Today polo is practiced in more than 80 countries, Argentina being the greatest exponent of this sport, who inherited it from English settlers and, therefore, it is in this country where the best breed of horses for polo is bred. The most distinguished horses today for the game of polo arose from the mixture of "creole" horses that were used for field occupations, with Thoroughbred horses from England, the result? Horses of excellent agility, dexterity and speed that provide all the necessary qualities for the practice of this sport.
A good horse must possess certain physical characteristics, in addition to a defined temperament and aptitude. Polo horse farms try to achieve these characteristics, thus seeking to obtain a specific horse for this sport, which is known as Polo Argentino.
ORIGIN OF THE HORSE
Once polo was introduced in Argentina, it was played with horses that were in turn used for field work; These first Creole horses were strong and robust but lacking in professionalism, speed and low resistance when running; these horses were called "Caballos de Estancia".
In the 70s and 80s a new breed of horses was gestated much more prepared to face races that demanded much more resistance and strength, for which they began to mix Creole horses with Thoroughbred horses, this new genetic combination allowed that the Creoles developed those characteristics which they lacked.
The horse may not always be the prettiest compared to other breeds, but in polo what matters is its agility and dexterity. The breeders sought to potentiate agility and dexterity to optimize polo results, so the horses developed large hindquarters and strong muscles to support the weight of the rider, even when their body is slim and their neck long.
An example of the search for the conservation of the appropriate characteristics of the Argentine Polo Horse is that: about 40% of the horses of this breed were born under embryonic fertilization methods, these implantation techniques have been developing for several years and they are becoming more common. The procedure basically consists of having a mare of excellent qualities, fertilized by another animal of the same level of excellence; In order not to cause inactivity during the champion's pregnancy period, the already fertilized embryo is removed and implanted in another mare, but perpetrating the qualities of the previous horses.
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ARGENTINE POLO HORSE
It has an approximate weight of between 400 to 500 kilograms and measures that go from 1.55 to 1.60 meters in height, its bone and muscle part is strong and marked with a slight tendency to a robust body; It has a head proportional to its body, a notoriously elongated neck, and a generally rectilinear shape.
In addition, it is necessary that you meet the following conditions:
The hind limbs must be robust and muscular, with a fine hock and a strong stifle; the hind legs long and strong, with well worked joints; a deep chest preventing it from exceeding an adequate width and its haunches must be rounded and smooth with a strong and straight rump.
Its most important characteristic is its energy level, which allows it to run an average of more than 3 kilometers per chukka at a fast pace and at a gallop, the ideal is to expose these animals to the game between an age close to 4 years with a useful life that can go up to 14 years, constant training is the key to maintaining a good temperament.
PROTECTION
Protection elements are key for the player and for the care of the horses, since polo ponies are available in Argentina at far from modest prices of around US $ 100,000; A key element for both the horse and the polo player is the saddle, which, believe it or not, helps to maintain your center of gravity depending on the stability and lightness that it possesses, a light saddle provides comfort to the horse and allows that it recovers easier and faster after a day of practice or play.
Krono has managed to manufacture one of the lightest and most ergonomic frames on the market, thanks to research and tests carried out over a long period of time, they managed to extract the best materials, the right design and the ideal weight for a good saddle. The Krono Saddle is available for different types of horses and player sizes, seeking as much as possible the customization and manufacture of this element tailored to the polo player and his horse, Krono has innovated with materials such as pure wool, beech wood , leather and suede to provide attributes that benefit the player and the horse.
Every good polo player knows that knowing his horse and giving him the best pays off on the field of play and defines the score of a match, it is the combination of a good breeding, good genes and constant training that makes the difference.