Uncertain future continues to haunt Manipur Pony
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 05 2025: Even as Manipur takes immense pride in its pony, the breed itself is facing an uncertain future and a slow decline without strict implementation of a conservation policy.

A treasure of Manipur, the famed Manipuri Pony is one of five recognised equine breeds of India.

Known for its unique stamina, agility, intelligence, speed, manoeuvrability and great adaptability to harsh geo climatic conditions, the Manipuri Pony is regarded as the original polo pony.

However, with its number dwindling, the fate of the endangered Manipuri Pony is uncertain.

Ponies on the streets and going through piles of garbage for food is a common sight and a clear sign of a failed conservation effort.

The population of the Manipuri Pony has seen a sharp decline from 1,898 in 2003 to 1,089 in 2019 .

In the 17th Quinquennial Livestock Census 2003, there were 1,898 animals in Manipur.

This declined to only 1,101 in the 19th Quinquennial Livestock Census 2012 .

The number further dropped to 1,089 in 2019 .

Significantly, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) publication on "World Watch List on Domestic Animal Diversity" has Manipuri Pony listed as an endangered animal.

The State Government, in 2013, declared the pony as an endangered animal.

On October 17, 2016, the State Cabinet took the decision to frame the Manipur Pony Conservation and Development Policy, and on November 8 of the same year, the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department released a draft of the policy.

Further, the Government allotted 30 acres of land at Lamphelpat as a grazing field for ponies.

However, poor implementation of the conservation policy has the ponies facing a grim reality on the ground, and its fate is uncertain, said owners.

"Our ponies are part of our history.

Our State takes pride in the pony, and everyone praises it, but not everyone wants to actually conserve it.

There are only a handful of people who are actually promoting and conserving it," said an owner who plays the modem polo game.

Those who are doing their bit to conserve the animal are the owners and a few clubs, he said.

Rich people seldom buy and own ponies.

Most of the owners are individuals who love the polo game, he added.

Rearing the pony is also quite a difficult task, considering the nature of the animal and lack of a proper environment, said another polo player, who owns a stallion.

The issue that an owner faces most and often is lack of fodder and open meadow where the animal can graze freely, he said.

When there is no proper grazing ground and grass available, owners have to buy fodder at a high price.

A bag of fodder, imported from outside, costs around Rs 1,800-Rs 1,900, he added.

The Government has allotted 30 acres of grazing field at Lamphelpat, but ongoing construction of a water body there has caused inconveniences.

Ponies are often found stuck in deep mud, he said.

When they don't find the right environment, ponies often wander off.

Lack of proper grazing fields is one of the reasons why these animals are seen wandering on the streets, he added.

Conserving the pony must be the collective responsibility of the Government, owners, the public, clubs and civil bodies, he said.

One of the most impactful policies in conserving the animal would be to open grazing fields in every district of Manipur, he added.

The Government is known to have carried out surveys for opening grazing fields, but this has not been converted into reality, he added.

Meanwhile, regular and timely release of incentives for owners may be instrumental in conserving the pony, he said.

While an effective breeding programme is essential, the Government may give proper recognition to polo players.

Giving recognition to polo players and giving them incentives will help promote the pony as well as the polo game, he added.

Calling on the Government and the public alike to promote the pony, he urged the people not to harm the animal.

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