Guillermo Cuitino stands out as a true legend in the Dubai polo scene. The 53-year-old Argentine player witnessed the rapid growth of the Al Habtoor Polo Club. He recently shared his inspiring journey during a special Easter exhibition match. He also discussed the rich heritage of this prestigious Dubai sporting venue.
Early Beginnings in Argentina
Polo traces its historic roots back over 2,500 years. Cuitino started his personal polo journey in Argentina at just nine years old. His father played the sport regularly, making this career path inevitable for young Guillermo.
He explained that polo plays a massive role in his homeland. Many Argentine families own farms and breed horses for this traditional game.
Developing Top Polo Ponies
Players ride horseback and use long-handled mallets to score goals. Cuitino deeply understands what makes a polo pony excel on the field. Trainers work with these special horses right from birth.
The young ponies learn basic movements first. By age four, they usually play the game at a slow level. They require three to four years of rigorous training before competing properly. Cuitino noted that modern polo ponies share bloodlines with fast racehorses.
The Al Habtoor Vision
The Al Habtoor Group established its premier Dubai polo club in 2010. Mohammed Al Habtoor envisioned bringing world-class polo directly to the UAE. Cuitino first met Mohammed Al Habtoor in England 18 years ago.
Mohammed convinced the Argentine star to join the ambitious Dubai project. Cuitino credits Mohammed for his entire successful life in Dubai today. The club consistently attracts great crowds despite recent regional uncertainties.
Coaching the Next Generation
Cuitino enjoyed a highly decorated playing career with the Habtoor team. He scored four goals to lead his team during the 2016 Dubai Challenge Cup. He also led his team to victory in the 2025 AHPC League subsidiary final.
Now, he coaches young talent at the club’s developing academy. The academy welcomes boys and girls as young as four years old. Cuitino takes immense pride in teaching this beautiful sport to everyone.
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