Batavia Polo Club

About BPC & Polo - Polo Ponies

What is a polo pony type?

By Catriona Baker

Throughout the history of polo the best ponies have several attributes in common which have been focused on when looking for potential polo ponies. Although the combination of breeds has changed, the basic type of pony looked for has remained constant. The same type of pony required today is generally the same type that was used in the earlier half of the 20th century. Basically, as near thoroughbred as possible and of the short coupled, thoroughbred hunter type, in other words the miniature robust type of a racehorse.
When looking for potential polo ponies the following attributes are generally looked for:
  • A kind temperament, yet possessing a bold outlook as expressed by the animals head and eye.
  • A pony, not a horse.
  • A light mouth
  • Unlimited quality.
  • A light, well-set-on head and neck attached to lean, well sloped shoulders.
  • A short-backed pony with well-sprung ribs can usually turn and stop more quickly.
  • Good feet and fore limbs. The pasterns are generally straighter than is acceptable for other disciplines, as long sloping pasterns will put too much strain on the tendons, which are subjected to great wear and tear in polo.
  • Ample heart room, i.e. depth through the girth, which indicates stamina and staying power.
  • Hocks naturally well under them. There should be plenty of space between the stifle and point of hip, coupled with a well let down hock to allow maximum impulsion from behind.
  • Smoothness at all paces. You need a horse that extends to gallop fast and naturally comes back when stopping. For example, a big rangy free galloping horse will never have the same natural ability or tendency to quickly change pace or direction.
  • Good natural balance as indicated by movement and carriage including a natural tendency to lateral movements.
From whatever background it usually takes two years to train a horse to become "a made pony" that loves to play the game. It is through the skill of certain trainers that these naturally athletic running machines become successful polo ponies.

>>What is a polo pony?
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