Pascual Sainz de Vicuña
best handicap IN SPAIN
INTERVIEW CLAUDIA TRIMDE / PHOTO SNOOPY PRODUCTIONS
Pascual Sainz de Vicuña, shooting the ball goalwards, displays a remarkably delicate “near side” swing. Currently the top handicap among Spanish polo players, his passion is certainly not happenstance. Born into an Argentinean family, a country where polo is a highly traditional sport, his father is an ex-polo player, which made it easier for him to take command of the family cavalry.
At just 26 years of age, he has taken part in all major tournaments in Argentina and the United Kingdom and is a member of the Spanish national team. We met up with him at the spectacular and exclusive Dos Lunas Polo Club, where we discussed the inner workings of this sport.
How did you get where you are?
I’ve been playing seriously for about ten years, and it all comes down to perseverance and playing a great deal, virtually every day of the year. Along with the experience you get playing in different tournaments in Spain and travelling around Argentina.
“Polo is not very popular in Spain or Europe. It’s still not televised”
Why is polo such an elitist sport?
There are fewer places to play in Europe, where it’s difficult to find grassy areas and there isn’t much of a tradition. In Argentina, on the other hand, horses are much more accessible and you can play almost anywhere, meaning it isn’t quite as elitist over there.
It’s a particularly famous sport in England... Yes, in England it is, although it’s becoming more popular in Spain. I remember 10,000 people attended the final of the Gold Cup in Sotogrande. But it’s more of a household name in England, thanks to British Royal Family’s longstanding involvement.
How do you train to be a champion?
We organise practice matches to exercise the horses and play amongst ourselves. We ride, knock the ball around and train physically.
Whereas, before, players didn’t exercise much, they do today. Like all sports, polo has evolved, and now we train and go running.
Do you always ride the same horse?
No, not at all. That’s another reason it’s complicated. At one point, polo was an Olympic sport and then it was dropped. Every player needs between six and seven horses, as they’re forced to cover large distances.
Do you have a favourite horse?
Yes, a 15 year old mare named Casilda. I’ve had her since I began, and she’s been with me throughout the years, as my handicap has improved, and she’s always been fantastic. We understand each other, and while she might not suit other players, I think she’s great.
What are your plans for this year?
I’m currently taking part in the Sotogrande tournament at the Santa María Polo Club. It’s a great competition and we hope to do well. Then I have the Argentinean league, from September to December, and afterwards we’ll see. The US might be an option.
SUMMER 2012
How old were you when you started?
I was 15, which is relatively late in the world of polo. In Argentina, there’s a championship called the “Foals’ Cup” where kids start playing at the age of 8. A lot of my friends began when they were 12, and I started at 15, as I was somewhat afraid of horses as a child.
Is the sport popular in Spain?
No, it’s not very popular in Spain or Europe. It’s still not televised. As I see it, the fact that exclusive brand names like Rolex and Cartier are so highly involved in polo indicates it isn’t a sport for everyone; which is what makes it distinctive.