POLO ' 49 



rate of growth attained by young pony stock. 

 The polo pony market has made this a ques- 

 tion of real importance to all breeders of young 

 stock, and if we can even approach to a solu- 

 tion we shall have done a great deal. The 

 problem is twofold, first to check a too rapid 

 growth lest our young animals grow over 

 height, and secondly to stimulate and force 

 those which seem likely to fall below the 

 standard. However, for the time being it 

 may be assumed that our young polo player 

 finds no difficulties in this way. As soon as 

 the ponies are quiet and handy and can be 

 hacked into a market town, or will cross 

 a railway bridge, or meet or pass a traction 

 engine, they should be introduced to a polo 

 stick and ball, and at the same time be driven 

 with long reins — not ridden — in circles and 

 down an easy bending course. 



Very few ponies that are thoroughly gentle 

 and have been carefully handled ever object to 

 a polo ball or a polo stick after the first few 

 lessons. By this time they should have learned 

 that their master is not going to hurt them, 

 and I have always found that a soothing- 

 word or two will induce them to go up to 

 the ball and allow me to hit it with the 

 stick. At first all the work should be done by 

 hitting the ball straight forward. A young 



