Horse Care in Polo: The Complete Guide

Caring for Polo Ponies

Polo ponies are elite athletes that require specialized care and conditioning to perform at their peak.

Nutrition

• Hay: 1.5-2% of body weight daily in quality hay
• Hard Feed: Balanced concentrate feed, adjusted for workload
• Water: Access to clean water at all times (horses drink 30-50 liters/day)
• Supplements: Electrolytes during hot weather, joint supplements for older horses

Fitness and Conditioning

A typical polo pony training week includes:

• Monday: Light hack or walk
• Tuesday: Stick and ball (30-40 minutes)
• Wednesday: Interval training or canter sets
• Thursday: Rest or light work
• Friday: Pre-game light work
• Saturday/Sunday: Match day + rest

Veterinary Care

• Teeth: Dental check every 6 months
• Farrier: Every 4-6 weeks for shoeing
• Vaccinations: Annual flu and tetanus
• Worming: Strategic worming program based on fecal egg counts

After the Game

1. Cool down with a 10-minute walk

2. Wash off sweat and check for injuries

3. Apply leg wraps or ice boots

4. Offer water and hay

5. Check legs again the next morning