Workshop on Manipuri pony breed held
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 25 2025: A one-day workshop and consultation on the "Status of Manipuri Pony Breed" was held at the Manipuri Pony Breeding Farm, Lamphelpat on Saturday.

Organised by Manipuri Pony Society (MPS), the workshop was attended by representatives of polo associations, pony owners and enthusiasts from Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts.

The gathering resolved to submit the proceedings of the consultation to the state government, highlighting the critical and immediate challenges facing the survival of the rare Manipuri pony breed.

The inaugural function was presided over by MPS president Prof Ch Priyoranjan Singh and was attended by former director of veterinary and animal husbandry Dr S Joykumar, who is also the former president of the Manipur Equestrian Association, current president of Manipur Equestrian Association Lt Col LM Singh (Retd), and Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association technical chairman N Bedajeet.

MPS secretary general L Bedamani, in his welcome address, recalled that the first workshop on the pony breed was held in 2014 with a mandate to review the status after 10 years.

He said that the workshop was part of that continuity and also referred to a memorandum submitted earlier by former MPS president Dr Ksh Chourjit, urging the government to frame a dedicated polo and pony policy while declaring the Manipuri pony as critically endangered and protecting its grazing grounds and natural habitats.

In his presidential speech, Prof Priyoranjan called upon polo clubs to preserve at least one polo ground in every district and noted the difficulties in managing the migratory and stray ponies throughout the year.

The consultation, chaired by N Bedajeet, saw in-depth discussions and recommendations urging the government to adopt a concrete and comprehensive policy with adequate budgetary support, particularly to manage stray ponies in urban areas.

The delegates also called for more' frequent reviews, while agreeing to conduct the next workshop in five years instead of 10.They urged regular meetings under the Pony Preservation and Conservation Policy to enable the stakeholders share vital information and coordinate conservation efforts.

Comment