Polo Pasión Photography: Polo Tack & Polo Equipment

• Polo ponies are played in various different bridles. These can vary in size and shape, depending on the preference of which fits best in the pony’s mouth.

The following bridles are the most commonly used in playing Polo:

  • Gag (with straight reins/draw reins)
  • Pelham
  • Barry Gag

In some cases a few polo ponies have been known to play in a snaffle bridle. Showing how easy the pony is on the pitch, even though they can reach speeds of up to 30mph.

When playing, all ponies must wear:

  • A Standing Martingale.
  • A Breast Plate.
  • Double Reins.
  • Standing Martingale
  • Polo Pony Breast Plate
  • Polo Overgirth

An Overgirth must be used for extra safety - this goes over the top of the saddle and is secured behind the front legs, where the girth lies.

Leg Bandages

• It is also essential that polo ponies have all of their legs bandaged. The bandages on the front legs are wrapped just below the knee down to the base of the fetlock, and the back legs are wrapped just below the hock down to the base of the fetlock.

Some players and grooms also prefer to add more protection using:

  • Tendon Boots
  • Skid Boots
  • Overreach Boots

• Polo ponies play with a polo stud screwed into the outside of each of their back shoes, and they are shod every 4/5 weeks, as it is very important that their feet are looked after properly. They also have their tails taped up and manes clipped off.

Taped up tail

Reasons for:

  • Taped up tail:
    • This is to prevent the polo mallet getting caught up in the pony’s tail.
  • Clipped mane:
    • This is to provide a free moving action of the player’s reins being moved up and down the pony’s neck.