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The Manipuri originates from India and is a breed with
ancient roots. It is believed to be a descendent of the Mongolian Wild Horse
and crossed with oriental and Arabian stock. The Manipuri is a small animal
that rarely exceeds 13 hand high. However, they are extremely quick, agile,
tough, and enduring, which may very well be the qualities that led this breed
to become one of the original polo ponies.
Ancient
manuscripts show that the King of Manipur introduced the fast-moving game of
polo during the seventh century. He used the Manipuri ponies that were bred in
the state. The Brits did not discover the game of pop until the 19th century,
when they saw it for the first time and most likely playing it using Manipuri
ponies. They then took the game over to Europe and America, where t has become
very popular and infinitely expensive. The Manipuri is ideal for the game
because it possesses all the necessary qualities, although over the years the
height limit for the game has been consistently raise, and in 1919 it was
abolished altogether, resulting in the Manipuri being passed over in favor of
larger polo ponies.
These ponies also made wonderful war ponies and were
used by the indomitable Manipur cavalry, which was feared throughout Upper
Burma during the 17th century. They continued to be used throughout the second
World War, when they were used as transport ponies to accompany the British
14th army into Burma in 1945. Today the Manipuri is used in India for polo and
racing as well as by the military. They are known for their stamina, speed,
and incredible intelligence.
They have attractive heads with a straight profile,
alert ears, and oriental shaped, wise eyes. Their muzzles are broad with
dilating nostrils, and their necks are muscular and nicely shaped. They have
abundant manes and tails and are broad through the chest with a compact body
and well-sprung ribs. The shoulder is sloping, which allows for a fast, long,
low action. Their quarters are muscular with a slightly sloping croup and a
high tail set. Their legs remain in proportion to their bodies and have strong
knees and hocks. They have good bone density and very hard feet. The Manipuri
can be bay, chestnut, gray, brown, and pinto. Because of the rarity of this
breed in that the latest population status showed that there are only 2327
ponies left, conservation efforts are being made in India to preserve this
precious breed.
Manipuri
Pony Info
Indian Pony Breeds
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