Hi, I’m Alberto Valcarcel, co-founder of Blokit, alongside my good friend Eduardo Amaya.

Eduardo and I go way back — over 30 years to be exact. We first met in Argentina, where he was a top polo instructor and I was one of his more challenging students. While my polo dreams didn’t exactly take off, our friendship did, and that’s what lasted. During those years, I witnessed Eduardo’s deep care and dedication to horses, and it made a lasting impression on me.

Ten years ago, Eduardo relocated to Houston, and we picked up right where we left off. I returned to polo, but now with a new perspective on the safety and well-being of the horses we love.

The Spark Behind Blokit

About two years ago, after one of our polo practices, Eduardo shared a thought that had been on his mind for many years: the lack of proper protection for horses. While polo players have access to protective gear for every part of their bodies, horses, especially around the head, remained vulnerable. Eduardo, having spent over fifty years in the polo world, had seen his share of accidents and the long-term toll these injuries can take on horses. That conversation, in early 2023, was the spark that ignited our journey to create a protective device for horses.

A Journey of Passion and Innovation

It’s been an incredible journey! We dove headfirst into the project, knowing we were about to make a real difference in the lives of horses. Our brainstorming sessions were often fueled by Silvina’s amazing homemade empanadas and a glass of fine Argentine Malbec. We knew our protective device needed to check three key boxes: it had to be effective, easy to install, and, just as importantly, preserve the natural beauty of the horse’s head.

We worked closely with a design firm, and after a lot of trial and error — designs that were too bulky, or didn’t fit just right — we finally arrived at a version we were proud of.

Perfecting the Protection

Then came the challenge of finding the perfect material. We tested countless options, each time thinking we’d found “the one,” only to discover another material that might work even better. We brought in a materials expert and collaborated with top impact labs across the U.S. for rigorous testing. We also partnered with a group of respected veterinarians in Texas who helped us understand the most vulnerable areas of a horse’s head and provided crucial insights into the long-term effects of head impacts.

Through this collaborative effort, we were able to select the ideal materials for our protective device.

Craftsmanship and Quality

Once we were confident in our design and its protective qualities, we filed for a patent and turned our attention to manufacturing. We wanted the craftsmanship to match our high standards, so we partnered with Argentina’s renowned leather artisans — the talabarteros. After an extensive search, we found the perfect match in a third-generation talabartero, whose passion for his craft is as strong as Eduardo’s dedication to horses. The result is a high-quality protective device, designed and rigorously tested in the U.S. and handmade by one of Argentina’s finest artisans.

Our Proud Moment

Now, after nearly two years of hard work, we are thrilled to share this protective device with horse lovers around the world. What started as an idea Eduardo had been contemplating for years is now a reality. I am incredibly proud to be part of this journey, knowing we are making a tangible difference in keeping horses safe.

Thank you for being part of our story!