POLO PONY HUB
Pony welfare is of the highest priority to the HPA, and on this page you can find links to welfare guidelines, rules, updates, and more. There are extensive rules in the HPA rulebook that cover the management of ponies before, during, and after polo, including everything from stable management to tack and equipment. We have a dedicated member of staff who oversees pony welfare and we welcome questions and feedback about equine welfare and our processes – if you would like to contact us regarding welfare, please email equine@hpa-polo.co.uk.
Passports
New passports, replacements, upgrades, changes of ownership, and HPA registration.
Welfare Booklet
A guide to caring for polo ponies, available in English & Spanish.
Transport
Travelling horses into and out of Great Britain, including VOSA requirements & LEZ regulations.
Vaccinations
Vaccination regulations for equine influenza, for ponies playing under HPA rules.
Welfare Rules
Here you can find all of the HPA rules relating to equine welfare. These rules are developed by the HPA’s Welfare Committee and are regularly updated. You can also access the HPA Pony Welfare Booklet, which gives guidelines on the care of polo ponies both during the polo season, and through the winter. It is published in English and Spanish.
Vaccinations
Any pony playing polo or being ridden by an umpire, must be vaccinated against Equine Flu according to our rules, for the safety of themselves and other ponies.
Reportable Diseases
Under HPA rules, any suspected case of Ringworm, Strangles, Equine Flu and EHV must be notified to the HPA, and any pony affected cannot be played again until signed off by a vet.
Biosecurity
The spread of equine disease is a perpetual risk, given that polo yards have a high turnover of ponies, including ponies that have been travelled from other countries. Strangles and ringworm (and all other skin diseases including Canadian Pox and Girth Rash) are in particular highly contagious equine diseases, and suspected outbreaks of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) are being reported at an increasing frequency. All owners and Welfare Officers are encouraged to read the HBLB Codes of Practice using the button below to prevent specific diseases.
In order to safeguard the horses under your care, all staff should be trained in disease prevention, hygiene, identification, and control procedures.
Extreme Heat
With hotter summers in the UK, it is vital that all owners, players, and grooms familiarise themselves with the guidelines for caring for ponies during extremely hot weather. This guidance has been produced using materials from scientists, governing bodies, and horse welfare organisations and is intended to help when manage horses during hot weather. The HPA will issue further guidance and may suspend play if temperatures are deemed unsafe.
Reporting a welfare concern
The HPA is committed to investigating any welfare issues that are brought to our attention. The HPA’s jurisdiction in welfare matters applies to all current members of the HPA and our affiliated clubs, academies, and pony hirers.
If you are concerned about a pony, club, player, or owner, please use the button below to contact us in confidence.
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