polo horses killed in Florida

Sometimes we have to wonder what crosses people's minds. The team favored to win at the pinnacle of competition in polo, Lechuza Polo from Venezuela, had not just one but 21 horses collapse and die as they were unloaded from trailers at Wellington Florida's polo club. Thoroughbreds are often used in the sport. Although the team is owned by a Venezuelan businessman most of the horses and players are from Argentina. This isn't a case of just going out and buying a couple dozen more horses. The team has 60 horses, and all who got sick died.

 For those who haven't watched a polo "pony" in action they are incredible athletes with the ability to run flat out, stop and change direction and follow a ball to the goal. A good polo pony can be $10,000-20,000 easily and up. A trained high goal pony in International competition, which all of these 21 are, is much more than that.

Think on the level of a barn of 21 stakes horses or 21 world champion show horses. These horses were poisoned seemingly dying of heart failure. 7 died immediately as being prepared for the match. Toxins are suspected, Two died in the trailer hauling to the match. Necropsies are planned on the horses, and infectious diseases have been ruled out.

Condolences to the team - what a loss.