A Celebration of Polo Ponies in Canada
T
he term “polo pony” dates back to the late 1800s when polo ponies were actually subject to height restrictions. Specifically, polo ponies were not to exceed 14 hands 2 inches—the definition of a pony, with each hand representing four inches. When the United States Polo Association was founded in 1890, the set of standard
“Chapa Sonambulo” owned by Craig Nelson. Painting by Melinda Brewer
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rules established in Great Britain were adopted, among them the height restriction for a player’s mount. In 1915, the size limit was increased to 15 hands 1 inch, and by 1920 the ruling on height was dropped completely. Today, the term “polo pony” simply describes a horse that plays polo, and although many are still small in stature, it is recognized more as a “type” than a specific height or breed. A polo pony can come in various sizes and shapes, from 15 hands (or
The members of The Canadian Polo Association were invited to submit photographs of their own equine superstars to be featured in this book. In this celebration of the polo pony, we pay tribute to these great horses.
