What kind of horses play polo

Thanks to their agility, speed, and endurance, thoroughbreds are by far considered to be the best polo horses by most experts. Thoroughbreds are also large horses, averaging 16 hands , which is roughly 78 inches when measured at their shoulder. Most are brown, bay, dark bay, black, chestnut, or gray in color, and believe it or not, these horses actually enjoy playing the game of polo, which is yet another one of the many reasons polo players choose this type of horse for their games.

One of the reasons no other types of horses are used for polo games is because polo ponies have to meet certain requirements, most of which have already been mentioned. Thoroughbreds, for all practical purposes, are natural-born polo ponies, and with just a little bit of training, they become extraordinary ones, which is why you see them so often at polo games.

Most polo ponies are mares, and they are preferred over gelded males for numerous reasons. Some of these reasons have credibility, while others are just based on tradition.

For example, many riders believe that mares are built better and have softer tempers, which makes them great polo ponies. This is not backed up by science but is still considered a fact by many polo experts. It is a fact, however, that many mares make good money as breeders. A polo pony must be fast and agile on the field, and even though they are called ponies, they are technically full-sized horses capable of outstanding athletic performance.

Thoroughbreds are known for their power, speed, and agility, and they make the best polo ponies compared to criollo and quarter horses. Thoroughbreds are strong and versatile breeds that are most commonly used in the United States.

Polo horses tend to be crossbreeds of different horses — and in the U. The thoroughbred is built for speed and has strong hindquarters that allow it to run fast for long durations. 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.

These horses combine the speed and endurance of Thoroughbreds with the power and quickness of a quarterhorse. The result is an outstanding polo pony which is why in the U. But 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.

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 initially used in warfare as members of the military cavalries, but they later became a popular breed for sporting; and, more specifically, for use in polo. Manipuri breeds typically stand between 11 to 13 hands 44 to 52 inches, to cm have a short back and powerful hindquarters.

The average age of the ponies is about nine years, but their playing life may last into their teens, depending on the level of polo that is played and the health of the horse.

A string of polo ponies on their way to a game. Carefully trained for at least one year before playing polo, the ponies develop keenness and skill and show great cleverness in anticipating the run of the ball and in placing themselves at the best distance from it for the rider to make his stroke. The raw product recruited from western ranches, or the vast estancias of Argentina, are usually four to five years old and well broken. Some are really good at riding off or holding their ground to keep from being ridden off.

You want a horse with quick reflexes that can stop, turn and change direction easily. Horses that have participated in drill teams have some of the skills necessary such as riding in a clump and moving laterally easily. Polo horses also need to be quiet enough to stand tied to a trailer for an afternoon, waiting to play and then waiting to go home while players socialize.

Thoroughbred Polo Pony Thoroughbreds are the most popular breed for polo. They are prized for their endurance, speed and agility. The typical Thoroughbred ranges from They are most often bay, dark bay or brown, chestnut, black, or gray.