Buy Polo Pony

Polo Pony for sale: Buying and selling Polo Pony

There’s something instantly recognizable about a good polo pony: the way they tuck themselves under you in a tight turn, accelerate like a sports car, then come right back to you when you ask. When you see “Polo Pony for sale” in an ad, you’re not just looking at a horse; you’re looking at a highly specialized athlete with a very particular job. Whether you’re buying your first green prospect or selling a seasoned campaigner, understanding what really defines a polo pony will save you time, money, and frustration.

Despite the name, a polo pony is almost always a horse, often with a strong Thoroughbred influence. What defines them isn’t breed or height so much as agility, temperament, and “mouth” – how they respond to the bit and stop. You’ll hear people talk about “rated” horses, “made” horses, “green” ponies, and “prospects.” A made polo pony is one that’s fully trained for the game, comfortable around other horses at speed, and able to bump, ride off, and stay straight to the ball. A prospect might be an off-track Thoroughbred or a younger horse that has the movement and brain for polo but not the full education yet.

In the polo world, these horses are used for everything from low-goal club chukkers to high-goal tournaments where precision matters as much as speed. The same basic principles apply whether you’re buying or selling, but the expectations change with level. A beginner-friendly, low-goal schoolmaster with miles in club chukkers is a very different animal, market-wise, to a 10-year-old high-goal mare that can play the third and fourth chukkers in a fast game. Understanding where your horse or your needs fit in that spectrum is the foundation of any smart buying or selling decision.

Buying Polo Pony - what you need to know

When you’re looking at polo ponies for sale, start by getting clear on your own level and goals. If you’re a newer player in the 0–2 goal range, prioritize temperament and reliability over raw speed. You want a horse that stands quietly in the line-up, doesn’t panic in traffic, and will forgive the occasional missed shot. Watch the horse in stick-and-ball first, then in actual chukkers if possible. Pay attention to how easily they rate their speed, how they stop, and whether they stay balanced when you lean out for the ball. A horse that feels slightly “underpowered” to a professional might be perfect for a newer player who’s still developing their timing.

Ask the seller very direct questions: what level has this horse played, what positions, and how many chukkers can it comfortably do in a day? Has it traveled to tournaments, and how does it handle new environments? Request full veterinary records, vaccination and deworming history, dental records, and any prior injuries, especially tendon or suspensory issues. A pre-purchase exam is non-negotiable at any meaningful price point: at minimum, a basic lameness evaluation and flexions, and for anything above mid-four figures, radiographs of key joints. It’s money well spent compared to discovering a chronic issue mid-season.

Price-wise, green prospects suitable for polo might start around $2,000–$5,000 in some regions, especially if you’re buying directly off the track or from a breeder before proper polo training. A straightforward, low-goal made horse that can safely carry a beginner or intermediate rider typically runs from $8,000–$20,000, depending on age, soundness, and location. Well-rated, experienced tournament horses with solid records can easily range from $25,000 up to $60,000 or more, particularly in established polo markets like Florida, California, or Argentina. Red flags to watch for include a horse that won’t stand to be mounted, is difficult in the set, shows inconsistent lameness after hard work, or a seller who refuses a vetting or won’t let you see the horse play in a real chukker. Take your time, try the horse more than once if possible, and don’t be pushed into a quick decision just because “someone else is interested.”

Everything about selling Polo Pony

On the selling side, most polo ponies on the market come from a mix of breeders, professional trainers, high-goal barns rotating string horses, and private owners stepping down in level or reducing their string. As a seller, your job is to present a clear, honest picture of your horse: age, height, breeding if known, level played, typical number of chukkers per day, and any limitations. Make sure teeth are done, vaccinations and Coggins are up to date, and have records ready. Buyers at every level are increasingly documentation-focused; having organized health and performance history instantly builds trust and often supports a stronger price.

Pricing depends heavily on where your horse fits in the market. A young, green polo prospect with correct conformation, good brain, and basic stick-and-ball exposure might sit in the $4,000–$10,000 bracket. A solid low- to mid-goal mount, sound, in regular work, and suitable for a wide range of players could command $12,000–$25,000, especially if it’s easy to manage and not overly sensitive. Proven, tournament-quality horses with a record in 8-goal and up, especially handy mares that can play multiple positions, can reach $30,000–$70,000 or more, particularly when sold through established professionals or at peak season. Timing matters: listing in late winter to early spring, before the main playing seasons in your region, usually brings more interest and better offers. Use online marketplaces, polo club notice boards, social media, and word of mouth. Video is crucial—show walk, trot, canter, stops, turns, and at least one full chukker so buyers can see how the horse handles pace and pressure.

Buyers expect honesty from sellers in the polo pony marketplace. Be upfront about old injuries or maintenance routines like hock injections; many serious buyers are realistic as long as they can budget for it. Before showing the horse, tune up its fitness and manners: good ground manners, easy tacking, loading, and standing at the sideboards all influence a buyer’s impression. Have a safe, organized place for trials and, where possible, arrange for the horse to be tried in chukkers with riders of similar level to your likely buyer. The better you present your horse—fit, well-groomed, with clear information on price, level, and history—the smoother the selling process will be and the more likely you are to match the right horse with the right new home.