TIP: Click the   Video tab to see this activity in action

Hello, there seems to be a problem, you have either not got java enabled, or you do not have the latest Flash player installed. Please click here to install the latest player, once complete, close that window and refresh this page.

The national game of Argentina.
Pato is a game played on horseback that combines elements from polo and basketball. It is the national game of Argentina.

Popularity
Pato was a brutal sport which is recorded as early as 1610. The modern game of Pato gained legitimacy, to the point that President Juan Perón declared Pato to be Argentina's national game in 1953.

Location
Pato is Spanish for "duck", as early games used a live duck inside a basket instead of a ball. The playing field would often stretch the distance between neighboring ranches. The first team to reach its own ranch house with the duck being the winner.

Age
Pato is competed by riders 12 yrs upwards.
Pato has been banned several times during its history due to violence, not only to the duck; many gauchos were trampled underfoot, and more lost their lives in knife fights started in the heat of the game.

Description
Modern pato, is played by two teams of four members each. Riding on horses players fight for possession of a ball which has six handles, and score goals by throwing the ball through a vertically positioned ring. The rings have a 100 cm diameter. and are located on top of 240 cm high poles. A closed net, extending for 140 cm holds the ball after goals are scored.

The winner is the team with most goals scored after the regulation time, which consists of six eight minute periods.

Closely Related Activities
Horse or Equestrian Ball 225, Polo 468.

Further Reading

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

Please be advised that this record has not necessarily been reviewed by people with the expertise required to provide you with complete, accurate or reliable information. The information and images for this activity are supplied by the general public, Please contact us if there is a breach of copyright or you wish to improve the data.