Manipuri Pony
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Manipuri | |
|---|---|
| Country of origin: | India |
| Breed standards | |
| Notes | |
| The original polo pony | |
The Manipuri Pony is thought to have been derived from ancient stock, as a cross between the Mongolian Wild Horse and the Arabian. The original purpose of the ponies was as mounts for the Manipur calvalry, which was respected and feared throughout upper Burma during the 17th century. The breed was used in the army throughout World War II, as transport animals to take the British 14th Army into Burma in 1945.
The animals are very agile, tough, and athletic: traits that led to the breed becoming the original polo ponies. The King of Manipur introduced the game in the 7th century, using the swift state-bred ponies. The British became aware of the game in the 19th century, and eventually took it to Europe and America, where it thrived. However, the Manipuri lost popularity as the height limit for polo ponies was raised over the years, and abolished in 1919, at which time most players chose larger mounts.
Today, the ponies are used as polo mounts, for racing, and in the military, where their speed, stamina, and intelligence are well-respected.
The Manipuri should have a straight profile, alert ears, and intelligent eyes. The muzzle is broad, the neck muscular and well-shaped, with a good amount of mane. The animal is broad through the chest, with well-sprung ribs, and a compact body. The shoulder is sloping, giving the Manipuri a fast, long stride with little action. The hindquarters are muscular and the croup slightly sloping. The legs have strong knees and hocks, dense bone, and tough feet. The ponies rarely stand higher than 13 hh, and may be bay, chestnut, gray, or brown, and occasionally pinto in color.
