The Argentine Association of Polo Pony Breeders
Polo Argentino
When polo began in Argentina over 120 years ago,
players began to worry about their mounts. From
then on, the search began for the most adequate
type of horse for the game.
The guidelines for this selection were tameness,
docility, speed, sensitiveness, rusticity and a
bone and muscle structure that would adapt to the
demands of the game. Those responsible for this
selection were the breeders, players, trainers (grooms),
horseshoers and veterinarians linked to the sport.
The native environment where these improvements
took place was always–or mostly– in
the extensive pampa plains, one of the best regions
in the world for raising horses.
Polo Argentino is a product that boasts characteristics
that are different from those of other breeds, not
only as regards genotype but also phenotype, and
this has made it the most adequate horse for the
game. In a demanding activity such as polo, it is
convenient to play ponies that have been prepared
specifically to that end.
AACCP
The Argentine Association of Polo Pony Breeders
was created in 1984 as a result of progress made
in the raising of polo ponies and because of the
need of horse breeders to transform their success
into a new breed.
It was created in order to promote the breed and
its betterment based on aptitude; to organize the
register and inspections; to encourage the registration
of playing mares as future breeder mares and of
playing stallions; to encourage the investigation
into and practice of artificial insemination and
the study of zootechnics, embryo transplant and
all other improvement techniques.
Its founders had the forethought to create a modern,
open breed, making the best use of new reproduction
techniques–such as embryo transplant, which
has accelerated the enhancement of the breed to
a point that was completely unexpected–by
which soon we will arrive at the fourth generation
required by the European Economic Community for
its acceptance as a definite breed within that continent.
The Association carries out a strict control of
the genealogical registers through periodic visits
from inspectors to the breeding establishments and
cooperates with the Argentine Rural Association,
responsible for the introduction of this system.
Polo Argentino Breed
This is how at the present time we have achieved
a polo pony biotype that is highly efficient as
regards its skills.
The origins of this breed are to be found in the
criollo (native) horses that already existed in
the area and were used to play the game and which
were selected for breeding. Simultaneously–and
brought in specially by Anglo-Argentine players–the
introduction of thoroughbred racehorses (S.P.C.)
began, which accelerated crossbreeding and began
slowly to absorb the original criollo.
In time the Quarter Mile and Arab breeds were incorporated,
though in a lesser degree, to make the most of certain
special characteristics of each breed. This great
genetic variability, added to a rigorous selection
generated by the game itself and to the naturally
favorable conditions of the area, are what make
Polo Argentino unique in the world.
Polo Argentino Map
The results are plain to see: to date the AACP is
made up of over 260 members in Argentina and in
other countries of the world; over 24,000 registered
breeding mares and 7,700 registered male breeders.
The breed is developing steadily: there is an increase
in specimens that take part each year in the Argentine
Open Championship as well as in other high handicap
tournaments. The number of ponies exhibited annually
at the Rural Exhibition in Palermo and other horse
shows is also on the increase.
Registered breeders have the advantage of being
able to trade their Polo Argentino Products with
a pedigree registration that is endorsed by the
Argentine Association of Polo Pony Breeders and
by the Argentine Rural Association. Additionally,
the information supplied by this registration boosts
breed improvement and gives purchasers the chance
to consult among an important list of breeders.
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