Argentine polo is much more than just a sport—it’s a way of life that demands discipline, technique, passion, and a high level of physical and mental preparation. To compete at the highest level, as Camilo and Bartolomé Castagnola do—star players of La Natividad Polo Team—off-field training is just as crucial as what happens on the pitch.
But how does a professional polo player train? What does it take to reach the level of these elite athletes?
1. Specific Physical Training for Polo
Polo fitness training focuses on developing strength, endurance, balance, reflexes, and mobility. Unlike other sports, polo requires not only physical and mental performance from the player, but also a deep connection with their horse—making the physical and mental bond with polo ponies fundamental.
The Castagnola brothers follow weekly routines that combine:
- Functional strength training: exercises for core, back, arms, and legs—key muscle groups to control the mallet and stay strong in the saddle.
- Cardio and endurance: sessions of running, cycling, or HIIT to maintain peak aerobic performance throughout each chukka.
- Stability and coordination: drills to improve balance and reaction speed, simulating real in-game scenarios.
2. On-Horse Training: The Heart of Argentine Polo
La Natividad Polo players spend hours riding every day at La Natividad Polo Farm in Cañuelas, where they also train with top-class ponies bred at Cría Chalo, known for their speed, temperament, and quality.
On-horse training includes:
- Stick & ball sessions: individual practice with mallet and ball to sharpen precision and technique.
- Team practice: simulated game plays and match strategies with teammates.
- Daily rides and pony rotations: to keep all horses in top condition and fully attuned to each player’s unique style.
3. Mental Focus and Competitive Mindset
Top-level polo also demands emotional stability, mental clarity, and split-second decision-making. Camilo and Barto work with visualization techniques, breath control, and mental focus routines, alongside maintaining healthy sleep and nutrition habits to perform at their best.
4. The Training Philosophy at La Natividad Polo
At La Natividad, training goes far beyond physical preparation. It’s a holistic approach rooted in family values, discipline, passion, and love for horses. The legacy of Lolo Castagnola, legendary player and coach of his sons, lives on in every training session—instilling not just technical skills but also the values that make Argentine polo a global benchmark.
Excellence is trained. Behind every win from La Natividad Polo Team are hours of quiet preparation, relentless effort, and an unbreakable bond between player and horse. And that is, without a doubt, the true essence of polo.