Polo is a thrilling game where riders require quick-thinking and a tremendous amount of skill. But that’s not all the riders need – they also require the assistance of a polo pony to help them navigate the field and manoeuvre around the opposing players.
To help provide the perfect companion for the polo field, only the best animals that possess the necessary attributes are chosen. But what are those attributes and how can you tell whether a polo pony is cut out for the rigours of the game? Let’s find out…
What Are Polo Ponies?
Despite their name, polo ponies aren’t actually ponies at all, they’re horses. However, they’re not your average horses as they’re a special breed that’s meticulously bred and trained to participate in the sport of polo.
Often associated with nobility and aristocracy, polo is an exhilarating sport that requires horses with a unique set of attributes, which we’ll cover in this post.
A Glimpse Into History
With its roots planted in ancient Persia, polo has a rich history that goes back hundreds of years. It was first introduced to the Western world during the colonial era, after the British discovered it in India.
As the sport gained prominence among aristocrats, the need for horses that could match its pace and intensity emerged. In the early days, the first polo ponies were not distinct breeds, but rather horses that had been chosen due to their specific attributes which made them ideal for playing the game.
However, over time selective breeding coupled with rigorous training refined these equine specimens to shape them into the specialist creatures we see today.
Polo ponies are predominantly bred from a mix of horse breeds, including Thoroughbreds, American Quarter Horses, Argentine Criollos and, in some cases, Warmbloods. These make the best horses for polo.
Key Attributes Of Polo Ponies
As discussed already, polo ponies are have been bred to cultivate the various attributes that make them perfect for the polo field, including:
Speed
Speed is arguably the most important attribute for any polo horse to have. The horse will need speed to chase down the ball and get past opponents, so without it, the horse and its rider will be left behind!
Many polo horses are prized for their speed, so if you’re looking for the best animals to play the game then this is one area that can’t be overlooked.
Stamina
Along with speed, stamina is another crucial attribute all polo horses must possess. After all, there’s not much use having a quick horse if it’s getting tired halfway through a match!
A game of polo consists of several chukkas (periods) which last for seven minutes. The game can move at a relentless pace which is incredibly demanding, so only horses with strong bodies and excellent cardiovascular systems will do.
Agility
Having a quick pony polo pony can be the difference between victory and defeat. Polo is a fast-paced sport that can move from one area of the field to another in no time, so horses that can change direction rapidly and weave through crowds is essential.
Height And Size
Another important attribute of polo ponies is their size and height. To allow the player to get low to reach the ball, these horses are generally shorter than standard riding horses, standing typically at around 15 to 16 hands high. They also tend to be smaller, so with less body mass they’re able to manoeuvre more easily.
Versatility
Polo ponies often lead double lives. As well as spending time on the polo field, many of them will be frequently used for other equestrian disciplines such as jumping, dressage, eventing, and even recreational riding.
This versatility and the ability to showcase their skills in a number of arenas makes some of the best polo horses highly sought-after.
Temperament
As well as having the desired physical attributes, a polo horse must also have the right temperament. Having a hose with speed, agility and ideal size is no use if you can’t control or teach the animal to perform on the field.
Having a horse that’s trainable and responsive to their riders is essential for not only performing well, but keeping the rider safe. A temperamental horse could pose a safety risk to players and other horses.
So those are the main attributes that every polo pony needs to make them ideal for the field. As well as being quick, agile and manoeuvrable, they also need a calm temperament and the willingness to learn. As you can see, only those that make the best horses for polo are cut out for the job.