You’ll notice while watching a polo match that the horses possess an amazing athletic tenacity, and while there isn’t a particular breed that is chosen for the sport, there are some that are preferred over others.
It has been estimated that there are over 350 different horse breeds around the world, the horses used in polo, usually called polo ponies, typically belong to one of the four following breeds: Thoroughbred, Argentine Polo Pony, Thoroughbred-Quarter cross, and the Manipuri Breed.
These four breeds are fast and agile, two traits desired for playing this equestrian sport. Polo ponies have been selectively bred through generations to create the best genetic match for a game that requires speed, endurance, and agility.
Here’s a list of the most popular polo pony breeds:
1. Thoroughbred Polo Horses
Thoroughbreds are strong and versatile breeds that are commonly used. Polo horses tend to be crossbreeds of different horses, and most polo horses are about 75 per cent thoroughbred.
The thoroughbred is built for speed and has strong hindquarters that allow it to run fast for long durations. Thanks to breeding years, today’s thoroughbred has both speed and stamina and can easily sustain high performance through a polo match.
2. Argentine Polo Pony
The Argentinian is a cross between a thoroughbred and an Argentinian breed known as criollo. Criollos are essentially working cow horses with a remarkably agile body and are valued for this ability. Thoroughbreds are bred with criollos to create a horse with more endurance, and this crossbreed is known as Argentine polo pony or Argentine-Anglo.
3. Thoroughbred-Quarter Horse Cross (Appendix)
The offspring of Thoroughbred and quarter horse crosses are called ‘appendix’ horses. These horses combine the speed and endurance of Thoroughbreds with the power and quickness of a quarter horse. Their physical strength and speed are ideal for polo games, where the agility and limber physique allow them to make quick turns and achieve rapid acceleration.
4. Manipuri Breed
The Manipuri breed originated in Manipuri, India, and is known as one of the original polo horses – and one of the most prestigious horses in the region. These horses were first used in warfare as members of the military cavalries, later becoming a popular breed for sporting, and, more specifically, for use in polo.
Manipuri breeds typically have a short back and powerful hindquarters. Because they are so short, polo players often use mallets with shortened shafts when riding them.
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