The BBRC has initiated a PROJECT to save the Manipuri Polo Pony, supported by an international campaign to raise awareness and funds to help secure the future of this unique animal.
One of the five recognised indigenous Indian horse breeds, the Manipuri Polo Pony or Meitei Sagol, is – like the people of Manipur – agile, tough, good natured, and known for its stamina, speed and intelligence. The modern game of polo originated in Manipur but the Manipuri Polo Pony is now a critically endangered species. Increased urbanisation and encroachment of wetlands has wiped out most of its traditional habitat and grazing grounds, forcing these semi-wild animals to wander the city streets and forage for food in the garbage. As a result, they are often victims of malnutrition, a range of diseases and road accidents.The state livestock census of 2012 estimated that the population had dropped to just 1,100 ponies. Today there are fewer than 500 animals remaining.
For centuries, these ponies have played a central role in the life of the local people. The breed, developed from either the Tibetan Pony or a cross between the Mongolian Wild Horse and the Arabian, is first mentioned in the Cheitharol Kumbaba, the royal court chronicles of Manipur, in the first century AD.
In fact, the ponies are still used for polo in Manipur today and international tournaments are still held on Imphal's traditional polo grounds, built by the kings of Manipur’s Ningthouja dynasty in 33 AD.But their numbers are dwindling and their rare and endangered status is not widely acknowledged by local people, with the animals only herded when a tournament is taking place. Exporting of pure bred animals and crossbreeding has further hastened their decline in numbers.
The BBRC Project aims to reverse this decline by raising awareness of the plight of this unique equine breed and by providing the environment and support these animals so desperately need to thrive once more. We are doing this by way of a FIVE-point plan which incorporates the BBRC's key PROJECT commitments to ecological conservation, economic sustainability and respect for the culture and traditions of the people of Manipur.
This Project has the following FIVE aims:
1. to secure adequate, suitable grazing land and to establish a sanctuary where the remaining polo ponies can safely live and be cared for.
2. to address the healthcare needs of the ponies by establishing a dedicated network of local veterinary professionals.
3. to develop a breeding programme to increase the population of Meitei Sagol.4. to utilise the ponies' therapeutic value within the BBRC's health and wellbeing programme, by offering Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) to our clients and patients to help promote their physical, occupational and emotional growth.
5. to re-establish Meitei Sagol in the cultural life of the Manipuri people by developing a programme of education that raises awareness on a local level about the value of this rare animal.
How You Can Help:
Throughout the long and celebrated history of Manipur, the Meitei people have maintained a unique and special relationship with these animals. That relationship and the very existence of the ponies are now in grave danger. By increasing awareness of the importance of Meitei Sagol – both in Manipur and throughout India, and the other polo-playing nations of the world (including the USA, UK, Australia and Thailand), the BBRC aims to ensure the survival of the original polo ponies in the birthplace of the Sport of Kings.
You can support this important cause by making a donation by simply clicking on the Paypal button below and choosing the amount you would like to donate. Your money will help pay for land lease and horse feed costs, and expert handlers' and carers' fees, including veterinary services.
For more information about the Manipur Polo Pony breed see the dedicated entry at the International Museum of the Horse.
If you plan to visit Manipur and would like to contribute to this or any of the other BBRC projects as a volunteer please contact us.
