Polo Ponies

Next to excellent playing skills, the most important element in polo is the pony. The polo pony is a unique animal, not recognized as a breed itself but combining the best traits of many breeds. Polo demands the speed of a thoroughbred, the intelligence of an Arabian, and the agility of a quarter horse.

Polo demands the speed of a thoroughbred, the intelligence of an Arabian, and the agility of a quarter horse.

When the British first learned of polo in Persia, the ponies used for play were measured at twelve hands two inches. The first height limit for polo ponies in England was fourteen hands in 1876. In 1896 the limit was raised to fourteen hands two inches. The limit was abolished in 1919. Currently most polo ponies are horses of normal height, averaging fifteen hands one inch. Most ponies are of thoroughbred stock. The breeding of polo ponies has been documented in England since 1893. The small thoroughbred stallion Rosewater holds the title of foundation sire for modern English ponies.

The majority of the very best polo ponies since the 1930's have come from Argentina, where thoroughbreds are crossed with the local Criollo horses. The great interest in polo and the availability of skilled riders are a great boon for the Argentine trainers, and they take extratime to produce "made" ponies that play the game well. In any sport, great athletes have that intangible quality known as "heart". This consists of giving one's best effort, and then giving a little more. Polo ponies are no exception.

Horses are credited with being at least 80 percent of the player’s effectiveness and most valuable asset. Occasionally an exceptional pony will be played in two chukkers with one or more chukkers in between to rest. Polo ponies are usually in such good physical condition that they are able to play at least two periods or more.

A suitable fitness program and proper nutrition are essential, but so too is appropriate furriery, dentistry and veterinary care