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
Return to Horse Breeds page
|