Free flowing manes and tails are a danger in polo because they can become entangled with players’ mallets or with the reins as the rider tries to control his horse. Manes, therefore, are shaved and the ponies’ tails are wrapped or braided to prevent the hazard.

Originally, no horse higher than thirteen hands and two inches (fifty-four inches) was allowed to play in the game of polo. Today there is no limitation. The horses used in polo range in size from 14 to 16+ hands. A majority of the polo horses are between 5 and 15 years of age.

As the backbone of polo, the polo pony is a breed apart, embodying a unique combination of traits that make it ideally suited for the fast-paced and adrenaline-fueled sport. Derived from various breeds, including Thoroughbreds, Arabians, and Quarter Horses, these talented equines undergo rigorous training and conditioning to develop the skills needed for the game.

The polo pony's ability to accelerate rapidly, pivot on a dime, and execute sharp turns with precision is a testament to the impeccable partnership forged between horse and rider. Through hours of training and patient nurturing, polo players establish an extraordinary bond with their ponies, creating a seamless synergy that is essential for success on the polo field.

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