Polo horses are just as important as polo players. As a sport which is played on horseback, having a horse which is well-trained, healthy and strong is vital to ensuring you can play a great game of polo.
But can any horse be a polo pony? Many horses have the strength and intelligence to be polo horses however the fast-paced and demanding nature of the sport means that not all horses are suitable to become polo ponies.
You may think that because a horse can be ridden and trained it is suitable for sport, but this is not the case. There are many factors to consider which determine whether or not a horse is able to play polo.
First, you need to consider the athleticism of the horse. Polo ponies are required to be fast, agile and have good endurance to allow them to play for long periods of time. While many horses are fast, not all will be as agile and hardy as necessary to play polo.
Horse breeds which possess natural athleticism are best suited for sport and therefore for polo. You shouldn’t expect a breed which is known for being friendly and slow to be a polo pony.
You should also consider the temperament of a horse. Calm and trainable horses are the best for polo as they need to be willing to learn and respond to the rider, as well as be calm and able to handle the excitement of the sport.
A horse which is easily spooked or who has an unpredictable or excitable nature may not be suitable for polo as they will not be responsive and focused enough to play.
Temperament also determines how well the hose will be trained. Horses that are happy to learn and follow instructions, can pick up instructions and directions easily and who can quickly adapt based on the rider’s direction are the best for polo.