What Horses Are Used For Polo? 4 Popular Polo Pony Breeds.

Last updated: December 23, 2025

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

As a racehorse owner, I’m used to seeing Thoroughbreds flying down a straight track. But the first time I watched a high-goal polo match, I was floored by something different: the stopping power. Seeing a horse gallop at 35 mph and then stop on a dime to turn 180 degrees is a different kind of athletic marvel.

It made me wonder: Are these the same Thoroughbreds I see at the track? In many cases, the answer is a resounding yes. I’ve personally sold several of my own Thoroughbreds—specifically the shorter, quick-footed ones—to polo players, and they transitioned beautifully. While specialized breeding lines exist, the heart and agility of a track horse often make them natural polo stars.

Horses used in polo are called polo ponies. In the modern game, the primary mounts you will see are repurposed Thoroughbreds, the specialized Argentine Polo Pony, and Thoroughbred-Quarter Horse crosses (Appendix). Regardless of their origin, they all share a need for explosive speed and extreme durability.

Polo is arguably the oldest equestrian team sport, and players are constantly seeking the “perfect” mount—whether bred specifically for the job or recruited from the racetrack. If you are looking to understand what makes these horses tick—and why they might cost more than a luxury car—this guide covers the breeds, the training, and the economics of the polo pony.

What Are The Different Polo Pony Breeds?

First, a clarification: The term “polo pony” is a category of use, not a specific breed. In the early days of the sport, there was a height restriction (14.2 hands), which is why they were called ponies. Today, that rule is long gone. Modern polo “ponies” are full-sized horses, often standing 15 to 16 hands high.

In the U.S., you will mostly see Thoroughbreds and Appendix horses. In high-goal global play (like the Argentine Open), you will see the specialized Argentine Polo Pony. Here is how they stack up:

1. Thoroughbred Polo Horses (The Engine)

Thoroughbreds are the undisputed engine of the sport. In the United States, roughly 75% of the genetics in an average polo pony are Thoroughbred.

Why? Polo is a racing game. A horse needs to sprint the length of a 300-yard field multiple times in a 7-minute “chukker.” Thoroughbreds provide that necessary lung capacity and “fast-twitch” muscle speed. Many polo ponies are actually retired racehorses (Off-The-Track-Thoroughbreds) that were retrained because they had the speed but perhaps not the distance for track racing.

2. The Argentine Polo Pony (The Gold Standard)

If you watch the top players in the world, they are likely riding the Argentine Polo Pony. This isn’t just a happy accident; it’s a carefully engineered breed.

Breeders in Argentina crossed purebred Thoroughbreds with the local Criollo horses. Criollos are working cow horses renowned for their incredible toughness, endurance, and exceptional bone density. By mixing them, you get the best of both worlds:

• From the Thoroughbred: Blazing speed and height.
• From the Criollo: Durability, shorter cannon bones (less prone to injury), and a calm temperament.

3. Thoroughbred-Quarter Horse Cross (The “Appendix”)

In the American West and amateur leagues, the “Appendix” horse is a favorite. This is a cross between a Thoroughbred and a Quarter Horse.

Think of the Quarter Horse genetics as the “brakes” and “steering.” While the Thoroughbred wants to run straight and fast, the Quarter Horse is bred to cut cows—meaning they can stop and pivot instantly. For a player who needs a horse that is easy to handle and quick off the line, the Appendix is often the perfect choice.

4. The Manipuri Breed (The Original)

While rarely seen in US or UK professional polo today, the Manipuri pony deserves mention as the “grandfather” of the sport. Originating in Manipur, India, these small horses (standing only 11 to 13 hands) were the original mounts when British tea planters discovered the game in the 19th century.

They are incredibly agile and tough, but their small stature puts them at a disadvantage against the larger, faster Thoroughbreds used in modern international play. Today, they are considered an endangered breed, with perhaps fewer than 1,000 purebreds remaining, mostly protected in India.

What Makes a Horse Breed Good For Polo?

You can’t just throw a saddle on any kind of horse and play polo. The physics of the sport are demanding.

It comes down to the “Engine vs. Brakes” balance:

• The Engine (Hindquarters): A polo pony needs massive power in the hindquarters. This allows them to accelerate instantly to chase the ball.
• The Brakes (Conformation): They must have the bone structure to handle the “check”—stopping from full speed. Weak ankles or hocks will not survive a season.
• The Mind (Temperament): This is the X-factor. A polo pony must be brave enough to bump into other horses at 35mph (called “riding off”) but calm enough not to panic when a mallet is swinging inches from its head.

Mares vs. Geldings: The Preferred Choice

In horse racing, colts (males) are often the stars. In polo, mares rule the field.

Top players overwhelmingly prefer mares. Why? The consensus among professionals is that mares have a softer temperament and are more responsive to subtle leg cues. In a game where milliseconds matter, that responsiveness is key.

There is also a business angle unique to polo. Unlike racehorses, which have short careers, a top polo mare can play into her mid-teens. When she retires, she becomes a valuable broodmare, passing those athletic genes on to the next generation of high-goal ponies. This “breeding value” makes investing in mares a smarter financial move for many players.

The Cost of Performance: Training & Care

It takes years to make a finished polo pony. Training typically starts at age 2 or 3, but a horse won’t reach its “high goal” peak until age 6 or 7.

Because the sport is so physically demanding on the animals, the level of care is akin to Olympic human athletes. At top facilities like Valiente Polo Farm (owned by Bob Jornayvaz), the care regimen is staggering.

Check out the video below. It features Valiente’s operation and their horse “Chocolate,” an American-bred pony that made history by winning the Best Playing Pony award in Argentina. Note the aqua trainer (water treadmill) they use—this allows horses to condition their muscles without the concussive impact of running on hard ground, extending their careers significantly.

Sources:

1. Polo Pony, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polo_pony.
2. Polo Terms, Tutorialspoint, https://www.tutorialspoint.com/polo/polo_terms.htm.
3. Valiente Polo Farm / ESPN South Florida (Video Source).