Polo Pony Height and Size

Measuring in Hands

Horses are measured using a unit of measure called a "hand". A hand equals about four inches.

When the British discovered polo in Persia, the average polo pony was only about twelve hands high. The first height limit for polo ponies was set in 1876 at fourteen hands. In 1896 the limit was raised to fourteen hands two inches. In 1919 limits were abolished.

Today most polo ponies are of normal height, averaging fifteen hands one inch. However, it is not unusual for a pony to be over sixteen hands.

Conformation

Conformation describes the shape of a horse's body. A horse with good conformation is stronger and more likely to stay sound than one with weak conformation.