Uncertainty hangs over fate of polo ponies
Source: The Sangai Express / Waari Singbul Network

Imphal, January 20 2024: In a distressing revelation, reports from the Livestock Census conducted by the Govern-ment of Manipur disclosed a disheartening statistic of 129 polo ponies succumbing (unnatural death) in the last 16 years, leaving only 1089 of the original breed in the State.

Despite concerted efforts by the State Government to conserve the horse breed, the population of ponies continues to dwindle.

The polo pony, a diminutive yet robust breed, holds significance as the backbone of the modern sport of polo which originated from Manipur.

Ironically, the very ponies that are a source of pride for the locals are inching towards extinction, with an annual decline of at least eight ponies according to Livestock Census data.

Uncertainty hangs over fate of polo ponies

Thangjam Basanta, owner of 15 polo ponies, laments the rapid decline of ponies due to different factors with the disappearance of grazing grounds being the most critical.

"Where should one feed the ponies? There are no grazing grounds left due to human encroachment for so-called developmental pro- jects," says Basanta, an avid polo player himself.

Contrary to the perception of polo being a rich man's sport elsewhere, it is predominantly played by commoners in Manipur, often from economically cha- llenged backgrounds.

Most pony owners face substantial financial burdens, exacerbated by the absence of Government schemes.

"Revival of grazing and polo grounds is urgently needed to save the polo and pony culture," emphasizes Sarangthem Abung, a pony owner from Imphal West district, stressing the importance of Government incentives for pony owners.

The iconic Hapta Kangjeibung, once a polo race course and practice ground, has been inaccessible to polo players since 2011 as the same ground has been converted into a venue for political meetings and fairs, he added.

Basanta and Abung advocate for the restoration of Hapta Kanjeibung as a practising ground to rejuvenate the diminishing polo culture.

Laisangbam Tomba of Moirang contemplates selling his four ponies to alleviate financial strain, reflecting the harsh reality faced by many pony owners.

The absence of Government incentives compounds the financial challenges of pony owners in covering expenses for treatment, fodder, and stable maintenance.

Doren Singh, a skilled polo player and a owner of 13 ponies, asserts that any conservation policy must address the dearth of grazing and polo practice grounds.

There are around 26 polo clubs in the State.

The Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association, established in 2005 with 34 ponies, appreciates the Government for allocating 32 acres of land to them for development as grazing ground at Lamphelpat in 2022 .

However, secretary Kongbrailatpam Dhanachandra Sharma stresses the need for more areas to be declared as pony reserves which can serve as grazing grounds.

The pony farm has 152 ponies as of July 2023 and is being run by funds from individual members and incentives from the Government.

Since the declaration of ponies as an endangered species in 2013, the numbers have plummeted to only 1089, as per the recent Livestock Census data.

Dr RK Khogendra Singh, the Joint Director of the Directorate of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, attributes the decline of pony population due to under-utilization of the horse breed.

In 2007, the number of ponies at Tingkai Khunou breeding was only 13.Tingkai Khunou, located in Bishnupur district was established during 1985-86 as a pony farm.

To uplift the status of polo ponies, the Manipur Government introduced the "Manipur Pony Conservation and Development Policy" in 2016, offering incentives to polo clubs.

Dr Khogendra emphasizes that full awareness, starting from grassroots levels, is imperative for pony conservation.

"Preserving Manipuri ponies is not solely the obligation of the department; it is a collective responsibility.

Comprehensive awareness needs to be instilled from the grassroots level by incorporating the pony's narrative into the school curriculum," asserts the Joint Director and continued that the primary role of the department is to provide medical care and engage in breeding activities to augment the population.

Dr Khogendra clarifies that the department bears no responsibility for animals succumbing to injuries on roads as it falls squarely on the Municipality and the respective owners.

Dr RK Khogendra expressed his dismay, citing the district-wise breakdown of pony numbers: Bishnupur 97, Chandel 14, Churachandpur 59, Imphal East 266, Imphal West 619, Senapati 4, Tamenglong 75, Thoubal 53, and Ukhrul 2.Currently, the total population of ponies in the State is reported to be 1089 .

As per an informed source, the Livestock Census in 2007 disclosed district-wise pony numbers: Bishnupur 115, Chandel 64, Churachandpur 85, Imphal East 35, Imphal West 302, Senapati 229, Tamenglong 54, Thoubal 280, and Ukhrul 54.At that time, the overall count of ponies in the State amounted to 1218 .

Despite the efforts of the Manipur Police Department proposing a mounted unit in every police station to increase pony numbers, progress has been hindered due to the prevailing situation in Manipur, laments Inspector General of Police Administration, IGP (Adm) K Jayenta Singh.

He adds that the proposal envisions utilizing "Sagol Police" for law enforcement activities, emphasizing the multifaceted benefits of these equine allies.

As Manipur's original polo ponies teeter on the brink of extinction, the urgency to address the challenges being faced by pony owners and revival of the grazing and polo grounds becomes paramount for the preservation of this cultural and sporting heritage.

Among the Northeastern States, Manipur stands as the only State possessing its distinct and pure horse breed.

The Manipuri pony is acknowledged as one of the five indigenous equine breeds in India, alongside Marwari, Kathiawari, Zanskari, and Spiti.