Polo is an incredibly exciting, fast-paced game and polo players have to be very fit, physically and mentally, in order to play it well… but it’s important not to forget the most important athletes on the pitch – and that’s the horses!
You’re only as good as your polo pony, after all, so it’s important to take the time to find the right one for you, one that matches you and your temperament and riding style well but also one that’s well suited to the polo pitch.
In terms of physical characteristics of the horse, pay close attention to the legs, as you want them to be as straight as possible, from the front and side view. When looking at the horse from the front, check to see that the knees are square, rather than round.
Where the hindquarters are concerned, look for a horse that has a round and well-sized rump, with the hips resembling a D shape. It’s also a good sign if the horse you’re looking at has hind legs that remain compressed under pressure, as this will help them when stopping, turning and jumping out.
Temperament is also something you need to consider when looking for a polo pony. The best polo horses are those that have an adaptive attitude and are able to work to the very best of their physical ability – which is what you want on the polo field, of course.
Another factor to be on the lookout for is how well the horse performs in lateral motion, whether that’s a spin on the pitch or something less subtle. The horse needs to be responsive and able to do what you’re asking in a split second, changing direction as required.
Of course, these are just a couple of considerations to take into account when choosing your horse and it’s important to take your time so you know you’re making the right investment for you.
For polo lessons in the UK, get in touch with Menard Polo today.