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Manipuri Pony

Equus ferus caballus

Manipuri pony, the breed of the original game of polo
Photo: Unknown author — Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The pony that gave the world polo — a small, hardy breed from Manipur in India's northeast.

TypePonyBest asSport & showOriginIndian native

How to spot it

A small, wiry, agile pony of about 11 to 13 hands (112 to 132 cm), fine-headed and quick on its feet, in bay, chestnut, grey and other colours.

Temperament

Spirited, nimble and intelligent — the fast, handy temperament that suits a mounted ball game.

What it's bred for

Modern polo was codified around the traditional Manipuri game of sagol kangjei, played on this pony; it also served as a cavalry mount. It remains a sport and ceremonial pony.

Care & upkeep

Hardy and low-maintenance in its native climate. The breed is threatened by shrinking grazing land, and conservation efforts are under way in Manipur.

Health & lifespan

A hardy pony, generally around 20 to 25 years. The real threat to the breed is falling numbers rather than any inherited disease.

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