Alegria: the joy of playing polo in Argentina

Going to Argentina for the first time is something I thought I was prepared for. People had told me for years that it was the home of polo, that the level was different, that the sheer volume of the sport there was unmatched anywhere in the world. But experiencing it in person was not only a phenomenal experience, it was eye-opening.

From the moment I arrived, I could tell polo wasn't just another sport; it was a passion, an all-consuming dedication not only to the sport, but to the horse. Fields were constantly being used and maintained, horses were being exercised by the hundreds, and everywhere you looked, people were playing practice [chukkas]. It explained how Argentina manages to produce the best players in the world. It’s not just about talent; it’s about how deeply polo is woven into the daily rhythm of life.

What surprised me most, beyond just the polo, was the warmth of the people. At Alegria, I was treated like part of the family from the moment I got there. There was an inclusiveness that made me feel instantly at home. Whether we were sitting around the tack room sharing maté or at an asado, or playing truco long into the evening, I never felt like a visitor.

The only thing Argentines like more than drinking mate and playing truco is drinking fernet, eating asado and playing truco. Asados were a labour of love, cooking the meat slowly over fresh coals until it was perfectly overcooked. Meals weren’t rushed; they were shared moments of connection, conversation, and community. By the end of the first week, it felt like I had been adopted into the Alegria family.

But the biggest takeaway from my first trip to Argentina wasn’t just how much polo I played—it was how much I learned about everything behind the sport. I had the chance to see the inner workings of Alegria, a top-level polo organization, up close. The dedication of the grooms, the strategy behind organizing strings, the conditioning schedules, the constant attention to detail—it gave me a whole new appreciation for what “high-level polo” truly means. I realized that elite polo isn’t just played on the field; it’s built in the barns, in the early mornings, in the planning, and in the care that goes into every single horse.

My first time in Argentina wasn’t just a trip. It was an immersion into a culture, a family, and a lifestyle that I now understand in a completely different way. It deepened my love for polo and showed me what the sport looks like at its absolute core. And the truth is: as soon as I left, I knew I would be back very soon.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone at Alegria: Fred, Pedro, Lauti, Pepo and all the other countless people who were so welcoming and created such a positive atmosphere to live and work in. Gracias muchachos por una temporada tremenda. Nos vemos muy pronto!!