Polo (The Sport)...

What do you guys think of polo? I know that there is cruelty in almost all equine sports, but is there a lot in polo? Where are some places/websites to learn more about this sport?
My friend hates it because she once rescued a polo horse that was beaten since it was not fast enough, and was one time accidentally smashed in the face with the mallet. Is this common?
I live near UCONN, and all of the polo horses seem like healthy, happy horses. I've only seen one with a notable vice (Kicking the stall door).
I hope I'm not opening a pandora box by starting this thread.

60 Minutes just did a piece about Polo horses. I didn't get to watch it all, but what I did see was very interesting; they seemed to be showing it in a good light.

Link to "overtime" that shows some of the show. You should be able to view the whole program on the 16th (8 days after original air date) via 60 Minutes Video - Hard Landing, Sugar, Art Market - CBS.com

Thank you! I find polo very interesting...

People (like your friend) who make blanket statements and generalized decisions based on either anectdotes or ONE data point show their lack of intelligence and critical thinking ability.

I love it. The funnest thing I've ever done horseback. Been grooming for a player for three years and playing one.

The rules of the game are completely focused on protecting the ponies.

The two best things about the sport are being around such well-trained horses and very committed horsemen. I'm at the fields 5 to 6 days a week during our season.

If you "friend" the U.S. Polo Association on Facebook you will have links to great information. Other favorite sites are polo pony dot com and www dot polo dot tv. Better than internet sites, I hope you get to try it sometime. Many clubs offer heavily subsidized lessons during their seasons.

We just did a piece on Polo on 60 Minutes. I was both surprised and happy to see they don't start the horses until well into their 6th year. None of the growth related damage that other disciplines create. Looks like a dangerous sport more for the humans than the horse.

My best friend plays on the Harvard Polo Team. She absolutely loves it! I got to visit her and watch one of their games vs. the UCONN team... the UCONN players were amazing! I thought it was exhilarating to watch- but I don't think I'd be brave enough to try it myself.

My friend told me that they get their horses from Argentina, where they do get some harsh training (including beating). One of their polo ponies is afraid of being hand-fed treats because of the abuse. But at Harvard they're treated really well. I'm sure polo ponies get injured occasionally during games... but then again, so do the riders!

Subbing. I'd like to one day try polo. ;)

Well, I don't even have a horse yet, but if I end up going to UCONN for college (Still have a long way to go..) or any other college with polo I might try it.

I recently bought my first horse and she is an Argentinian Polo Pony. She was retired a couple of years ago. She doesn't seem to be damaged in any way other than some stifle stiffness.

She has excellent ground manners and is not fazed by much at all. She is super friendly and very tolerant.

The only thing I have ever seen her bothered by was a Parelli "carrot stick". I believe she thought it was a whip which makes me think she may have been whipped...maybe when she was being trained in Argentina. From what I have heard, players in the US treat their "ponies" very well.

And she loads like a dream! :)