In the sport of polo, the role of the patron is both unique and influential. Patrons are amateur players who sponsor a polo team, often financing the team’s operations, hiring professional players, and covering the costs of tournaments, equipment, and horses. This blend of passion for the sport and financial support has made patrons essential to the game, shaping its development and accessibility.
The Role of a Patron in Polo
At its core, a patron is a team owner who participates as a player in the matches. Typically, patrons have a handicap rating of -2 to 2 goals, which places them in the amateur category. Despite this, they play alongside some of the world's best professionals in prestigious tournaments, forming a unique synergy between talent and sponsorship.
Patrons are critical to the structure of polo because they provide the resources necessary to sustain teams and tournaments. Their involvement often goes beyond finances; many patrons are deeply engaged in horse breeding and training, which significantly impacts the quality of the sport.
Privileges of Being a Polo Patron
Being a patron comes with a range of privileges that make the role highly coveted:
- Team Ownership: Patrons have full control over their team, including selecting professional players, horse trainers, and the team’s overall strategy.
- Access to Exclusive Events: Patrons participate in high-profile tournaments and social events, connecting with elite players and fellow enthusiasts.
- Prestige: Being a patron confers a status symbol, associating individuals with a sport known for its sophistication and tradition.
- Skill Development: Playing alongside professionals allows patrons to refine their skills and improve their understanding of the game.
- Networking Opportunities: Polo’s tight-knit global community provides opportunities for patrons to forge meaningful connections across various industries.
The Most Powerful Patrons in Polo Today
Patrons have been key figures in some of the world’s top polo teams, funding squads that dominate international tournaments. Here are some of the most influential patrons in the sport today:
- Adolfo Cambiaso Jr. (La Dolfina Team Patron): While Adolfo Cambiaso Jr. is widely known as the greatest player in polo, he also acts as the guiding force behind the legendary La Dolfina team. With Cambiaso’s vision, the team has won multiple Argentine Open championships, becoming one of the most successful teams in history.
- Bob Jornayvaz (Valiente Team Patron): Bob Jornayvaz, an American entrepreneur, is the patron of the Valiente team. Known for his passion for the sport and his investment in breeding top-tier polo ponies, Jornayvaz has turned Valiente into a powerhouse in high-goal polo tournaments.
- Jean-François Decaux (La Bamba de Areco Patron): Jean-François Decaux, part of the prominent French business family behind JCDecaux, is the patron of the La Bamba de Areco team. His deep investment in the sport has helped the team achieve significant international success.
- Corinne Ricard (Sainte Mesme Patron): One of the few female patrons, Corinne Ricard sponsors the Sainte Mesme team, which competes in tournaments across Europe. Her commitment to the sport highlights the growing presence of women in polo.
- Andrey Borodin (Lafa Team Patron): As the patron of the Lafa team, Russian billionaire Andrey Borodin has built a squad that consistently ranks among the top teams in prestigious competitions. Known for his meticulous approach to team management and his investments in elite polo ponies, Borodin has cemented Lafa’s reputation as a global contender.
These patrons not only support their teams but also significantly contribute to the sport’s growth by investing in infrastructure, breeding programs, and youth development initiatives.
The Influence of Patrons at Argentina Polo School
At the Argentina Polo School, patrons play a pivotal role in fostering talent and promoting the sport. The school provides patrons with a tailored experience, offering training programs that cater to their specific goals as amateur players. Patrons often fund scholarships or contribute to initiatives that support young players, enabling the school to maintain its reputation as a hub of excellence in polo.
Moreover, the school connects patrons with experienced professionals and top-tier polo ponies, ensuring they have access to the resources necessary to thrive in tournaments. The patron's involvement extends to horse breeding and care, where they work closely with the school’s experts to develop high-quality ponies for competition.
Patrons as Custodians of Polo
The patron’s role transcends the field, shaping the legacy of polo as a sport of tradition, teamwork, and excellence. Their contributions ensure the survival of polo’s unique culture, from grassroots training academies like Argentina Polo School to international competitions. In Argentina, where polo is deeply embedded in the national identity, patrons serve as vital ambassadors of the game, inspiring new generations of players.
By supporting schools and tournaments, patrons not only elevate the sport but also create a lasting impact on the communities that nurture it. For aspiring players, patrons represent a bridge to opportunity; for the sport itself, they are its lifeblood.
This intricate balance of passion, privilege, and influence makes patrons indispensable figures in the world of polo. Through institutions like Argentina Polo School, and under the guidance of influential patrons such as those leading LaFa, Valiente, and La Dolfina, their impact continues to grow, shaping the sport for generations to come.
