(IN): The indigenous Manipuri Pony

[Guest guest]

Link: http://www.freewebs.com/azamsiddiqui/picturegallery.htm

 

Dear Friends,

 

I know most of us must be aware of the game of 'Polo' and this time for a

change I am not referring to 'Elephant Polo' but the origin of the sport of

'Polo' which was and is played riding on horse / pony back.

 

The sport of polo was introduced during the British Rule of India on the

indigenous 'Manipuri Pony' a lovely beast and originated in the state of

Manipur in remote northeast India sometime between 1819 and 1826.

 

Please read this link for more details: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polo

 

More than hundred years have passed since the origin of this sport.

Polo on horseback and ponies is now perhaps one of the biggest money

spinners in our society with more and more countries going gaga over the

sport.

 

Sadly though despite the rise of this elite sport the fate of the 'Manipuri

Pony' has been pushed from bad to worse. And presently in Imphal District

alone there are roughly over a thousand 'Manipuri Ponies' scavenging for

food in the tons of municipal solid waste which is scattered all over. Young

foals are seen following their mothers in every nook and corner, on roads,

dumping sites, playgrounds.

 

It is utterly depressing to see the state of these lovely beasts which are

not only homeless and starving but need immediate medical attention. Most of

them have broken and exposed legs with wounds that have developed into huge

craters of parasites. They are equally threatening for the city dwellers.

 

With nowhere to run it may not be long before the administration or the

local Government one day suddenly decides to for for a mass cull of these

mighty beasts, but surely we can at least try to help in getting the beasts

some attention

 

I was in Imphal last week and have managed to click a few pictures ( see the

weblink on the top ) to circulate amongst us and also if these pictures

could reach the elite 'Polo' industry which perhaps could form a fund to

help these ponies.

 

Please shoot ideas asap.

 

Thanks,

 

regards,

 

Azam siddiqui

 

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Fight captive Jumbo abuse, end Elephant Polo

http://www.stopelephantpolo.com