Horses

Polo ponies, tack

Polo ponies are recognized as a distinct breed and they are truly unique horses that combine the traits of a number of breeds. Next to a player's skills, the polo pony is the most important factor in polo. A polo pony has to run as fas as possible, but also has to be able to stop, turn, and strat again, for seven minutes straight. The English have documented the breeding of polo ponies since 1893. A small Thoroughbred stallion named Rosewater holds the title of "foundation sire" for most English ponies. In the United States, Thoroughbred horses are usually bred with Quarter horses to produce polo ponies. Since 1930 some of the best polo ponies have been produced in Argentina. The Argentines cross Thoroughbred horses with their local Criollo horses. On the most presitigious tournaments very fast horses are in favour, due to their mainly Thoroughbred blood. Earlier the average polo pony was only about twelve hands high, this is the reason still the horses used in polo are called pony. The first height limit for polo ponies was set in 1876 at fourteen hands. In 1896 the limit was raised to fourteen hands two inches. In 1919 limits were abolished. Today every horses can play, regardless the height. Today most polo ponies are of normal height, averaging fifteen hands one inch.

Equipment (tack) of the polo pony with some unique feature

Saddle: Without pads, standard or suede type for the sake of the players’ mobility and safe seet

Stirrup irons: Endurance and wide platform

Stirrup leather:Made from strong leather (buffallo specially) in order to resist to the hard swing and pressure of the players’ weight

Girth: Fabric or leather made

Overgirth: If the girth happen to break, the overgirth will still hold the saddle in place as it is secured over the saddle

Breast plate: Stops the saddle from moving back

Full bridle: Helps to controll and direct the horse with your left hand only

Draw reins: Useful to handle the horse with more ease

Martingal: Prevents a pony from raising its head too high

Bit: Gag and pelham bits are most frequently used

Halters and leads: Argentine braided rowhide leather is the strongest

Wraps, bell and tendon boots: Keep the tendons, protect the horse’s leg and hoof from balls and mallet hits

Tail wraping or braiding: During play the tail must be wraped in order to prevent hooking the mallet