Situated in Andalucia, the land of the horse, where these magnificent animals are part of the landscape and part of the lifestyle, the Santa Maria Polo Club is one of the world’s top equestrian centres. Renowned for its polo facilities, its horses, top level competitions and its polo academy to train upcoming polo stars, the Santa Maria Polo Club has taken a step forward in bringing the equestrian arts to the south of Spain.
The Santa Maria Equestrian Club is a natural evolution of the Polo Club, born from a deep-rooted vocation to equestrianism. The new Club is built on a firm foundation of superb facilities combined with vast experience of participating in top level international equestrian events. These world-class facilities are designed to meet the most demanding sporting standards and yet they also provide a superb quality of functionality.
There are two all-weather arenas at the Equestrian Club, both built with the Risohorse® ebb and flow system. This surface system is especially designed for horse-riding arenas and is used across the world in all sorts of equestrian events and competitive tournaments. It works perfectly for both indoor and outdoor arenas as it retains a constant level of moisture through the use of the capillary action of the sand. It therefore keeps the surface at a good level of elasticity and that keeps its working quality high even through periods of heavy usage. The arenas are of different sizes: one of 95m x 105m and the smaller one is 70m x 30m although both benefit from the Risohorse® ebb and flow system surface.
Alongside the all-weather arenas there are three grass competition fields at a roomy 100m x 100m each. These are sown with hybrid Bermuda 419 grass and are reseeded during the winter with Ryegrass. The grass arenas receive immaculate attention including drainage through sub-surface pipes.
Of vital importance to visiting equestrian teams is the quality of the stables, and at the Santa Maria Equestrian Club these are superbly designed facilities which have the capacity to stable more than 1,000 horses to compete in tournaments including 79 boxes. The Club uses Röwer and Rob stabling with integrated rail systems, 1.4m wide doors with telescopic silent action opening mechanisms, feed ports and automatic water fountains.
The Club benefits from a beautiful location in the Puente de Hierro. Close to Sotogrande and easily accessible by an excellent road network, the 52 hectares of the Club is surrounded by the lush Andalucian countryside. Its wide open spaces perfectly serve for horse-riding at all levels and its luxurious facilities serve to create a sense of identity and exclusivity and will create a social community to enhance the sporting endeavours of the Club’s members.
There are events planned for the forthcoming months: a National Show jumping Competition scheduled for the weekend of 8th to 10th July, and another National Show jumping Competition scheduled for the weekend of 22nd to 24th October. These are expected to attract competitors and spectators from far afield. Benefiting from an excellent location, the balmy weather of the southernmost reaches of the Costa del Sol and magnificent facilities, the Santa Maria Equestrian Club is set to become one of the main focal points of European show jumping and dressage, hosting national and international competitions.
The Santa Maria Equestrian Club is an impressive project just in itself, but the vision of its founders does not stop there. The Club is simply one step forward in an ambitious project that aims to establish an Equine District, a place where sport and love of horses combine, a foundation that will lead to further new developments in the Guadiaro Valley under its guidance. It is envisioned that the establishment of the Santa Maria Equestrian Club will eventually result in the Guadiaro Valley hosting some of the most important international equestrian events.
For more information and to experience life in Sotogrande, ask us about our discovery package, including accommodation, sports and activities, culinary delights at our restaurants and a visit to our award-winning resort, its properties and amenities. Email us or call us on +34 856 560 922, or visit www.sotogrande.com.
