| Buying A Polo Pony | | | | After that, you’re going to want to ride the horse, |
| There’s no one breed that’s known as a | | | | just to get a feel of it. Truthfully, you should ride more |
| “polo pony”, but many that make fine polo | | | | than one horse for comparison. In this case, since |
| ponies. | | | | it’s going to be your pony, you can’t have an |
| What makes a good polo pony? You want a | | | | expert help you with it. Some horse dealers will let |
| horse that’s strong and can run all day. It needs | | | | you experience riding the horse you think you’re |
| speed and great balance. It’s an alert horse with | | | | deciding on for up to a week to see if you’re really |
| bright eyes, elastic skin, and a coat that’s lustrous. | | | | comfortable with it. |
| It needs to be a bold type of horse also, yet still able to | | | | Next, you want to have your horse examined by a |
| be managed and trained, since polo is a sport that | | | | doctor of your choosing. Every reputable dealer will |
| requires quick reflexes and the ability to be controlled. | | | | allow this, and if one doesn’t, go to another dealer. |
| Although any type of horse might be a great | | | | They will check everything from musculature to teeth, |
| candidate, some horses are better suited for polo than | | | | joints and limbs. They will also determine the true age |
| others. The most popular is the Argentina polo pony, | | | | of the horse, and probably take blood samples to |
| also known as the Criollo. That’s kind of a | | | | make sure the horse hasn’t been chemically |
| misnomer, as the Criollo was crossbred with | | | | enhanced or altered. |
| Thoroughbreds to become its own species of horse | | | | Finally, it’s time to talk about costs. Polo ponies |
| known as the Argentina. Actually, they’re | | | | aren’t cheap; not only that, but you can’t just |
| crossbred twice with Thoroughbreds; the second time | | | | buy one horse, especially if you’re hoping to play in |
| after the first mix of horse becomes available. This | | | | tournaments. Horses generally range from $15,000 to |
| horse is strong, has great endurance, but has a shorter | | | | $35,000 each, but some horses can cost way more |
| stride than the Thoroughbred, which gives it the ability | | | | depending on breeding. This isn’t bowling or golf, |
| to turn on a dime and maintain its balance. It also | | | | that’s for sure. And that’s only the cost of the |
| seems to love polo, as it can run all day. | | | | horse. You have to think about other expenses for |
| The first thing recommended in buying a polo pony is | | | | polo, such as what you’re going to wear, where |
| buying one with experience. Unless you’re a | | | | you’re going to board the house, trainers for the |
| trainer, it can take you years to get one up to speed | | | | horse, feeding your horse, etc. If you’re looking to |
| for what you want to do. Some horses literally are | | | | grow with your horse, training is estimated between |
| trained at least six years before they enter a game. | | | | $7,500 and $15,000 a year, which you can avoid by |
| The second thing you want to do is see a horse | | | | purchasing an older, more experienced horse. |
| run. You want a horse with speed, as well as a | | | | Polo can be a lot of fun, but, at the prices above, |
| horse that can stop suddenly and make sharp turns. | | | | it’s no wonder that it’s a sport for wealthy |
| If the people you’re buying the horse from don’t | | | | people. That doesn’t mean you can’t |
| have someone who can ride it for you, try to find an | | | | purchase a polo pony or four; it just means that you |
| experienced polo player and let them ride for you. | | | | may have to break your piggy bank open and hope |
| It’s hard to gauge how fast a horse is going if | | | | for a genie to keep your coffers full. |
| you’re already sitting on it. | | | | |