POMMEL — POR T 



is preferred to a plain one, it is more a case of handsome is 

 as handsome does, many animals of very ordinary appearance 

 having realised extremely high prices in consequence of the 

 reputations they possessed. It may be remarked, too, that 

 until a comparatively recent date miniature thoroughbreds 

 and Arabs have carried all before them in the stallion classes 

 at the leading shows ; but of late there are evidences, and 

 very welcome ones, that the day of the polo-bred ponies has 

 arrived, and that the breed will soon be included amongst 

 the ranks of established varieties. If so, there is no doubt 

 that the miniature hunter type will be the favoured one, but, 

 naturally, the light-weight ponies will partake more of the 

 quality of the thoroughbred than the heavy weights. The 

 question of height is one of the chief points of controversy 

 amongst breeders of polo ponies, as though it is generally 

 admitted that the limit should be 14 hands 2 inches, it is 

 obvious that many ponies which are played are over this 

 height ; in fact, a desire is expressed that the limit referred 

 to should be exceeded. This extension of height is due to 

 the system of measuring, and not to any carelessness or 

 incapacity on the part of the gentlemen who undertake the 

 responsibilities of placing the ponies under the standard, 

 and no doubt in due course the breeders who entertain 

 different opinions will arrive at an arrangement which will 

 be acceptable to all, and beneficial to the polo pony. Mean- 

 while, it may be stated that the height should not exceed 

 14 hands 2 inches, and that the hunter type, either heavy or 

 light weight, is what is sought for by breeders. {See Hunter.) 



Pommel. — The pommel, or head of the saddle, is the 

 highest point in front, and should be about 4 or 5 inches 

 behind the top of the withers. (See Saddle.) 



Ponies. — See Dartmoor, Exnioor, Fell, Garron, Hackney, 

 Iceland, New Forest, Rum, Shetland, Welsh, West Highlatid. 



Port. — The indentation, of a greater or less depth, in the 



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