Why ponies are key in winning and losing matches

Raphael Nzomo's owned pony 'The Breaker' that was rode by Zimbabwean BJ Bowen was voted the Best Playing Pony (BPP) in the 8-Goal-international match between Kenya and Zimbabwe at Manyatta Polo Club in Gilgil on June 23,2024.[Courtesy]

For a pony to understand the rules of polo fully, it has to undergo a comprehensive training for at least two years.

First learners are the ones who take up-to two years to learn the basics of the game but the slow ones take three years.

It’s after the training sessions that they can be involved in competitive matches.

In training, horses are taken through high-and-slow-riding-speed on ball-chasing, high and slow-turn-reflexes in low and high competitive matches and the riders must as well understand the temper of their horses.

90 percent of the polo horses are mares as stallions are rarely used in matches.

Handicap 1 Zimbabwean international BJ Bowen paid a glowing tribute to the kind of horses reared and trained in Kenya saying they are faster and quick learners.

Bowen used a number of horses owned by international umpire Raphael Nzomo.

Speaking after Kenya defeated Zimbabwe 5-3 in an 8-Goal-international match at Manyatta Polo Club in Gilgil last weekend, Bowen said Kenyan ponies are superb.

“They (ponies) are superb in different aspects. They are faster on the pitch. Their reflexes are also good and good polo playing ponies,” he told Standard Sports.

One of the ponies Bowen used christened ‘Breaker’ was voted the Best Playing Pony.

And professional polo commentator Briton Jamie Hayward once confirmed that mares are stronger, faster and good learners in matches than stallions.

“They don’t take time to learn basics of the game and adapt faster in learning the mood of the game. Their rate of resilience in matches are good,” he said.

Hayward said an MVP horse is the one that can play a full chukka of seven minutes without substitution.

ROLE OF PONIES IN WINNING AND LOSING POLO MATCHES

1.  A faster pony allows the rider to reach the ball earlier than opponents.
2. A quick learner knows where directed in the course of play.
3. High tempered pony could cause a rider to lose interest in the match.