88 CHOOSING A POLO PONY. [Chap. IV. 



covered that the old rule of challenging a pony by any 

 playing member was a failure ; because ponies which 

 were known to be over-height were constantly played, 

 and there was not a single instance of a pony being 

 challenged. The rule was therefore altered, and 

 now all ponies which have not played in certain 

 tournaments must be measured. During the last 

 few seasons I have been fortunate to ride in many 

 matches two wonderfully good big ponies, Luna 

 (Fig. 38) and Matchbox (Fig. 39), which measured 

 nearly 14.3, and were admitted under the rule of 

 existing polo ponies. Both of these animals have 

 won champion prizes as polo ponies. My experience 

 on them compelled me to change my opinion as to the 

 height I prefer for my own riding. They are both 

 as handy as any 13.3 pony I have ever ridden. They 

 are beautifully shaped, up to any weight, and fast. 

 I therefore say that for a big man there is nothing like 

 a good big pony. On the other hand, animals much 

 above 14.2 would give a big man an undue advantage 

 over light men on smaller mounts. It is a sound rule 

 to strictly limit the height to 14.2, which is the best 

 all-round compromise. I am here writing in general 

 terms ; for I am well aware that many a 14-hand pony 

 is really bigger and heavier than others of i/t.2 which 

 attain this height, simply on account of their withers 

 being unusually high. The ideal weight-carrying polo 

 pony is the miniature 14-stone blood hunter, standing 

 on short legs. Provided that he has shape, substance, 

 power and scope, it does not matter much whether he 

 measures 14. i or 14.2. 



The objection to 14 hands as a limit is not that 

 ponies of that height are too small, but that they 



