WHAT IS A POLO PONY?
The term "polo pony" is a traditional phrase used to describe a horse of any size or breed that is used to play polo. In the early days of polo history the height of the mounts used for polo were restricted to pony size (14.2 hands, a hand is equal to 4 inches) and thus the term "polo pony" developed. The average size of a polo pony used today is about 15 -15.3 hands tall. Polo ponies can be of any size or breed. Top polo ponies require the abilities and similar training of almost every other equestrian sport. They must stop and turn like a cow horse, they must be able to jump boards and be bold and fearless like a jumper, they must be able to run like a race horse, they must be balanced and under complete control like a dressage horse and it doesn’t hurt if they are beautiful to look at. The most common breeds used for polo today in the United States are the Thoroughbred and the Quarter Horse. Polo Ponies are also imported annually from countries around the world including Argentina, England, New Zealand and Mexico to name just a few. The sport of polo is played at many different skill levels and each one requires a specific type of horse to meet the demands. The breed of polo pony used for each player depends on that player's personal preference. Polo horse prospects can be found in many places doing other equestrian sports. New polo horse prospects are often referred to as green horses. Some common sources for young prospects are breeding farms, working ranches and the racetrack. Polo prospects go through years of specialized training before they become what is traditionally called a "made pony". A made pony is one that is ready for use in tournament polo. Top notch ponies will sometimes be shipped around the globe with their professionals in pursuit of prestigious tournament titles.
WHAT DOES A POLO PONY LOOK LIKE?
Traditionally a polo pony has some very common characteristics. Players like to have a horse that is deep in girth for a large air capacity, a short back for quick maneuvering, and conformationally correct legs for a lengthy career. The average height for a polo horse today is between 15-15.3 hands tall. Because polo can be played on any breed of horse it is not uncommon to see horses of many different color patterns competing in the same game.
