The
Ultimate Guide to Buying a Polo Pony: Where and How to Find the Perfect
Teammate
In the fast-paced world
of polo, a good pony can be the difference between a win and a wipeout. These
incredible equine athletes are the heart of the sport—agile, responsive, and
brave under pressure. Whether you’re a newcomer to polo or looking to upgrade
your string, finding the right polo pony is a journey that requires patience,
knowledge, and the right connections.
Here’s everything you
need to know about sourcing your next polo pony:
1. What Makes a Good Polo Pony?
Before you start the
search, understand what defines a great polo pony:
- Breed: Most top polo ponies are Thoroughbred or
a mix of Thoroughbred and Criollo or Quarter Horse.
- Size: Ideal height ranges between 15 to 15.3
hands.
- Age: Between 5 to 12 years is often the sweet
spot—experienced but still in their prime.
- Temperament: They must be trainable, bold, and
unflappable.
- Athleticism: Quick acceleration, tight turning radius,
and stamina are essential traits.
2. Where to Find a Polo Pony
A. Argentina – The Epicenter of Polo Ponies
Argentina is the gold
standard. From La Pampa to Pilar, you’ll find world-class breeders and trainers
with ponies ranging from green prospects to Open-level horses.
- Look at reputable names like La Dolfina,
Ellerstina, Cuartetera lines, and smaller boutique breeders offering
excellent value.
- A trip to the Argentine spring
(October–December) is ideal, especially during the Triple Corona season.
B. United Kingdom
During the UK summer polo
season (May–September), there are many horses on the market, especially in
areas like Cowdray Park and Berkshire.
- Reach out to pros and grooms directly at
clubs or via agents.
- The off-season (autumn) often sees a
sell-off of older or imported ponies.
C. United States
In Wellington (Florida)
and Santa Barbara (California), many professionals play and sell horses.
- Winter season in Wellington (Jan–April) is
a great time to buy as players bring their best strings.
D. Online Marketplaces
Websites like:
- PoloLine Classifieds
- Facebook Groups (e.g., Polo Horses for Sale
– Worldwide)
can be surprisingly effective. However, always do your due diligence and try the horse before committing.
3. Buying Tips
- Try Before You Buy: Ride the horse in a practice chukka if
possible.
- Bring a Vet: A proper vet check (including flexions
and X-rays) is essential.
- Ask Questions: Clarify the pony’s history, injuries,
level played, and rider suitability.
- Hire an Agent (if unsure): Especially useful when buying abroad or
navigating auctions.
4. Leasing and Loaning
Not ready to buy? Leasing
a pony for a season is a smart way to get into the sport without a full
commitment. Many owners will lease to trusted players, especially for low- or
medium-goal tournaments.
5. The Krono Polo View
As passionate polo
players ourselves, we understand how crucial the right mount is. Some of our
best experiences have come thanks to horses sourced through word of
mouth—chatting with grooms, pros, or simply watching a pony perform on the
field. Trust your instincts, do your research, and when you find the right one,
you’ll know.
In
Conclusion
Buying a polo pony is more than just a transaction—it’s choosing a teammate.
Whether you’re shopping in the Argentine pampas or the sidelines of Cowdray,
the key is to take your time, ask around, and never compromise on quality.
After all, your pony is your biggest asset on the field.
If you're looking for
contacts in Argentina, the UK, or need help evaluating a pony, get in touch with Krono Polo. We're always happy to share our experience and help you
get mounted.