About El Venado Polo School

Our estancia

El Venado is a working ranch situated in the prime grassland of the Argentine pampas, just 165km (2 hours’ drive) from Buenos Aires. Set on 2,500 acres, El Venado is home to more than 1000 head of cattle and 200 horses.

Built in 1878 by Federico’s great-grandfather, the El Venado hacienda is rich in history and heritage. For four generations, the ranch has been owned and operated by the Cendoya family – and since the 1990s, it has also been the home of one of the most popular polo schools in the country.

At El Venado, guests enjoy the easy rhythm of daily farm life – whether that means herding cattle, watching horses being trained, riding out to check the crops, or taking a trip into the local village, Pila. It’s also a great chance to learn a little Spanish (but rest easy, we speak English too).

As well as two full-size Bermuda grass polo fields, we also have an all-weather arena, which means you can play even when it rains. Guests stay in the comfort of our purpose-built guest house, and have access to free Wifi, a games room, swimming pool and more.

Polo School

El Venado Polo School has hosted polo players from across the world since the 1990s, and we remain a firm favourite with many guests who return year after year. With our superb facilities, pro coaches and finely-tuned horses, we teach first-timers.

Polo is a thrilling and challenging game, and there’s always something new to learn. At our polo school, we love nothing more than sharing our love of the game with guests. From stick and balling to playing chukkas and learning the rules, it’s all part of the El Venado Polo School experience.

While there are many polo schools in Argentina, El Venado is the only one where guests get such an authentic taste of gaucho life – and feel at home from the moment they arrive.

WHAT WE OFFER

Meet Federico Cendoya

El Venado is owned and run by Federico Cendoya, a 5-goal professional polo player with over 30 years’ experience playing across the world. As well as being a seasoned player, Fede is also a world-class coach, who has taught players everywhere from Pennsylvania to Peru.

While he is skilled at fine-tuning the details of experienced players’ games, Fede’s specialty is helping beginners to establish the basics and improve their riding position for polo, so they can play with greater precision and confidence. He is also the master of the swing, and ensures that every guest leaves with a greatly improved technique.

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