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CHAPTER VII 



THE TRAINING OF PONIES 



To a man who has the time to devote to it, the training of 

 polo ponies is perhaps one of the most interesting points con- 

 nected with the game. More satisfaction will be derived from 

 riding and playing a pony that you have trained yourself than 

 from one that has been broken by some one else, and a sort of 

 camaraderie and mutual understanding will be established that 

 cannot be produced by other means. In fact, a pony generally 

 works for his trainer or breaker better than for any one else, 

 just as a dog will. Of course, every one cannot spare the time 

 to do this, but to him who can the following hints may prove 

 of some use. 



Of course these remarks apply mainly to English ponies, 

 and not so much to Arabs and Barbs, which take to the game 

 much quicker and require less training. 



If you want to get perfection, keep your eyes open, and if 

 you can see or hear of a pony as near a miniature racehorse as 

 possible, on short, strong legs and good, sound feet, that will 

 just measure 14 hands, with plenty of substance and bone, buy 

 him. See that in addition to the above points he has a clean, 

 well-bred head broad forehead, with full, intelligent eye well 

 set on to a lean neck, which means a good mouth ; for if head 

 and neck are not put on right, no art of man can make the 

 perfect mouth so necessary for a polo pony. The shoulders 

 should be as perfect as possible. The back should be short, 

 loins strong, and the ribs well arched. The quarters should be 



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