THE PONY BREEDS OF HORSES 16] 
their return from service in India. It is now played in 
France and other parts of Europe, and is becoming very 
popular in America. The best type of mounts for playing 
the game is scarce and very costly. 
The mount that is in such demand and brings such a 
high price, is really not a pony but a small horse. He 
does not necessarily belong to any distinct breed, and is 
generally the result of 
a cross. The regula- 
tion height has been 
raised to fifteen hands. 
He must be a powerful, 
speedy, sound, handy 
animal, with great stay- 
ing power and courage, 
high in front, with 
sweeping shoulders and 
good strong hocks. The Bian 24 == Pole pony, 
necessary speed and 
courage are rarely found except in those ponies that have 
a preponderance of race-horse blood in their veins. He 
must be able to carry 160 to 200 pounds’ weight, make 
incessant turns, twists and stops at full speed, and make 
short spurts of hard galloping, all of which take more 
out of a pony than would a race out of a race horse 
(Fig. 23). 
The Thoroughbred race horse has the speed and cour- 
age, but rarely the strong hind-quarters and the power 
necessary to enable him to stop quickly and turn sharply 
at the gallop. The Arab, while having great staying 
power, is rarely sufficiently speedy; and the Mustang 
has not the speed or the courage to make a good polo 
mount, even if he had the other qualifications. The best 
M 
