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Horse Care in Polo: The Complete Guide
From nutrition to conditioning: how polo ponies are cared for to perform at their best on the field.
Global Polo Authority9 min read
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