Herencia Polo Sotogrande: Our First Field Trial

At Herencia Polo Sotogrande, Pablo Roldán combines high-level coaching, quality polo ponies and the discretion of a private estate.

Sotogrande is well known for its polo, from elite international tournaments to established clubs and a vibrant social scene. But tucked away from the larger operations is Herencia Polo Sotogrande, where Pablo and Leticia Roldán are creating a more personal and intimate polo experience.

More polo hideaway than traditional club, Herencia offers individualized coaching with Pablo on Herencia’s own horses, complemented by a beautiful clubhouse and villa for visiting guests. A great deal of VELA’s early testing took place on their private practice field surrounded by avocado and orange groves. It’s an environment where the training is serious but the atmosphere stays relaxed and unhurried.

Herencia Polo Sotogrande at night.

A Personalized Approach to Polo

At Herencia, the focus is on the individual. Lessons are tailored to the student, covering everything from refining balance, position and control to stick-and-ball work and game strategy. Pablo emphasizes strong fundamentals, adapting his instruction to each player’s abilities and goals. Many of his students are training for tournaments in the Sotogrande-area and abroad.

He’s remarkably observant. On one occasion, while schooling his four-year-old, Dakota, that was enthusiastically bucking her way around the arena, he was simultaneously calling out corrections to my lead changes.

It’s characteristic of his teaching style: attentive, technically precise and responsive to what each student needs. His lessons are relaxed, but beneath that are high standards. He knows when to introduce a new challenge and when to push a rider beyond their comfort zone. 

As a pilot and trainer, Pablo also schools horses for other players, developing and refining their training before returning them to their owners.

An Open Door to New Ideas

As part of the development of VELA’s first polo bridle, Pablo made his horses available for measurements, and our first prototype was built around them. Once it was finished, it went straight back down to Sotogrande to be put to the test. Beyond trialing the bridle itself, Pablo paired it with a gag bit on Dakota, his four-year-old mare in training and felt she went particularly well in the combination.

Pablo took the time to evaluate the bridle both in the arena and on the polo field, comparing it with his usual equipment. By allowing us to trial the prototype on several of his horses, he gave us valuable opportunities to observe its fit and function across different individuals.

His feedback also extended beyond the horses themselves. He offered a practical perspective on what players and pilots look for in their equipment. His continued advice and introductions within the sport have mattered just as much as we bring VELA’s Polo SWAP to market.

Pablo training his four-year old mare, Dakota.

Herencia reflects much of Pablo’s personality and approach to the sport, where thoughtful coaching and the care he and Leticia take with their guests come together naturally. We’re grateful for their generosity in making their horses available to us, and for their enthusiasm and continued support as we develop Polo SWAP.