50 at 50: polo with the master in Argentina I'd been lucky enough to arrive at the height of the Argentinean polo season which lasts from September to December. Polo matches are regularly played during this time, unless it rains. We had no worries as it was the most beautiful spring day. The Triple Corona consists of three open championships with the first at Tortugas Country Club, the second at the elegant Hurlingham Club and the final in Palermo, the "cathedral" of this sport. The tournament is unique as no other competition attracts so many world-class players. Of the six Top 10 handicap players in the world, five are Argentinean and the other is from Uruguay. The Argentineans are so ahead in polo, due mainly to their even more difficult national sport Pato, played by gauchos, that their handicap system starts from -2. Some say that Adolfo would have a handicap of 14 if there was such a thing because there is just nobody like him. No pressure then. Despite the fact that most petisos or polo ponies are female (chosen for their intelligence and obedience), mine was a male, highly trained and obviously a lot more skilful than me. Marcial showed me how to hold and swing the "taco" or polo mallet and I was given a hard hat and boots. After a warm up, I began trying to hit the ball, at first while the pony was just walking. It felt like playing golf on horseback and there were more than a few fresh-air shots. Yet once I got my eye in, I quickly progressed to a trot and even a canter. Within less than an hour, I felt like I'd won the Triple Corona when I cracked the ball with a resounding "thwack!" at a gallop and sent it scurrying towards goal - ably assisted by my very willing steed. My petiso seemed to enjoy the game as much as I did, running after the ball and even giving it a helpful kick with his hooves when I missed. Marcial cantered behind, shouting encouragement and offering tips. He explained that the ponies are so well-trained that even novices can enjoy a full day at the ranch which includes a barbecue lunch where I met other members of the Cambiaso family and listened agog to their stories. At some point I'll have to return to enjoy all the glamour and excitement of a polo match, where up to 100 petisos participate with their riders sponsored by millionaires and global brands. Sadly, on this occasion, I had run out of time. Instead, I had to catch a flight to Sydney, the next 50 at 50 destination on my round-the-world journey. Tally ho! Where next? Follow my adventures on Telegraph Travel or saga.co.uk/50at50 and @50_at_50 on Twitter. Win a hair makeover Win a holiday for two to South America If you have you been inspired by Bridget McGrouther's "50 at 50" journey around the world, then you have the chance to follow in her footsteps and win a 16-night tour of South America with Saga Holidays. The lucky winners will experience some of the activities and adventures that Bridget will describe in her column over the coming weeks - including tango dancing in Buenos Aires, a train journey to Corcovado Mountain and a flight to Iguazu Falls. For full terms and conditions, see saga.co.uk/50at50