Horses that are used to play the sport of polo are known as polo ponies. While polo ponies are not recognized as a breed of horse, the breeding of polo ponies has been documented for more than 100 years, and a number of distinct traits have been identified that make for ideal mounts during a game. Beyond the skill of the rider, the quality of the horses in play is often the determining factor in the outcome of a polo match.
Due to the quick bursts of speed needed to catch up to a loose ball or an advancing opponent, polo ponies generally feature a Thoroughbred horse influence. Intelligence is an equally important characteristic due to the chaotic yet highly nuanced nature of the game, making Arabian horses valuable polo ponies. Finally, polo requires superior agility for quick turning to chase the ball. As this quality is often found in Quarter horses, polo ponies in the United States are generally the product of a Thoroughbred and a Quarter horse