The Polo Challenge is an intense programme carefully designed to take 6 motivated individuals from complete novices or beginners to polo player in just two weeks. With full support of a professional team of nutritionists, physiotherapists and personal trainers, the candidates train the first week together and then split into two teams led by one professional player for the second week. When their bodies need a rest, they also experience the authentic polo lifestyle with Argentinian styled asados by the barn, fresh G&T after chukkas, and other exclusive experiences such as cognac and jamón tastings. The programme also includes an afternoon with our partners La Reserva Club Sotogrande at The Beach – an island lagoon nestled in the hills of Sotogrande.

The big day: the final match.

The 24th of July, the Polo Challenge final match took place at Santa Maria Polo Club, in Sotogrande, and our 6 candidates were ready to push their bodies to the limit. Once again the final match was exceptionally closely fought and the teams were evenly matched right down to the last 20 seconds of the 4th chukka for a dramatic final result!

Congratulations to the victors – The Spanking Rogers (Stephen, Luibov & Francesca with Chris), and also a big applause to Team Margot (Yaser, Molly & Ben with Álvaro), very well played!

After all, it’s not about the trophy but the complete experience. We couldn’t be prouder of how well each participant played following their two intensive weeks of training and how far they’ve come as riders, teammates and players. They arrived to Polo Valley as candidates and they left as polo players.

 

 

a theory session on the polo challenge
groom leading horse to polo field

Let the party begin!

After the big match, our candidates and guests deserved a proper after party in the recently launched Polo Valley events area.

The celebration started with a cocktail, courtesy of world’s best jamón Cinco Jotas and award winning cava Pere Ventura, followed by an Argentinian style asado. In the background three incredible limited edition cars – courtesy of Cohen & Cars – were displayed around the events area and you could hear Felipe playing the acoustic guitar as the sun started setting on the lake.

Once the sun had set the DJ warmed up the atmosphere and guests ended the night dancing under a summer sky full of stars. Until next year!

 

 

Know more about our local partner brands: providers of premium products at the events area

Would you like to become the next candidate of  The Polo Challenge 2022? Bookings are already open.

Please contact us to know more.