[:es]Arena polo is the more dynamic alternative to traditional polo played on grass. Because of its smaller structure in terms of the space and number of horses needed, arena polo is a more accessible sport.
In comparison to traditional polo, it has some differences. It is a much faster played game, with more adrenaline and action involved. The field is usually 300 by 150 foot, enclosed by walls of 4 or more feet. Because the field is smaller, so is the goal and the ball used is much bigger. The teams are also smaller, made up by 3 players instead of 4, and each of them only plays with only 2 horses during the match.
Arena polo is a great opportunity for new players to get started on polo and have their debut since the investment needed in horses and all their equipment is significantly reduced. Moreover, the arena ground is much easier to maintain than the grass.
Another advantage of arena polo is that it can be played both indoors and outdoors, therefore in any weather condition. There’s polo all year round! This is specially attractive to many players because it means the can make progress in the sport easier and faster.
Arena Polo has been played in Argentina for years: the first rules of arena polo were written in 1935! However, in comparison to other countries, the development of this version of the sport of the kings has happened at a slower rate. Nonetheless, polo clubs like ours work non stop to push this sport forward in the country and help develop it even further with different initiatives and tournaments.
This past August 26th and 27th, La Carona Polo Club held for the 4th consecutive year the new edition of the Arena Polo Grand Prix, which is the only professional indoor polo tournament played in Argentina with recognition of the Argentina Polo Association.
The participant teams were: La Rinconada, La Sofía, Equestria, Club de Polo Capilla and two more teams in representation of Argentina Polo Day. After a final polo played at night in the only illumintated arena polo field in the world, there was a winner.
The first place was for Argentina Polo Day (and its team members Damián Mondaca, Bruno N. Morales and Guillermo Morales) whilst the second palce of the podium was for Club de Polo Capilla (and its members Santiago Sastre, Felipe Bargallo and Fernando Furcade). The final results were 10 to 8 and a half.
It is through tournaments like the Arena Polo Grand Prix, that this sport can be taken further and more seriously in Argentina, helping new people get introduced to it to eventually become professional players.[:]
