Taking up half of South America, Brazil covers over 2,000 miles from its northern end to its most southern tip and is the fifth largest country in the world. The massive stretch of tropical and subtropical landscapes is home to the largest river system in the world. Brazil’s rich cultural history is heavily influenced by its inland border connections to almost every South American country, including Argentina and Uruguay. These… Read More »Travel to Brazil
Despite being a relatively small country with a population around nine million, Hungary is home to the largest natural grassland in Europe, the largest lake in Central Europe, and the second largest thermal lake in the world. In addition to its abundance of unique geographical features, the country is also famous for its incredible architecture and historic landmarks. As a landlocked country with seven boarding nations, Hungary has had many… Read More »Hungary: where rich history meets polo
Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean sea at about 146 miles long and 22 to 51 miles wide. Across the country’s long history intertwined with colonialism, Jamaica’s lands are covered in remnants of the Spanish, European, and French influences they have experienced across time. Although Jamaica secured its independence from the United Kingdom in 1962, it is still a member of the Commonwealth, and as such, the… Read More »Enjoy fun, sun, and polo in Jamaica
Argentina was first introduced to polo by the English. In the second half of the 19th century, English immigrants arrived in Argentina as wealthy landowners with a new found passion for polo. This influence, in combination with Argentina’s abundance of treeless plains and horses created a polo paradise. As the sport became more and more popular, the River Plate Polo Association and the National Polo Federation decided to combine forces… Read More »History of Polo in Argentina
After securing its independence, Brazil assumed the debts of Portugal to the British Empire. Brazil, being lush with natural resources, decided to work with Britain to create railways to transport Brazil’s many exports. This connection not only brought Brazil out of debt and into good standings with Britain, but it also introduced the sport of polo to Sao Paulo. After English engineers initially introduced the sport to Brazil, polo quickly… Read More »History of Polo in Brazil
The first recorded game of polo was played in 600 B.C. in Persia (modern Iran). Mounted nomads migrating from Central Asia carried the sport with them during their travels. Eventually, the game reached the northeastern state of Manipur, where modern polo originated. Polo was formalized by British military officers in 1859 at the Silchar Polo Club (formed in 1834). In addition to this historic club, the Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) Polo… Read More »History of Polo in India
The history of polo in Spain, begins like most European countries as the sport began to come from surrounding European countries. In 1872, Spain’s first polo club, the Jerez Polo Club, was founded. Shortly after, Madridestablished its first polo club in 1876 by the order of King Alfonso XII. Similar to the beginningsof polo in England, the sport grew in popularity largely due to the influence and support ofroyalty. Through… Read More »History of Polo in Spain
“I love London. I love the U.K., but if I was going to live anywhere else on Earth, it would be Australia.” – Tom Parker Bowles Polo reached the beautiful shores of Australia through the city of Warrnambool in the Western Districts of Victoria in 1874. After this historic day, the game of polo had peaks and plateaus of popularity over the next century. Shortly after the oldest Australian polo… Read More »History of Polo in Australia
Polo first reached Germany in the mid 1890’s through Hanseatic merchants who learned of its growing popularity throughout England. Shortly after, the Hamburg Polo Club was founded in 1898 in today’s Derby Park. Realizing the exponential growth in the popularity of the sport, Germany quickly moved to international play. In 1902, the Hamburg Polo Club invited teams from Budapest, Hurlingham, and St. Petersburg to participate in a tournament that would… Read More »History of Polo in Germany
If England ignited the explosion of polo across the globe, then Ireland was the fuse. History of Polo in Ireland In Cachar in 1859, the 10th Huzzars, a British Cavalry regiment, and tea planters from the area competed in polo matches. A detachment of these officers were later stationed in Limerick, Ireland shortly before returning to England. This chance encounter in 1868 between local horsemen of the Army and the… Read More »History of Polo in Ireland