Health of Polo Horses Research: Making Sure Polo Horses Are Safe

Research into polo is crucial for helping players, teams, and coaches enhance performance while minimizing injuries and losses. As a physically demanding sport, polo inherently carries a risk of injuries, making the need for effective safety practices even more urgent. By identifying potential risks and developing strategies to prevent them, the sport can continue to evolve in both performance and safety.

Common Injuries in Polo

Polo players and horses face various types of injuries, such as lameness, joint disease, pulmonary hemorrhage, and other trauma-related conditions. These injuries can significantly impact both the players’ and horses' health and performance. As such, understanding the causes and prevention methods for these injuries is essential for the long-term success of the sport.

Prevention and Safety Practices

To minimize these risks, the following safety practices and solutions are critical:

1. Training: Proper conditioning and training for both players and horses can significantly reduce the likelihood of injury. Tailored fitness regimens help build strength, flexibility, and endurance, ensuring readiness for the demands of the game.

2. Ground Surface Adaptation: The quality of the polo field is paramount. Maintaining an even, soft, and well-kept ground surface minimizes the risk of falls and injuries caused by uneven terrain.

3. Proper Shoeing: Correct shoeing for horses ensures better traction and protection against hoof-related injuries. Specialized shoes designed for polo can prevent slipping and support the horse’s health.

4. Animal Welfare Compliance: Adhering to strict animal welfare guidelines not only ensures the well-being of the horses but also aligns with ethical standards for the sport. Monitoring the horses' health and providing proper care throughout their careers reduces the risk of long-term damage.

By prioritizing research, education, and these safety practices, polo can continue to grow as a sport while minimizing harm to players and horses alike.

Schumacher A, Gehlen H. Health of Polo Horses. Animals (Basel). 2024 Jun 8;14(12):1735. doi: 10.3390/ani14121735. PMID: 38929354; PMCID: PMC11201175. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/12/1735