Courses

Argentinean courses take place at la Tarde Polo Club, near Mercedes, in Buenos Aires province, just over an hour from downtown B.A.
Juan Martin Sarli owns and runs la Tarde with his family. Juan is a 27-year old 4-goal handicap professional polo player. Though one of the youngest polo estancia managers you’ll find, he has gained huge experience both on the field, where he has always had a club on his doorstep, and off the field, where his experience in breeding ponies, combined with his veterinary knowledge, give him a fantastic perspective on how the game should be played. He has been teaching polo in Argentina and in Europe – most notably at Stewarton Polo Club - since he was 21.

In light of the travelling time required to reach Buenos Aires, PoloSkool programmes in Argentina last for a minimum of two weeks. For those able to take a little more time out, we also offer courses of four weeks and ten weeks.

[For more details, please see our Dates & Prices page]

PoloSkool students in Argentina will receive two hours of stick and balling under Juan’s tuition every morning, followed by 4 chukkers in the afternoon, 6 days a week. Argentina is in an almost unique position, given the number of ponies it has to offer. As a result, all of our tuition is pony-driven but there remains plenty of scope to learn rules and tactics through practice, and in breaks between chukkers.

The course structure is ultimately flexible, and is tailored to the riding and playing ability of each client. The ultimate goal may differ: you may want to get as many chukkers under your belt as possible and improve your handicap, or simply hone your riding skills and start hitting the ball consistently. Either way, la Tarde can accommodate you. Between the other clients on the course, the grooms, coaches, and Juan’s circle of polo friends nearby, we play competitive chukkers practically every playing day of the season – if that’s what you want.

With two full-size playing fields, and two stick & ball grounds, there is plenty of scope to divide groups by level of ability – you won’t find yourself in too deep, or held back.

Our belief is that the best way to learn is to get stuck into games as soon as possible – that is when we see the fastest results (even if you may feel a bit at sea for a couple of days!). Shorter courses will still give you a sound basis for building your skills back home, and most people can play a very active role in practice chukkers after two weeks of intensive tuition.

In addition to the fields and ponies, there are two sticking cages you can use to hone your technique.

Any intensive polo course is undoubtedly going to be pretty tough, and though we have built in as much relaxation time as possible, we welcome people that are determined to develop and willing to get as much out of the course as possible. With this in mind, it is probably worth getting into some sort of shape before heading out to South America!