I thought I would email and say how much I enjoyed my Polo Lesson at your ranch while visiting Buenos Aires.
I never expected to be lucky enough to try Polo and especially not in Argentina!! I mean where else would one want to learn? Only from the best of course!
Having now read some of the other testimonials on your website, I can see I am not the only one that has been bitten by the ‘polo bug’.
Before coming to the ranch I had not ridden for 8 months and the last real riding time I had a fall off a young horse and lost my confidence I was hesitant getting on and thought I would just watch. After a bit of fine tuning (not over riding and NOT riding like a dressage rider) I had great faith in my wee liver chestnut mare!! She was an absolute star and the main reason I could ‘let rip’ and score 3 goals. She knew her job and took me to the ball and quickly I gained the confidence to just go with it, she knew more than me and looked after me very well.
It was harder to hit the ball than I expected and the next day my body reminded me of all the racing up and down the polo field I had done the day before. However I will be investigating trying it again here in New Zealand.
Thank you once again for such a fantastic experience, and I would recommend it to all. Thank you for the great lunch and good conversation. You all made us feel very welcome and relaxed to just give it a go, we could have stayed for days! Thanks to Ramon for the ‘transportation’ and helping me score the 3 goals and just generally being great fun. And also your grooms that doubled as photo takers.
Kind regards
Melanie Thompson
Wellington, New Zealand
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I was given El Rincon's contact details by an argentine friend / colleagues saying: " If you want to improve your Polo Game, Estani at Al Rincon is the right address." And that is exactly what I found EL Rincon to be - and much more!
Besides some very customized polo training lessons with Estani (3 goal player) and some of his colleagues (all about the same level of polo experience) which helped to increase my level of polo a big deal, staying with Estani and his wife Karen also gave me a perfect opportunity to get to know the Argentine way of living at a farm, enjoying empanadas with Quilmes (or some Malbec for the wine lovers among us) after having played some four chukkas, our regular afternoon training.
In addition, the fact of only being some 40 minutes outside of Buenos Aires center, allowed my partner Maarten and myself to get to know as well the cultural side of a city waiting to get relive to the same glorious days as our European ancestors have been attracted by right at the beginning of the last century; as well as the buoyant nightlife activities the city is still famous for: Be it having one of the best steaks in one of the intriguing restaurants of Palermo Viejo, be it a non forgettable Tango show next to Abastre, featuring nobody less than Carlos Gardel, known as the king of Tango music back on the 1940s.
Last, being a woman after all, shopping obviously was an issue close to my interests- in particular when we talk about topping up on tailor made Polo boots, mallets and all the rest of the ' necessary garments' for Polo and both - Estani and his wife Karen- showed endless patience (and endurance) making sure that we would not leave this beautiful country without having stocked up on all necessary polo items you could think of.
In short, I can only highly recommend this place as it not only allowed me to improve my knowledge on polo as well as its practical exercises but also gave me an introduction to a country and culture that every Polo player will nothing but adore and will be longing to go back to as soon as possible.at least these are our plans!
Dr. Sabine Schaffer , Dubai UAE
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" And what about those 18 holes. Can you tell me whether I need to rent a car in order to play Golf". These were my opening words when I first met Estani who was picking me and my partner Sabine up from the airport. As Sabine got bitten by the " Polo Bug' last year, she was very much looking forward doing " the real thing" and participating in a Polo Clinic in Argentina.
I, a fanatic Golf player who was never sitting on a horse before coming to Argentina, got persuaded to join her by having the possibility to play some Golf while she was doing her Polo sessions. And then of course, I was thinking about learning some basic riding skills - this at least had been the mind set with which we arrived in Argentina ..quite straight forward- right?!
Wrong ! To my surprise I found myself already at the back of Chocolate (by now my favorite horse at Al Rincon) some 4 hours later and the next day Estani handed me a mallet with the words "Why don't you try to hit the ball right there with the mallet. Horse riding alone might soon become too boring for you".
After two days of watching me playing around with the mallet and polo ball, Estani made the comment that I could play the ball from one side of the field to the other one while cantering the horse by the end of the week. It was even better than that - I left Argentina one week later fully equipped as a Polo player completely hit by the " Polo Bug" myself and I find myself now with a difficult choice to give preference to either Polo or Golf.
Writing this I made up my mind and decided to pursue both with the serious consequence to be back n Argentina and continue to master my Polo skills at Al Rincon, under the professional guidance of Estani and the care of his lovely wife Karen.
I just wanted to drop you a note to say thank you for your wonderful hospitality. We had a great stay with you and really felt we were welcomed as friends. My body has now just about recovered from 3 solid days of polo and I`m looking forward to putting my new sticks into practice once we get back to the UK. Despite the soreness it was great to spend so many hours in the saddle and improve my playing.
Thanks too for the hairdresser tip. Am very pleased with my highlights and Edwin is happy his wife is blonde again!!!
We decided to head to Uruguay for a few days to add one more stamp to our passport, which so far is very cute and laidback. Will be back in BA for a few more days shopping at the end of the week and then home before our house fund is completely depleted!
All the best - do let us know if you come over to the UK at any point - we will be very close to the ´royal county´and would be great to see you
We have just come back from an excellent two-week visit to Argentina, as the guests of Estani and Karen, and this is to say that we could not recommend such a holiday more highly!! Two families went out - the Pitmans and the Coopers - four grown ups and five children aged 6 to 14. Normally, every day - after a leisurely start - was instruction and stick & ball, in the morning; and four chukkers in the afternoon. The 30 ponies were ideal for everything from a 6 year old's riding to good standard polo - and plenty of it - with a 3-goal player on each side to keep the game opened up. As a former 4-goal player myself, I was able to appreciate the quality of all that was provided in a totally relaxed and friendly environment. Nothing was too much trouble for Karen and Estani and their capable team - both the grooms and the house staff - whether arranging all aspects of polo instruction and practice; administration; or external visits and events. They are less than an hour to Buenos Aires, a splendid and impressive city with its superb shops and restaurants, and well placed for other locations such as Colonia in Uruguay across the River de la Plata or the Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian border in the rain forest, both of which we much enjoyed visiting. Altogether, a delightful place for a family Polo holiday!
Hello Estani I would like to take this time to thank you for making my Polo School experience memorable. The hospitality and facility's you provided was splendid .I had such a wonderful time with you and your crew of world renown players. Your school was instrumental in taking someone like my self with no ridding experience and teaching enough skills within a day and a half to participate in a chucker or too. Meanwhile, the one on one training made this all possible. I look forward in joining your school again in the near future.
Kind Regards Tim Mitchell Director of The Aspen Gallery At Highlands
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Hi Estani and Karen,
What a dream! Over the past six days I have kept looking at the pictures I took during the three weeks I stayed at EL RINCON DEL POLO to confirm that I really was there for three weeks and that the memories I have of the fun an excitement of the daily rides, the stick and ball, as well as the chuckers really did happen and are not the product of my imagination, even if it all seems to go to be true. Yet, I still dream about playing like Cambiaso, Pieres, Merlos, or Heguy, maybe some day. But in the meantime, Estani, you, Luis, Marcelo, Antonio, Oscar, Diego, and Calilo, and let's not forget Chocolate, Paloma and even Juanita, who are every bit like Rocinate and Babieca in the polo filed, made it possible and very enjoyable for me to close that infinite gap between my playing and the playing of those immortals of the polo field, and keep the dream alive that maybe some day in this life or in the next one (is there another?) I will play like them. Granted I have some bruises to indicate that I might have to keep on dreaming, but even the greatest polo player takes a fall. It was also a real treat to share with you, Karen and Estanito all those other wonderful moments off the field and open the door to a new and long lasting great friendship. So I know I was not dreaming of having had a wonderful vacation at EL RINCON DEL POLO, but I did have a dream vacation at EL RINCON DEL POLO and now dream of going back as soon as possible for another three weeks. So, Estani, think of yourself as a dreamcatcher.
Abrazos,
Francisco Ballester
NY, New York
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Dear Karen and Estani,
I just got back to New York and am already planning my next trip to Argentina. I had the most amazing time and playing polo with you was definitely one of the highlights. It was great to get out of Buenos Aires and spend the day at your beautiful home and barn. Estani, you are such a wonderful instructor and have so much patience with me for missing the ball so many times! I didn't realize how difficult polo is, but I had sooo much fun and am now looking for places to play in New York! (Any suggestions?) Karen, your lunch was delicious and your photographic skills are impressive! I really had the most amazing time and can't wait to return! Thank you so much and be in touch!!!
Just wanted to say thanks again for the great week I spent at El Rincon. The horses, food and accommodations were excellent. You truly give the royal treatment. I enjoyed being around the other guests as well. We had a lot of fun! I definitely plan on coming back.
Thanks Stacey Green Chattanooga, TN
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Good times and good horses available for polo here at El Rincon del Polo. We had a lot of fun on and off of the field and I plan to return soon for Estani & Karen's hospitality and Mary's good cooking. I also recommend the area of Open Door / Pilar for polo fanatics. Thank you and all the best, Graham Jones Los Angeles , California ---------------------------------------------------------------------
IT IS ALL ABOUT THE HORSES!!!!
Although I have only recently become addicted to polo through my initiation into the sport in Argentina, it rapidly became apparent that horses make all the difference. Whether rank beginner or advancing intermediate you progress much faster if you are well mounted. Estani has a remarkable string of homegrown and trained polo ponies from the family ranch that do indeed make all the difference. Estani has an uncanny ability to match the player with the mount and this just facilitates becoming a better polo player. In one morning stick and ball session I was mounted on five different horses! In the afternoon chukkers I would often be mounted on four different horses for four chukkers! You just cannot get this type of experience anywhere else! Thank you Estani! See you shortly for another two great weeks! David St. Charles - US and Canada
El Rincon del Polo is an excellent place if you are looking for a fun introduction to Argentina. Of course, there is polo and plenty of it. Both stick & ball in the mornings and chukkas in the afternoon, lots of ponies, as well as instruction by Estani, who combines his insights with a pleasantly relaxed attitude and a sense of humor. His method of concentrating on one aspect at the time, and not bombarding you with countless instructions all at once, works wonders.
Having already played a bit in England, the United States and Africa (Zimbabwe), I was surprised when Estani told me to stick & ball with only a sheepskin instead of a saddle. To improve my riding and balance while hitting, as Estani explained what at first seemed like a rather silly idea. I simply thought hitting the ball without the support of a stirrup would not only be impossible, but outright suicidal. However, when after two mornings the saddle returned, I came to realize that Estani’s method had vastly improved not only my riding but also my distance and accuracy while hitting the ball.
His unconventional approach to the wooden horse worked equally well. Instead of in a cage, Estani’s ‘woody’ sits in an open field. The balls are placed in the right spot for you to hit, and later recollected from the field, by his very friendly grooms. Instead of just smashing balls into the fence of a rather narrow cage, this allows you to much better practice hitting with consistency and accuracy in both direction and distance since you can see where the balls end up. Aiming to group the balls close together, while hitting each of the different strokes, makes for very useful target practice. If you’d like to know about the level and speed of chukkas before booking, ask Estani to tell you what can be expected during a certain period (he checks his e-mails regularly and answers promptly). Estani is planning two new polo fields to be ready for the 2006-2007 season.
After both stick & ball and chukkas there are drinks and snacks on the veranda, and lunch and dinner are plentiful. Housekeeper Marie serves wonderful empanadas (meat and cheese pastries), steaks and Milaneses. I admit to eating four of these Argentinian versions of the ‘schnitzel’ in one evening, but they were just too good to pass up the opportunity.
Besides polo, a stay at El Rincon del Polo allows for a more extensive introduction to Argentina. Not in the least thanks to the enthusiasm with which Estani and his charming wife Karen take their guests to interesting places. They truly are a team and go the distance to make your stay good fun.
To begin with there is the next-door village of Open Door (don’t forget to ask Estani to explain the name) where Chango’s serves terrific steaks and functions as unofficial clubhouse for the high-goal team and 2003 Triple Crown winner La Aguada, which is based just outside of town. During the day, the terrace at cafe El Orejano is a relaxing hang-out, with very friendly service. Just sit back and enjoy watching the grooms on horseback lead their ponies through the main street on their way to a polo game at one of the many local clubs and estancias. Also nearby is the historically interesting city of Lujan with its cathedral and beautiful square ringed with cafe’s and restaurants. And Buenos Aires, with its terrific nightlife, is less than an hours drive away. Estani and his wife, who is American but speaks fluent Spanish, are up to date on all the cool places. (Walking in, it certainly doesn’t hurt that Karen looks like a model.)
During my stay we also went to both the semis and the final of the Argentine Open, where of course you will see the best polo in the world and where after the matches the bars under the grandstands turn into the place to see and be seen. However, contrary to what this might imply elsewhere in the world, the atmosphere at this high-point on the Argentine social calendar stays nice and relaxed. (Tickets are included if your stay at El Rincon coincides with the Open, which is especially handy concerning the rush on them before the final).
If you are interested not just in polo, but also want to have fun getting to know Argentina, staying with Estani and Karen at El Rincon del Polo is a very good way to start.
the time at El Rincon was absolutely perfect. If you like horses and nature and a friendly family atmosphere this is the place to be! Before coming to the Estancia I had no idea about what polo was, I just wanted to spend a week riding good horses. This definetely happened. Your horses are not lazy-sleepy school horses but are instead incredibly fun to ride (to any beginner I would definetely reccomend Manzana and Chagall) - galopping up and down the polo field with them is one of the most amazing feelings you can have in life. 20 minutes of galop, jump on the next horse and so on for hours!
furthermore, thanks to Estani's patience and endless corrections I got to a good level of polo playing. Being able to go from one goal to the other galopping and just with 4-5 shots makes you feel "very cool".
Apart from this, everything else in the experience was great....Estani and Karen did everything they could to make me have a good time. From bringing me to see professional polo games, to preparing an asado for all my friends when one night they came to visit me at the estancia to helping me to learn the "Argentinian slang" - one new word every meal!. Straight away you feel part of an happy family!
So, again Estani: Grazie.....surely "I will be back"
P.S. Polo is seriously addictive - as I said: "I never tried cocaine but I am sure galopping up and down the field in El Rincon is surely a better feeling"
An El Rincon del polo holiday is a fantastic experience. As beginners, with only 2 hours previous polo experience and one novice rider, we both found our time at the polo school tremendous. With over 35 horses there was no problem with finding a suitable mount for any riding ability from novice through to expert.
The tuition from Estani was exemplary with excellent one-on-one instruction during the morning stick and ball sessions and coaching during afternoon games. At the beginning of the week we could barely hit the ball at a walk, but by the end of the week we had gained proficiency (of a sorts) at nearside and offside swings, playing games at a canter.
Away from polo we relaxed in a fantastic rural setting, with a swimming pool to relieve the aches and pains of the day. We enjoyed terrific traditional home cooked Argentinean cuisine with probably the best steaks in the world. Estani and his wife, Karen, were the perfect hosts and we were made to feel very much part of the family and at home. Everybody spoke fluent English, the grooms looked after your every equine need and the housekeeper tended to all your domestic requirements.
Whether you are a novice or an expert polo player, or even just want to give it a try, staying at El Rincon is one of the best ways to spend a week of your life!
Joanne and Andrew
P.S. If you run out of conversation in the evening, after analysing your game, tactics and play, you could always ask Estani to tell you the ant and the elephant joke or how the local town “Opendoor” got its name!
P.P.S. WARNING – this holiday could seriously change your life!! Polo is addictive!!
Many thanks to you Estani, Karen and the great petiseros for the great polo we were able to enjoy. Despite being somewhat reluctant initially to play polo at the accepted Argentine pace, we were encouraged to try it and enjoyed it immensely, feeling rather proud of ourselves as we were actually able to contribute to the game as well as keep up with it! We rode very different horses, again a good thing to be encouraged to do. Our accommodation was lovely, the guests we met were very interesting and entertaining, so all in all a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I am sure we will be back next year, Estani, so start stocking up on your excellent supply of vino tinto!!!
Regards, Sandy Montanana and Lulie Horrell, England
I just wanted to thank you for a fantastic week of polo at your club. I had high expectations before I arrived, and I must say you exceeded them all. I feel that my riding, play and tactical understanding and appreciation for the game have all improved greatly, and not just my ability to hit the ball with power. I think it's these differences that will help me achieve the goal rating I am focused on, and take my polo to the next level as I look towards competitive play next season.
Of course I learnt to hit the ball with power and accuracy, so thanks for that too!
The week was intensive, and the ability to stick and ball in the morning under your instruction, followed by the games in the afternoon involving the higher rated players was a great mix of learning, and then applying what I had learnt.
As I write this, I am already planning my return trip in December for 4-5 days, and I will definitely come out again in February for another week. I will be sure to recommend you highly to any player I meet who is anxious to improve any aspect of their game, and please give my number to anyone who would like to speak with a former guest, before they make their own reservation.
On a final note, the house felt like home, and I will certainly miss Marie's excellent cooking. Your horses really are suitable for all riders, and I was glad of the opportunity to ride different horses, some more demanding than others. I look forward to your recommendations as to which horses I should think about buying from you before the season starts here in Massachusetts.
You and Karen made me feel very welcome and at ease, and you have clearly set the standard for others to follow. See you in December.
While on a short business trip to Buenos Aires I wanted to take the opportunity to spend at least a day practising the great sport of Polo before jumping on that 24 hr plane trip back to Sweden... Scanning the Internet I found a couple of options that was located within an hour from the city and after speaking with Estani the choice was easy: "I'll pick you up in the hotel, we get you a new mallet on the way from the factory, practise some stick'n ball in the morning and play some chuckas in the afternoon.." Great, all I wanted to do in one move. Beeing a beginner I a was very exited by the possibility to play siome chuckas as well! So how was it then? Well, just meeting with Estani and his wife Karen would have made the day alone, add to that a lovely place with nice horses, excellent food (they also lived up to the claim of the best steak, for sure) and the spice of playing a game of polo for the first time and you can imagine that I had a great day! Also, Estani and Karen later proved to have all the answers how to make the most out of a stay in Buenos Aires: - where to find the best restaurant, the best wine and were to dance the best Tango! So, the only thing I will do different next time in Buenos Aires, that is to stay longer at the El Rincon del Polo club!!
my time at El Rincon was unparalleled; the experience consisted of many hours of excellent play at a variety of different levels along with simple and understandable instruction. You have increased my passion for the sport, which before I had thought not possible. Not only did I have an excellent time on the polo field, but off the horse relaxing in the heat by the ice cold pool and exploring Buenos Aires provided me a real vacation away from frosty Massachusetts. Furthermore, the food was excellent, (say gracias to Maria for me) and the whole package was tied together with an extremely relaxed atmosphere. I wish I could have stayed for longer, and I will hopefully see you in Argentina next year.
Ciao Estan, Ti volevo ringraziare per I due magnifici giorni che ho passato a El Rincon. Il posto e' magnifico e l'accoglienza e' calorosa. Le lezioni mi sono state utili e sono migliorato molto rapidamente. Ho amato particoralmente chukkers, rapidi ma adeguati al mio livello di gioco.
Un abbraccio, Luca
Luca Armenia (Milan , Italy)
---------------------------------------------------- Hi Estani,
Just a quick line to say thank you.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at El Rincon. Having never even held a mallet before, I was not sure how I would 'fit in' at a polo estancia.
I can honestly say that after 3 days I was feeling addicted. The horses were a pleasure ride and your relaxed approach to learning made it all that much easier.
The food was great, and fellow guests were a lot of fun. It was really hard to say goodbye!!
I am now back home in Australia and looking to continue my polo lessons.
Thanks for a fantastic day at your ranch; I absolutely loved the place, the beautiful views AND the dogs Charles & Diana. Most importantly though,you've infected me with your passion for polo; the horses were great and (once you sort of get grip of the mallet......) the speed of the game is addictive!
You won't be suprised then to find out I bought a footmallet in Buenos Aires to practise untill I find a club here in the UK!
El Rincon del Polo ne pouvez pas être une meilleure option pour moi, pour améliorer mon polo (tant au niveau des coups que des règles de jeu et de la tactique) grâce à une pratique intensive sur une semaine répartie en entraînement le matin et en longues chucckers (practices) avec des pro l’après-midi et surtout aux conseils et à la patience d’Estani dans un site superbe et une ambiance chaleureuse et amicale.
Imaginez …. Après quelques recherches sur internet et appels téléphoniques, vous partez en Argentine pour 7 jours de polo à Open Door, que vous ne connaissez pas, sur base d’une confirmation par téléphone à Estanilao Roberto Puch (Estani) qu’un ami vous a recommandé ; c’est à dire en réalité sans savoir ou vous allez ! Arrivé à l’aéroport où vous vous sentez un peu perdu et inquiet, très vite vous reconnaissez Estani, sans l’avoir jamais vu. L’instinct polo!
Et là, après un accueil chaleureux comme si vous vous connaissiez depuis toujours, tout se met en place naturellement, dans le rythme argentin (les horaires sont approximatifs!). D’abord Estani vous emmène si vous le souhaitez chez les fabricants chez qui il se fournit pour acheter du matériel (bottes, casques etc.). Puis c’est la découverte du site. A 50 minutes de Buenos Aires, 20 de l’aéroport, après une allée majestueuse d’eucalyptus, vous arrivez dans un petit oasis de verdure. Sous les arbres 4 maisonnettes et une piscine. Tout près, 2 immenses canchas (terrain de polo) d’herbe rase vous laisse présager de grands moments de polo. Des chevaux dans de grandes prairies tout autour vous attendent. Ca y est, vous avez complètement oublié la grisaille parisienne !
Après un déjeuner tardif, vous vous mettez déjà en selle pour un petit chukker, histoire de vous déverrouiller après le voyage et le soir après une dégustation de l’excellent vin local, vous vous endormez en comptant les chevaux et les bollas (balles de polo).
Le matin, stick and ball avec Estani à cheval qui vous rattrape les balles perdues ou manquées et vous conseille sur chaque coup. Vous vous entraînez comme ça sans discontinuer. Plusieurs chevaux vous sont préparés. Pause assado (barbecue local avec la fabuleuse viande argentine) ou déjeuner préparé par Maria, simple et délicieux. Puis sieste puis retour à cheval et là, avec certains des patisseros (les garçons qui s’occupent des chevaux) ou des amis et notamment Miguel qui aide Estani et vous cosille aussi ou des frères d’Estani, Maximo et Facundo vous enchaînez 4 chucckers. Le niveau est excellent mais les Argentins sont suffisamment courtois pour que vous puissiez toucher la balle. Les chucckers normalement de 7 mn se prolongent jusqu’à une belle action et en réalité jusqu’à la nuit. Après 3 jours, vous arrivez même à marquer un point. Le soir, dîner sur place et debrieffing avec vidéo du championnat de Palermo ou dîner avec Estani et Miguel et peut être la femme d’Estani, Karen qui est charmante et des amis. Vous pouvez aussi aller dîner et faire la fête à Buenos Aires si ça vous dit. Même si vous êtes à 50 mn de la ville, il n’y a pas vraiment d’heures limites pour dîner. Retour en taxi pour dormir sur place pour avoir le plaisir de se réveiller al campo (dans les champs) ou retour au petit matin pour jouer en fin de matinée.
Bref, des conditions idéales pour progresser avec des professionnels qui jouent à polo depuis toujours se mettent à votre disposition dans un lieu superbe avec de très bons chevaux qui aiment jouer autant que vous et tout ça dans une ambiance familiale et amicale exceptionnelle: Estani et Miguel qui vivent avec vous, à votre rythme ont toujours le sourire. Toujours prêts à vous faire plaisir. Vous prendrez même de bons fou-rires ensemble !
Bilan : une semaine inoubliable dans pays superbe et un niveau de polo nettement amélioré.
Merci pour tout Estani.
Merci aussi à Miguel, à Karen, à Maria, à Facundo, à Maximo, aux Patisseros, aux chevaux et à bientôt.
thank you very much for the perfect time I had at El Rincon del Polo Club in Open Door.
You provided me the opportunity to play with and get to know many different types of players, almost all of them outstanding professionals, which was a very helpful experience and improved my play a lot.
You also offered the possibility to play on a variety of fields, with or without boards, flat or with slopes, short or long, wide or narrow, with perfect or with uneven lawn, which helped me to adapt to different surroundings, while at the same time I could see several very beautiful estates and meet a lot of interesting people.
The variety of horses I could ride at your place, some very easy, some more demanding, also helped me to gain more confidence in the game.
Another thing to point out is your perfect location right in the Mekka of Polo, close enough to Buenos Aires to go there for shopping or nightlife. In Open Door the sport comes first, you meet Polo people everywhere and the atmosphere is remarkably casual, relaxed and friendly.
Besides the polo you also provided excellent service whenever I needed anything. Especially your help when I tried to find the right polo equipment or whenever I wanted to do some kind of tourist trip to Buenos Aires was very much appreciated.
"...missing Argentina and everything Argentinian, had a great time on the Ranch and my polo definately improved,loved going to the open and hanging out with everyone( next time I'm staying for Christmas!), can't wait to come back next season, thanks for everything Estani (especially your patience),see you in December"
we are home and its a cool 3 degrees with constant and uninterrupted grey skies! oh and its dark by 3 in the afternoon.
Thanks for the great time we spent with you - M and I both heartily agree that we had a wonderful and fun time with you, scruffy, MARIE and the rest of your team....
HI Estani, I wanted to send a testimonial to you: Thanks for a great experience at El Rincon! My boyfriend, TG, plays polo with you at Byfield Polo Club In Mass. The club president ,Christina Bales was also there when we were there,so that was fun.We saw the final game of the Open,which was exciting.TG got up every morning to play a few chukkers.In the afternoon,he played a game with 4-6 chukkers.I just stick n ball a little and I had a great time!We had a great time on the farm & the ponies were great.It was nice to have a lot of instruction and individual attention!!We miss all the great meals from Marie, too! Thanks for doing such a great job! We look forward to coming next year! Norma
El Rincon is the best polo clinic that I have been to. You wake up when you like and breakfast is all ready for you on the table. When you finish your breakfast you stroll over to the polo pitch where a whole team of grooms have all your horses tacked up ready for you to just jump on and play. When you are too tired to continue to play polo you can retire to have a swim in the pool. Its the most relaxed two days that I have had in a very long time.
Ed Gall 14 years old polo player from Harrow School in England
While researching all the Polo Estancias around Buenos Aires I found them all to be very commercial, until I found El Rincon. Upon speaking to Estani I immediately new that he would deliver an authentic polo experience and he did! Estani is a down to earth guy who knows that Polo is about great horses, beautiful Polo fields, excellent instruction and playing experience. Add to that his very cool wife and polo buddies who make you feel at home, great food and a relaxing pool and you have an amazing combination. My time at El Rincon really satisfied my desire to learn Polo from a true argentinian competitive player with razor sharp teaching skills and my game improved immediately. His horses deffinately lived up to the International reputation that Argentina has for Polo Ponies, blowing me away every time I got on a new one. Once more, Estani set me up with contacts in the US so that I could continue practicing at home. Thank you Estani and Karen for taking such good care of me, I can't wait to come back! PS. I love my new boots.
Upon arrival at your polo ranch I was a complete riding and polo novice. I've only been a few hours on one of those tourist horses just walking behind another horse. Leaving your marvelous place I was able to play together with other guests, you and the grooms a polo game of three chukkas - on quite acceptable level - just amazing.
Your riding and polo tuition was very motivating and demanding. In the beginning of the week you managed to generate the very motivating and important moments of early success and satisfaction. By adjusting the degree of difficulty in terms of more demanding horses, mallet swings and play tactics you created a very attractive and demanding setting of leaning. The grooms did a very good job in preparing the right horses and even participated during the chukkas in the afternoon.
I would also like to mention the very warm welcoming of your wife Karen, the perfect lodging and the very good meals, especially mentionable was your personal perfect service and customer orientation when the Estancierocooks himself for his guests!
Other memorable events were of course the visits to the polo boots factory - it goes without saying that I bought a pair of those handmade polo boots and notwithstanding the invitation to the illustrious party at Don Wilfredo's Polo ranch.
Having enjoyed 7 perfect days of polo I'm leaving with a little pain in my wrist, back and other parts of my body, but seriously infected by the polo virus - thank you very much for this once in a lifetime experience.
Australia, USA, England, France, Germany, Canada, Holland, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, Mexico, Italy, Sweden, Chile, Republica Dominicana, Venezuela, Dubai, Puerto Rico.
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