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Ponies used for the game must not exceed fourteen- 

 and-a-half hands high, while there is no limit to their 

 size below that standard. The steady increase in 

 the value of ponies suitably adapted for the game 

 is a distinct indication of its growing popularity, as 

 high as 750 guineas having been given for a well- 

 trained pony, and as it is almost sure ultimately to 

 become one of the recognised standard games of the 

 country — in more than a military sense — we have 

 been induced to devote a chapter to the selection 

 and training of Polo ponies, which may prove of 

 some benefit to those who go in for the amuse- 

 ment. 



CHIEF POINTS OF A POLO PONY. 



First, then, in a Polo pony, we require as far as 

 possible to combine fleetness and strength — fleetness 

 for hurrying quickly up to catch the ball, and strength 

 to be able to stave off the rough jostling of the oppos- 

 ing ponies in the game. In selecting a pony for 

 Polo, he should be formed as like a horse as possible, 

 while he should be sound, good-tempered, active, 

 and durable. His head should be small, with pro- 

 minent eyes and well -set -on ears, while his neck 

 should be moderately long and flexible without being 

 weak. His back should be straight and short rather 

 than long, while his shoulders should be oblique and 

 his withers high, so that he may carry the saddle in 

 a good position. His ribs should be well sprung, 

 with good couplings to ensure his staying powers, 



