Polo Pony Hire & Leasing
How to hire or lease polo ponies — chukka hire, weekend packages, full-season leases, what to check in lease contracts, and where to find ponies.
Polo pony lease agreements are legal contracts with significant financial and liability implications. World Polo Guide strongly recommends obtaining independent legal review of any polo pony lease contract before signing, particularly for monthly or season-length arrangements.
Hiring & Leasing Options
From a single chukka to a full playing season, here are the main formats for accessing polo ponies without owning them.
Chukka Hire (Per Chukka)
$50 – $250
When useful
Visiting a club without your own ponies. Practice sessions at a new club. Tournament top-up when you need an additional pony.
How to arrange
Contact the club in advance. Confirm availability, cost, and whether the club can provide a pony suited to your level.
Pay-per-chukka hire is straightforward but availability is not guaranteed. Book ahead during busy tournament periods.
Weekend / Match Hire
$300 – $1,500
When useful
Joining a club tournament without a full string. Playing a friendly match as a guest player at another club.
How to arrange
Arrange directly with the club or through polo contacts. Specify the number of chukkas and your handicap level so appropriate ponies are allocated.
Weekend hire packages often include a set number of chukkas and a named string. Confirm exactly how many ponies and chukkas are included.
Monthly Lease
$800 – $3,000 per pony
When useful
Visiting a destination for a segment of the season. Trying out a specific pony before committing to a season lease or purchase.
How to arrange
Find through polo clubs, professional contacts, or online polo marketplaces. A written agreement is essential for any lease of this length.
Clarify who is responsible for vet fees, farrier costs, and what happens in the event of injury. Independent legal review is strongly recommended.
Full Season Lease
$5,000 – $25,000+ per pony
When useful
Regular competitive play throughout a season without the commitment of ownership. Most common arrangement for serious club to medium-goal players.
How to arrange
Arrange through professional polo networks, specialist agents, or directly with breeders. Written contract essential — obtain independent legal review.
World Polo Guide strongly recommends independent legal review of any polo pony season lease contract before signing.
Where to Find Polo Ponies for Hire
The best source for hire ponies depends on your location and the type of arrangement you need.
Your polo club
Most clubs maintain hire ponies for members and guests. Club hire ponies have known temperaments and are appropriate for the level of play at that club.
Fellow club members
Players who own ponies often lease them out during periods when they are not playing. Word of mouth within a club is one of the most reliable ways to find a lease horse.
Argentine polo farms and agents
For season-length leases at competitive levels, Argentine specialist agents can source lease ponies from professional breeders and players. This requires trust and due diligence.
Online polo marketplaces
Websites and social media groups dedicated to polo pony sales and leases list hire and lease opportunities globally. Always verify before committing remotely.
Professional players' strings
Professional players often lease ponies from their string during periods they are not competing. High quality but premium pricing.
Lease Contract Terms to Review
For any lease beyond a single match, a written contract is essential. Review these terms carefully — and obtain independent legal advice for season-length leases.
World Polo Guide recommends consulting independent legal advice before signing any polo pony lease contract.
Liability for injury during play
Who bears costs if the pony is injured while in your care and use? This is the most critical and contested term in polo pony leases.
Veterinary care responsibility
Routine preventive care versus emergency treatment — establish clearly which is the lessee's and which is the lessor's responsibility.
Insurance requirements
Is the lessee required to insure the pony during the lease? What minimum coverage is required? Third-party liability, mortality, and major medical cover all need consideration.
Permitted playing venues and tournaments
Some lessors restrict which grounds or tournaments the pony may participate in. Ensure your planned schedule is permitted under the lease.
Return condition
The expected condition of the pony on return — weight, fitness level, and soundness standards should be specified to avoid disputes.
Livery and daily care arrangements
Is livery included in the lease price, or must the lessee arrange and pay for this separately? Confirm who arranges farriery, worming, and vaccination during the lease.
Early termination provisions
What happens if the pony becomes injured early in the lease period and cannot be played? Are there provisions for partial refund or replacement?
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Last updated: May 2026