Polo is a surprisingly ancient sport, thought to have originated in Persia around 600 BC, played between nomadic warriors. It became the sport of the nobility, who could afford to keep a team of horses fit and fed merely for their entertainment. By the Middle Ages, polo playing was widespread throughout the East as a method of training cavalry.
British tea planters in Asia brought the game to the UK in the 1860’s, where it was played amongst the militia, who called it ‘hockey on horseback’. As the military became mechanised, polo fell into decline, before becoming popular again during the 1940’s. Today, more than 77 countries play on the thriving international polo circuit.
The horses ridden by the players are known as ‘polo ponies’, regardless of their size, as originally smaller mounts were considered an advantage in the game. These days, speed, strength and stamina are the essential attributes of a good polo pony, and they can be of any height or breed, although many are part or fully thoroughbred.
It takes more than just a decent turn of speed to make a good polo pony, however. They must also have an intuitive combination of boldness, mental agility, and a calm disposition. Although energy is important, horses that are too headstrong or flighty will have no ‘mind for the game’ and may be a danger to other players on the team.
Even the most talented polo pony has to undergo a rigorous training regime to bring them up to match standard. They must learn to turn on a halfpenny, accelerate instantly, and pull up or rein back in a second. There is also the steady process of getting the horse used to the swinging of the mallet and the movement of the ball, which can take months or even years.
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