Is this really necessary? Polo

[Ezme]

Ok, I don't know a lot about polo and I've asked about the point of counteracting equipment (running gags and standing martingales) but theres I pic in H&H that really made me wonder, I know a high degree of control is needed and they're not ridden on a contact but is this all really needed on one horse

Cheltnham Gag (appears to have rubber mouthpiece)
Snaffle rein of gag is acctually draw rein attached to D ring of saddle (luckilly (?) gag rein is v loose)
Drop Noseband
Standing martingale attached to a thin rope cavason

Now as much as I don't like gagets I will freely admit everything has its place (its the proliferation that annoys me) but surely this is too much even for a polo pony? On other hand pony appears to be winning the ride off and appears to have a good neck, the right way up, and looks in good health and not too concerned but is trying to open mouth.

 

[diggerbez]

i think that you are right in saying that its all down to the need for precision control. i think that a lot of the ponies really don't care whats in their mouths as they just wanna gallop around and play

(i agree that it doesn't SEEM necessary tho!

)

 

[0ldmare]

I always struggle with this too. Always feel sorry for the ponies that look like they are trussed up like chickens.

 

[miss_c]

I've played ponies in that exact tack, although the draw reins were attached to the girth straps, not the d-ring. Many polo ponies will happily gallop flat out after the ball if allowed, but there are times when you need to check, and you need them to do it the second you ask, which is easier said than done on a strong and excited pony!

The standing martingale is more to prevent the pony putting their head up into the player's face if, for example, they are leaning out to hook somebody or down to get a shot. Obviously the cavesson is there so you have something to attach the martingale to, and the drop to help with control. Mazzie didn't have a drop noseband, but she was played in a pelham.

 

[Ezme]

I know why it's a cavason but using a thin rope one I think verges on abuse. A thinner leather one if you have to.....

 

[miss_c]

Mazzie had a rawhide cavesson... She never really threw her head up but when she did I was quite glad of it as the little bit of extra pressure on her nose helped. It never once marked her or even left a few hairs out of place.

Is this the noseband you mean?

 

[Ezme]

Yes thats the thing. A gag has the effect of rasing the head though so you're pushing it into rawhide/rope

 

[miss_c]

Trying to figure out how to word this without appearing confrontational when I don't mean to!!!

I'm not good at replying at things like this!

I understand that a gag raises the head, and I'll openly admit that I'm not sure why players use gags, apart from for control. I personally prefer pelhams but as I said originally have also played ponies in gags.

On the subject of the rawhide noseband, it's no thinner than some leather cavessons, and it leather itself. Despite appearances it's actually quite smooth - Mazzie's was rather waxy and consisted of small strips entwined. Plain rope I certainly wouldn't use and I personally have not seen it in polo, although granted I haven't played for over a year now!