Lightning Strike Kills Four Polo Mares and Injures Caretaker in San Isidro

Four polo mares were killed and their caretaker was injured on Wednesday morning when a lightning strike hit the Jockey Club of San Isidro during a severe storm that affected the northern area of Greater Buenos Aires. The dramatic event occurred shortly after 11 a.m. on field number 6 of the facility, where approximately 20 horses were gathered under the supervision of a worker in preparation for training activities.

According to initial reports, the powerful electrical discharge struck the ground where the animals were tied to a post. The force of the impact affected six mares in total. Four of them died instantly at the scene, while two others collapsed to the ground before managing to stand back up and survive.

The caretaker responsible for supervising the animals bore the brunt of the shock wave, being thrown approximately ten feet from the horses. He was quickly assisted by people at the scene and transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries, and officials confirmed he is currently out of danger.

Witnesses and specialists noted the extraordinary intensity of the phenomenon. Witnesses reported that the protective blankets and bandages worn by the animals appeared blown apart or ruptured. An equine veterinarian explained that the electrical current traveled through the horses' bodies to reach the earth via their hooves, causing severe burns and damage around their lower legs.

The two surviving mares are currently under close veterinary observation. Medical teams will evaluate them in the coming hours to determine the full extent of their physical trauma, though early estimates suggest that lingering physical consequences may prevent them from ever playing polo again.

The unexpected tragedy unfolded during a morning marked by severe electrical storms and atmospheric instability across the Buenos Aires metropolitan area, with local sources noting that the sudden lightning strike occurred without prior warnings of heavy electrical activity. While civil defense and police forces did not need to intervene in the private operation managed directly by the owners and club affiliates, the event serves as a stark reminder of the deadly risks lightning poses to large animals in open spaces.