M5 Ranch, Where Canadian Cowboy Culture and Elite Polo Collide
Set against the breathtaking landscape of the Rocky Mountains south of Calgary, the M5 Ranch on the Highwood River, owned by Ron Mathison, has become a hub for competitive polo, where passion for the sport meets a deep appreciation for tradition.
For the last decade, this hidden gem has brought together local and international players, transforming the ranch into a center for fast-paced, High-Goal polo throughout July and August. What began as an idea to utilize a flat piece of land evolved into one of Canada’s premier polo fields. Matches at Highwood are played at a thrilling pace and the teams change constantly, making every game an experience.
The ranch is across the river from the Stampede Ranch which was owned by Guy Weadick, the original founder of the world-famous Calgary Stampede and the area is home to many large historic ranches like the Buffalo Head, the Bar U, and the OH.
These close ties to “cowboy culture” shine through in the unique “Gaucho Challenge,” a team cattle penning event that unites the worlds of polo and rodeo. This special event symbolizes a bond between Canadian and Argentinian cultures, with cowboys and polo players competing in a race to “pen” or corral cattle, bringing a taste of Argentina's equestrian heritage to the heart of Canada’s Cowboy Country.
The evolution of the ranch and its polo wouldn’t have happened without Marcelo Abbiati, an Argentinian who became a cornerstone of Calgary's polo community. With Marcelo's guidance, polo at the ranch has flourished, sourcing top horses and attracting talent from around the globe, blending the elegance of polo with the rugged spirit of the Canadian West.
-Ron, what initially drew you to polo, and how did you get started in the sport?
"I participated in cow horse events and team penning, which are quite popular here in Western Canada. I became interested in playing polo in 1994 through a chance encounter at the Calgary Polo Club with an old friend and business partner, Rob Peters. Rob was a polo player, rancher, and business leader, who was a legend for his passions and for his ability to persuade people, about anything, but especially polo.
In 1995, I met Marcelo Abbiati, an Argentinian who had moved to Canada after marrying a Canadian. I bought my first horses from him, and everything happened very quickly. Within two years, I went from playing 4-goal tournaments in Calgary to competing in the 20-goal Pacific Coast Open with Carlos Gracida in Santa Barbara. Over the years, I’ve played polo all around the world – from St. Tropez to Paris, Uruguay, and Argentina. In the winters, we play in Palm Springs at the Eldorado Polo Club in California, where I’ve been going for 13 years, and in the summers at the ranch."
-Have any influences within the polo community shaped your approach to the game?
"As I mentioned, Marcelo came to Canada as a professional player in the late '80s. He married a local girl, Susan Benediktson, and ended up staying. I met him a few years later. Calgary has a strong connection to polo; the Mannix family are essentially the patriarchs of the sport here and Fred and Julian Mannix play at high levels in Argentina. The Mannix’s own the Calgary Polo Club which was founded in 1897 and is one of the oldest clubs in North America."
-Has polo had an effect your life outside the sport, in terms of values or perspectives?
"I wouldn't say polo has changed me in any particular way. It’s a sport I’m passionate about, much like skiing or any fast-paced activity. I have a very busy life, and playing polo helps me to focus because it requires 100% concentration on the game. That focus is something that relaxes me and provides a form of escape."
-Beyond the Calgary Polo Club, you have the Highwood River M5 Ranch, which is renowned for its stunning polo field. Can you share the story behind its creation?
"I have a ranch with cattle and I've had horses for years. There was a flat piece of land on the property, and we thought it would be a great place for a polo field. We started with a place of rare natural beauty and people tell me it turned out to be quite a nice field. I’m a bit biased, but I agree."
-What type of polo is played at the Highwood River M5 Ranch?
"We play competitive and fast-paced polo, and it’s an invitational tournament. Teams change for almost every match, ensuring they never repeat, and we have a point system – whoever has won the most matches at the end of the season receives a trophy, usually a Swiss watch, as recognition. That helps make it very competitive but it’s also friendly. The competitive atmosphere combined with the skill level and quality field make for a very fast pace.
The ranch is about an hour from Calgary, and we play on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays throughout July and August. We usually bring in six players, aiming for matches with a handicap between 14 and 16 goals. This year, players like Segundo Bocchino, Cholo Donovan, Nacho Bello, from Argentina, Felipe Marques Ochoa from Colombia, and Ryan Kerly from the United States joined us. We prioritize good people first, and then great players. We also ensure that the games are professionally officiated and we have high-quality referees. This year Alex Roldan officiated the matches."
-Can you tell us about the horses you play?
"We've always had competitive horses. Marcelo handles them, sourcing most of them from Argentina, but we also have a few from the U.S. and Canada. Currently, we have over 20 horses for the season, and some of them were purchased from players like Martin de Narvaez, Gaston Lisioli, and Tomacho Pieres."
-Are there any events held at Highwood Ranch? Does it have any traditions?
"Calgary hosts the Calgary Stampede, a major event that draws over a million visitors each year. It features Rodeo, Chuckwagon Races, and many other attractions. I still compete in the Stampede Events and was the Reserve Champion at this year’s Stampede Working Cow Horse competition. The Calgary Stampede takes place in the second week of July and is a 10-day celebration of Western culture, but the main attraction is the rodeo. The players always make time to attend the world-famous Calgary Stampede Rodeo and Chuckwagon Races and join in the party atmosphere.
In alignment with that spirit, we host the “Gaucho Challenge.” It’s a team penning event where cowboys team up with polo players to compete in rounding up calves. We use polo horses and polo saddles as well as specially trained cow horses and western saddles, and everyone participates, making it a fun and unique competition. For those unfamiliar with team penning, there are 30 calves, each marked with a number. There are three of each number between 0-9, and the goal is to separate the three assigned to your team from the herd and corral them as quickly as possible.
We also host an annual party at the ranch with about 200 guests for a game, barbecue, and dance."
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