original cattle brands and symbols of the area, ‘The Bell’, can still be seen etched into the fireplace in the sitting room.



A ‘pool with a view’ provides a perfect place to relax, along with hammocks on the verandahs. The estancia has an eclectic range of books in virtually every room for guests to enjoy, and an artist’s box is provided for the creatively minded. The sierras are a photographer´s delight and with 10 friendly dogs there is always a companion for a walk.

The majority of energy we use at the estancia is generated from renewable resources (wind and solar power). We are also working to make the estancia a plastic-free zone. We provide guests with re-usable thermo water bottles and we use solid shampoo and conditioner made with gentle products.

There is free Wi-Fi in the main building but as it is satellite based it can be slow and intermittent. In addition Wi-Fi is turned off during mealtimes on the estancia.
There is no cellphone coverage on the estancia.
A complimentary clothes washing service is available.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is only mandatory if you are unwilling to share a room.
We have 2 cottages with interconnecting rooms ideal for families.



Meals
All meals are included during this trip.
Breakfast, and dinners are eaten at the estancia while, lunches are eaten on the trail.

Meals at the estancia reflect both Argentine and international cuisine. They are varied and delicious with home reared beef supplemented by our own organically grown vegetables, fruit and free-range eggs. For those interested in Argentine cooking, the chef is delighted to share and demonstrate knowledge of traditional Argentine dishes from our beautiful farm kitchen, using only fresh ingredients, much of which is provided from the estancia. Meals are taken ‘family style’ with all guests eating together and hosted by a member of the host family.

Wine is served with dinner at the estancia (included in trip cost). The Estancia has its ‘own label’ Argentine wines to accompany the meals, and various grape varieties make for interesting wine tasting. 

Dietary Restrictions
The excellent chef can cater for a range of special dietary requirements with prior notice. It should be noted that we are not always able to source gluten and lactose free alternatives for some food items.

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

Riding


Your Hosts
Your estancia stay is hosted by Louisa and her husband, Kevin. They are always thrilled to invite guests into the family farm, where being a part of day-to-day life is encouraged. Kevin delights in regaling visitors with tales of his family and life in Argentina over a glass of Malbec, while Louisa is always ready to chat, surrounded by our other family members - the horses and the dogs!

Horses
Horses on the estancia include sure-footed and tough Criollos, energetic and smooth gaited Peruvian Paso horses, strong and even-tempered Quarter Horses and agile and fast Polo Ponies. The unique quality of the "Peruvians" is that they have the pre-Moorish Spanish Paso, an extraordinary gait that enables them to walk at the speed of a canter. The ride is smooth and feels like sitting in a portable armchair, perfectly suited for the distances required of the landscape. The gait of the Peruvian Paso is similar to the Icelandic horse. It is a four-beat lateral gait. Very comfortable indeed. The Rolls Royce of horses.
The herd of over 130 horses provides something for everyone, and for riders of all abilities.
All horses are soft-mouthed, forward going and with wonderful temperaments, typical of working horses who lead varied lives and are free to roam on the hills in their downtime.
Many of our horses are homebred and raised by us. Horses are our passion, and each and every one is considered part of the family.
Guests are encouraged to get involved with all of the horse activities on the farm, whether that is watching the horse-breaker at work or rounding up the mares and foals to protect them from pumas.

Hard Hats
We strongly recommend that you wear a hard hat for riding, and it is obligatory for playing polo. We have a limited number available at the estancia, but you may prefer to bring your own to ensure the correct fit and comfort.

Non-Riders
For those accompanying riding partners or friends, there is often the opportunity to join for picnic lunches, and to watch polo being played on the Estancia, or perhaps enjoy a ride in one of the antique cars or more traditional horse-drawn carriage. There are a range of non-riding activities available on the estancia (guided walks, farm drives, wine tastings, etc) that can be organized with the hosts on arrival, or guests can express their interest at the time of booking.

Itinerary


Our polo weeks are aimed at the beginner, novice or occasional player who wishes to learn how to play, brush up their skills or just have some fun in an informal and friendly environment. Half-day polo sessions are combined with stunning trail rides out into the estancia on our fabulous horses, so combining two amazing holidays in one!

The week culminates in an in-house tournament, often joined by players from the local area.
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. 

The itinerary is flexible and subject to change. It should be noted that polo is weather dependent. If the ground is too wet to play, an alternative ride will be offered, and where possible the sessions will be made up during the week by playing twice per day.


Typical Day:
After a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs, we take the horses down to the polo ground. A short session on the ground covers the skills and tactics that are going to be focused on that day, and then we mount our polo ponies for a short ‘stick and ball’ session, followed by some chukkas. Back to the estancia for lunch, a siesta and maybe a swim in the pool, followed by a sunset ride out into the beautiful Sierras Chicas.
A candlelit dinner accompanies the tales of the day, that get longer as the week goes on!


We 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.
 
This concentrated week of polo can be arranged at most times of the year with a minimum of 4 players. Professional polo tuition is also available.

Rates and Dates for Sierras Country Polo Clinics

Dates Note: A Polo Holiday Week can be arranged at most times of the year with a minimum of 2 players at $430-$450 a day. (min of 5 nights)

Other Info
Meeting: Cordoba
Airport: Cordoba
Transfer: Cordoba airport

Climate:
                                                Córdoba area