It starts with good winter stables for your horses. This includes daily checks, enough food and water, shelter if necessary, worming if necessary, trimming the hooves and vaccinations.

Before the season starts:

1) Trim the feet of the polo ponies 12 weeks before the polo season (consult the farrier).

2) Start training the pony 4-6 weeks before the chukkas (for a training plan, see the HPA Pony Welfare Booklet).

3) 2-3 weeks before the first chukkas: Call the dentist, have the farrier shoe your pony, vaccinate and a back check is recommended.

For older ponies (16 years and older) vet check for:

1) Heart

2) Lungs

3) Eyes

For more information, you can refer to the HPA Pony Welfare Booklet.