The thunder of hooves pounds the field as you lean forward in your saddle, mallet cocked and ready. The ball is coming your way, your faithful pony straining to get you there in time. With a sweeping swing, you connect, sending the ball rocketing downfield. Your teammates cheer as you wheel your pony around, a satisfied smile breaking through your look of intense concentration. This is what it’s all about – the thrill of polo.
But this exhilarating game would not be possible without the right equine partner. Choosing a polo pony is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in advancing your polo career. With so many options out there, it can be an overwhelming process. But fear not! We talked to top players and trainers from around the circuit to get their insights on just what makes a top notch polo mount. Read on for the inside scoop. Text by polo-kirill-yurovskiy.co.uk
Breed & Build
When it comes to polo ponies, the typical Thoroughbred often springs to mind – lanky yet muscular, the epitome of equine athleticism. But don’t discount other breeds right off the bat when considering your next string mount. Quarter Horses and crosses often make excellent polo partners thanks to their agility and speed over short distances. Heather Stoutsenberger of Empire Polo prefers Quarter Horses for most of her students. “A good Quarter Horse is quick, responsive and nimble enough to turn on a dime, all invaluable qualities in polo,” she says. Arabians and crosses can also make the grade with their energy and endurance.
No matter the breed, there are key physical attributes to look for. A polo pony needs a strong, roomy hindquarter to generate those explosive bursts of speed necessary for closing in on the ball. “I want a nice big engine back there!” says 6-goal pro Joey Casey. A sloping shoulder allows for proper extension and reach of stride while a strong back and loins enable the horse to withstand the strain of hard mallet swings alongside. Substance of bone is crucial too for supporting both horse and rider through tight, often abrupt, turns.
An ideal height lands between 14.2 and 16 hands though polo pros aren’t overly concerned with a specific number. “I’m more focused on finding big motion in a relatively small package,” shares England’s James Harper, currently rated at 5 goals. “Too small and you lose that power potential but too big and you sacrifice nimbleness and responsiveness.”
Regardless of breed or build, temperament and trainability reign supreme when appraising prospective polo horses. Chris Green of Palm Beach Polo looks first at disposition. “I want something with enough sensitivity to be attentive to its rider but without being flighty.” Stoutsenberger also stresses the importance of the mind. “You need both the athletic ability and the willing attitude to succeed. I can work with limitations in one area if the horse has strengths in the other.”
Show Me What You Got
So you’ve identified some promising prospects based on bloodlines and conformation. Now comes the real test – seeing what they can do under saddle. “I want to get a sense of innate athletic talent from the start,” Casey states. “You can enhance skills with training but natural ability needs to be there.”
Depending on the horse’s background, a trial may transpire entirely on the polo field or get underway in a more traditional show ring setting. Harper begins by evaluating horses in an open area, observing gaits and testing responsiveness while Green likes to start in a ring. “I initially want to see some flatwork to get a feel for suppleness and connection before moving out onto field to assess acceleration, push from behind, things like that.”
No matter where they start, the horses will eventually be tried out playing polo, even if just a mock version. This showcases that all-important responsiveness and agility. Does the horse understand cues and commands? Can they cross-over step to instantly change direction? How readily do they accelerate? Can they stop on a dime then immediately transition to a gallop? “It’s all about finding that instant obedience to rider requests that sets real polo horses apart,” Casey emphasizes. “A special horse will make highly complex moves seem effortless.”
Stoutsenberger plays close attention to eye appeal and expression when horses run. “I want to see brightness and interest when they go after the ball. The truly promising ones seem to love the game.” she says.
Green also gauges abilities over fences since jumping proficiency translates well to polo. “You look for good bascule and form, ability to adjust stride, things that make them capable jumpers. Those qualities crossover onto the polo field.” And though polo horses generally race against the clock rather than each other, Harper still values seeing a prospective mount’s competitive drive. “Put them out there with others and see if they rise to the challenge. Do they shine or shrink when the competition heats up?”
No Shortcuts
In searching out that perfect polo partner, the desire for an instant winner can sometimes overshadow good sense. Prospects fresh off the track often tempt with dazzling speed but rarely prove primed for prime polo. “Racehorses are sprinters, used to going hell-bent for leather over a specific distance,” Green points out. “Polo requires repeated explosive spurts then getting that energy reined back in.”
Casey concurs that investing time upfront pays long-term dividends. “You might luck out on something naturally talented but typically anything coming direct from racing needs a good year of training first.” Stoutsenberger echoes that sentiment when starting young prospects. “I expect an initial six months focused solely on flatwork and foundations before even thinking about specialized polo training.”
The proven campaigners cost more for good reason. “Get one already seasoned and fit, you can practically step off the plane ready to roll out,” Casey says. Harper caveats that even seasoned mounts need several weeks of pre-season prep before hitting optimal stride. But their edge in experience makes them the less risky bet. “With a made horse, what you see is what you get. Or pretty close to it!”
A Package Deal
In polo, the ponies often represent one of the most substantial investments, especially for pros building an entire string. So it pays to really probe backgrounds says Stoutsenberger. “I want to know the details – where and how they’ve been campaigned, any past injuries, what training and shoeing schedules they’ve had.” Such information provides insight into current fitness and competitive readiness as well as clues to potential or limitations going forward.
Vetting plays a pivotal role as well. “Xrays give you baseline info on bone and joint health to help avoid future problems,” Green notes. Harper also verifies vaccine records, dental history and overall wellness care. Stoutsenberger sums up the strategy: “You look after the horses that have been looked after. That gives you your best chance for a solid competitive future.”
Most polo players know it’s not just about the ponies though but also the leather. Casey always verifies what tack will be included in a purchase. “You want the saddle, bridle, boots – the whole kit ‘n kaboodle tuned to that horse,” he says. “That way you aren’t dealing with discomfort or unfamiliarity adding strain.” Stoutsenberger once passed on an otherwise ideal mount missing his tailored saddle: “It’s too cost prohibitive having to start totally from scratch with all new gear. The total package makes for the smoothest transition.”
With rigorous selection, optimal preparation and attentive horsemanship, a promising polo partner can easily transition to treasured teammate. Whether breeding your own or buying off the shelf, choosing that special equine athlete to share in your polo aspirations represents a decision not to be taken lightly. Do your homework and trust your instincts when finding the pony perfect for unlocking your future potential out on the polo field. The wins will take care of themselves.
