I understand this is strictly racing but Thoroughbreds are used heavily in the sport, many that are didn't have the heart or talent for the track find a calling in this sport.
The horse dances off the field in perfect control and yet coiled to leap forward at the slightest cue. The rider touches his neck and the prancing turns to more of a walk as he blows from exertion of several minutes of full out running. The rider dismounts, gets on his waiting stablemate and he's led back to the trailer. Welcome to the life of a polo pony. Polo is seen as a rich person's sport. It's mentioned in passing as something the Royal family does or attends, and it's far removed from the rest of the horse and sports world. This is unfortunate because if one looks the athletic abilities are incredible, the competition fierce, the teamwork incredible and in most cases it's free to watch. The maintenance of a string of polo ponies can be expensive to figure six horses, plus a spare or two, and keeping them fed, trained, conditioned and ready to play. They must have a vehicle large enough to carry them all to the match. This is for one rider of a team that has four riders. If you can imagine the entourage of up to 24 horses, all their tack, grooms, equipment, riders and other essentials traveling down the road it is not a cheap sport. The money is external. These competitors are tough, both pony and rider. A polo pony may be any size and often are 15-16 hands but are still called ponies. The pony must have speed and control with a big dose of agility and level headed temperament. Many are former race horses too slow for the track but with plenty of speed for the polo field. On arrival at a match they are tied to the trailer where they must stand quietly. They are groomed, tacked, legs wrapped for protection, tails braided for safety and warmed up in turn to play. The loss of a good polo pony is felt deeply as these are much more than just horses. The best player is for nothing without a pony to get him (or her) in the position to hit the ball. They must be solid at all speeds, work off of neck and leg cues without getting rattled at being bumped and pushed by other horses. Biting or kicking is not allowed. Finding this in a prospect is difficult then they must learn to accept the mallet being swung near his head, the ball moving near or under his feet and changing directions to chase the ball. The mane is roached and the tail shaved 12-18 inches down the tailbone with the rest often braided up to prevent a mallet getting tangled in the tail. Any breed can be used providing they are able to play. Thoroughbreds are common, but appaloosas and other breeds have been used on the field. An English type saddle if used and either double or single reins, but held in one hand as the other has the mallet. A full sized field can be 300 yards long and 160 yards wide. The ball is driven down this field and between two goal posts to score. The ball is 3 to 3 inches and experienced players make it look easy hitting this ball at full speed on a galloping horse down the field and through an 8 yard wide goal area. The mallet is 48-52 inches. The game consists of six chukkers, or periods of play of seven minutes each. There is typically a break after the third ("half time" for football fans!) but between the other chukkers it is just long enough for players to switch to fresh ponies which have been warmed up and are waiting for them. Each chukker, sometimes called chukka, is full on play with the object to get the ball between the goal posts. Evolved from military games designed to increase horsemanship, polo is not for the timid rider. A rider cannot cross into the path of an oncoming player. You can hook an opponent's mallet, bump with your horse and steal the ball but not cross the critical point in front. Penalties result in free hits, similar to a free throw in basketball, but the more severe the infraction the closer the hit might be. Along with the eight playing ponies on the field there are also two referees on ponies and one in the stands. Each player gets a handicap from low of minus two to 10. In the US players over 6 goal are few. Goals are valid only if the rider is on the horse. . The players have particular areas to play. The number 1 position is the offense position covering the number four player. The number 2 player is the most difficult, with fearless and sometimes aggressive riders needed to get the ball down the field. These ponies must be gutsy and fast to keep ahead of the play if they get in the clear. Number three is usually the best player, with the need for long powerful hits to get the ball up to the 1 and 2 players to score as well as defending from opponents trying to score. In football terms this is the quarterback. Number 4 is a defensive player that can move anywhere on the field but is the "goalie", who is the last one to block an incoming hit and prevent the opposing team from scoring. Once the ball drops only penalties, broken equipment or injury to pony or rider will stop play. The action can be fast and furious. Variations include arena polo, cowboy polo and snow polo. Make no doubt that although an expensive sport polo players and their ponies are athletes. Men and women compete on equal footing and good ponies are 80% of the game. Teamwork, drive and athletic ability as well as skill are needed.
Keywords: ex-race horses, polo, polo ponies, Throughbreds
