AN EXCLUSIVE ANDALUSIAN OUTBACK ADVENTURE
POLO EXPERIENCE
The ultimate introduction to becoming a polo enthusiast. Throughout di#erent curated polo-related activities, embark on your first polo
experience. Over two hours, learn about the history of polo, basic rules and tactics and why Sotogrande is one of the most important polo
destinations in the world. Learn the di#erent swings, when to use them and practice them on wooden horses before trying your first swing
on a moving horse after an initial riding lesson in the polo style. This experience is open to all levels and abilities.
Price: 250€ plus vat
Duration: 2 hours
HORSEBACK TRAIL
A highlight for many guests when they aren’t playing polo, Wade your way through rivers or explore the wild Andalusian countryside whilst on horseback. During the summer months, the horses love splashing around just as much as we do through the refreshingly cool river. During the other months of the year ride through picturesque rural scenery on our polo ponies. Watch the serene views unfold as you gain elevation and gaze upon areas that not many have the pleasure of seeing.
Price and duration :
– 1 hour: 100€ plus vat
– 2 hours: 185€ plus vat
OVERNIGHT EXCURSION
Our overnight excursion is a unique opportunity to completely detach from the hustle and bustle of normal life. Ideal for family and friends, discover our summer outback adventure suitable for all riding abilities. Wade through rivers on a two-hour sunset ride, indulge in a private asado by the lake, and relish an evening under the stars in a luxury yurt in the heart of the naturaleza. Ride into nature and arrive to an open fire pit settling into an unforgettable evening of outback adventure.
Price: 500€ plus vat per person
Duration: 1 night
Availability: Fridays
The best antidote to ‘Lockdown’ cabin fever is a stone’s throw from Gibraltar. Chris Byrne and his team at Polo Valley have created the ideal experience which will appeal to even the most reluctant traveller. Sotogrande has long been the mecca for summer sporting activities and of course the home of High Goal Polo in August, but if you are looking for a novice’s introduction, then Polo Valley is the place to head for.
Situated close to the Guadiaro River, Polo Valley is the epitome of equestrian elegance – with pristine stables, polo grounds and installations for tuition, chukkers and accommodation for guests; it is the perfect environment for re-charging oneself and escaping to the quiet of this charming Andalucian valley.
The new chapter for Polo Valley is a riding safari that brings you in contact with the flora and fauna that abound along the river. A two or three hour trek culminating in an overnight stay in a picturesque camp located on the edge of a lake, it’s an impeccable mini adventure. Away from the Coast and only a few kilometres inland, it is the real Spain.
On arrival, Malena Stirling, (who takes care of guests as if we are royalty), guides us seamlessly to the tents, and then to meet our horses. All the horses are perfectly trained and sure footed – we set off up the river which, even in June, is quite deep – we were instructed to bring spare socks and it soon became clear that we would need them! Two hours riding along the river bed, along sandy tracks admiring the beautiful landscape as the sun slowly sets is a tonic for the soul. Turtles and swallows, a flock of sheep grazing on the river bank, it could not have been more tranquil.
We return to camp where Malena hands us welcome ice-cold lemonade; we make ourselves comfortable beside a gigantic roaring fire bowl, the aroma of the asado wafts over our lakeside camp, and all is well in the world. Ducks come home to roost on the water, our horses are now grazing in their corals nearby, whickering softly to each other. The asado is being prepared by Ana – who takes care of all our catering needs, and my goodness she is a superlative chef! We spend the rest of the evening feasting and chatting – it is late by the time we finally decide to retire to our five star tents – the beds are extremely comfortable, and the fine tuning is impressive, towels and extra duvets are laid out and clever lighting ensures we don’t trip over the guy ropes whilst brushing our teeth. Sleeping under canvas always has an element of childhood fantasy – and even as jaundiced adults the four of us were as excited as Enid Blyton characters as we fell asleep.
Early morning light creeps through the canvas; it’s time for breakfast by the fire bowl, still full of glowing embers from last night. We all agree that the Polo Valley team have created something magical at Polo Valley; nothing is too much trouble for Malena, except perhaps getting us to leave!