For most the question of whether or not their horses are broke is an easy one to answer, after all, it plays the game. On the other hand what if it plays the game but it always has to be  ridden in sets, or it has to be tied to a bungy cord on the side of your trailer? Is it finished?

I have tried to put together a list to help identify whether or not a horse is broke. I hope it will be helpful to anyone buying a new horse, or just to identify trouble spots in the string.

As an example from the above; it used to infuriate me when I noticed that one horse was being ridden on sets because others were too unruly. My groom in this case did not bother to ride the more difficult ones and so the exercise program I had designed did not get executed. So to satisfy the groom I had to re-train some of the basics in my string.

The “Started” horse.

1. Stands still and accepts the saddle and bridle without resistance such as head throwing.

2. Stands still and allows he rider to mount up.

3. Will move from stop to walk without resistance such as head throwing, or boring and can do simple circle work.

4. Goes from walk to halt without resistance or stopping crooked.

5.  Goes willingly from walk to trot, trot to canter, canter to trot, trot to walk, and walk to halt.

6. Rider may touch any part of the body from the saddle at all gaits or standing still without the horse increasing in pace or moving off. Rider may wave arms around from the saddle, again without signs of fear or resistance.

7. Horse will lead and enter the trailer.

8. Horse can be trimmed or shod, brushed and in general allows human interference.

9. Horse ties without pulling back.

10. Horse can be led on a set.

 

The Green Broke Horse.

Includes above and:

1. Performs one handed turns on the forehand and hind quarters.

2. Performs canter to stop and stands still.

3. Goes from walk or halt to canter.

4. Can stick and ball showing turns with the ball and all shots without fear or resistance.

5. Accepts bandages on all four legs and having the tail tied.

6. Horse can be led or ridden in a set.

Advanced Green Horse.

1. Plays slow chukkers.

2. Can walk trot and canter alongside company without fear or resistance on either side.

3. Can perform a simple ride off. That is to say the horse will push an opponent from both sides. (Some horses come to this far more easily then others so confidence will eventually produce a more forceful ride off.) 

4. Horse rates. (Maintains it’s speed on a loose rein.)

5. Horse behaves calmly in the line out.

6. Horse can do stops, roll backs, tight running turns and does not start at the ball when it is in the air or otherwise. Horse does simple lead changes.

7. Rider can execute penalty shots calmly.

8. Horse will adjust stride on rider input as they approach a shot. (Half halt.)

Made.

A made horse should do all of the above without fear or resistance. It imparts confidence to the player under all circumstances and is comfortable and easy to ride, even out on a trial. Lead changes can be done in a straight line, as well as stopping. The horse should not change speed or direction unless asked and should not shy away from situations it does not like. In short it should be a willing accomplice in all you do.

Of course some horses can be exceptional polo ponies, but you can’t stick and ball or go out on the trail with them. Unfortunately this means to me that the horse is NOT finished. Having said that it is up to the player to decide if this is acceptable to him. All horses are and should be treated as individuals.

Time is a factor in any horse purchase since horses with more experience generally will be better. However experienced trainers sometimes feel greater potential and so may ask more for their charge. This “natural” is a dangerous purchase for an inexperienced player since it will feel like it knows what it’s doing, but the lack of time executing moves correctly and experience on the field of play may mean that it will easily unravel and become a difficult horse. Caveat emptor!

Age can be a factor too. Beware the old horse with little polo experience!

As a guide in price:

Started: $800 plus.

Green: $8000 plus.

Made: A made horse is worth what the seller will accept on the day a buyer turns up. Age will play into the price along with all of the above, your vet’s analysis, confirmation, level of play reached and so on. I will say that high goal horses are not necessarily good in low goal and vice versa. 

I truly hope this is helpful and welcome any comments or experiences that might add to this. Everyone has had an experience that will make my outline seem unusual, but I am sure we would all like to hear the story. I know I would!