Manipur's Heritage Polo Pony Faces Existential Threat As Population Dwindles

Since the declaration of ponies as an endangered species in 2013, the numbers have plummeted from around 1,000 in 2007 to the current 1,089, as per the latest livestock census.

The polo pony, a diminutive yet robust breed, holds special significance as the backbone of the modern sport of polo, originating in Manipur.

Source : Special arrangement

In a distressing revelation, reports from the livestock census conducted by the Manipur government have disclosed a disheartening statistic: as many as 129 polo ponies have succumbed in the past 16 years, leaving only 1,089 of the original breeds in the northeast state. Despite concerted efforts by the state government to conserve these iconic animals, the population continues to dwindle, posing grave challenges for struggling pony owners.

The polo pony, a diminutive yet robust breed, holds special significance as the backbone of the modern sport of polo, originating in 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 the livestock census data, as per a press release.

Thangjam Basanta, an owner of 15 polo ponies, lamented the rapid decline, attributing it to a multitude of factors, with the diminishing grazing grounds being the most critical. “Where should one feed the ponies? There are no grazing grounds left as they are encroached upon by humans for so-called developmental projects,” said Basanta, an avid polo player himself.

Contrary to the perception of polo being a rich man’s sport elsewhere, it is predominantly played by the commoners in Manipur, often from economically challenged backgrounds. Most pony owners face substantial financial burdens, exacerbated by the absence of government schemes to aid in their upkeep, the release stated.

“Revival of grazing and polo grounds is urgently needed to save polo and the pony culture,” emphasized Sarangthem Abung, a pony owner from the state’s Imphal West district, stressing the importance of government incentives for the pony owners.

The iconic Hapta Kangjeibung, once a polo race course and practice ground, has been inaccessible to the polo players since 2011, as now it has been converted into a ‘mela’ (fair) ground and used for political meetings. Both Basanta and Abung have now advocated for its restoration as a practicing ground to rejuvenate the diminishing polo culture in the state. Laisangbam Tomba contemplates selling his four ponies to alleviate financial strain, reflecting the harsh reality faced by many owners. The absence of government incentives compounds the financial challenges, covering expenses for treatment, fodder, and stable maintenance. Doren Singh, a skilled polo player and owner of 13 ponies, asserted that any conservation policy must address the dearth of grazing and polo practice grounds. He called for government incentives for individual pony owners, akin to those provided to polo clubs. There are around 26 polo clubs in Manipur, it stated.

The Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association, established in 2005 with 34 ponies, also functioning as a breeding farm for ponies, has however appreciated the state government’s allocation to the association of 32 acres of land to be developed as grazing ground at Lamphelpat in Imphal West district in 2022. However, Secretary of the association, Kongbrailatpam Dhanachandra Sharma, stressed the need for more areas to be declared as pony reserves for grazing ground. The pony farm has 152 Ponies as of July 2023, and is being run by funds from individual members and fee incentives from the government, the release added.

Since the declaration of ponies as an endangered species in 2013, the numbers have plummeted from around 1,000 in 2007 to the current 1,089, as per a recent livestock census. RK Khogendra Singh, Joint director of Manipur’s Directorate of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, attributed the decline to the underutilization of ponies. In 2007, the number of ponies in the Tingkai Khunou breeding farm, located in the state’s Bishnupur district and established during 1985-86 as a pony farm for conserving the ponies, numbers only 13. To uplift the status of polo ponies, the Manipur government introduced the ‘Manipur Pony Conservation and Development Policy’ in 2016, offering incentives to the polo clubs. Khogendra Singh emphasized that full awareness, starting from grassroots levels, is imperative for pony conservation, the release stated.

“Preserving the Manipuri pony is not solely the obligation of the department but 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. The department’s role primarily involves providing medical care, engaging in breeding activities to augment the population. It bears no responsibility for animals succumbing to injuries on roads as these fall squarely on the municipality and the respective owners,” said Khogendra Singh.

The 20th livestock census recently conducted by the state veterinary department revealed disheartening figures. Khogendra Singh 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). As per information, 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 (28), and Ukhrul (54). At that time, the overall count of ponies in the state amounted to 1,218, it stated.

Despite 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, lamented Inspector General of Police (IGP), Administration, K. Jayenta Singh. Singh said that the proposal envisions utilizing the 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 faced by individual pony owners and reviving the grazing and polo grounds has become 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,’ the release further stated.