This summer, the USPA Polo Pony Breeding Committee launched a proof-of-concept program for the American Polo Pony Registry (APPR) at Big Horn Polo Club in Sheridan, Wyoming. The initiative, backed by a group of breeders, players and veterinarians, aims to create a national registry and incentive platform for polo horses in the United States. Held during the Pacific Coast Circuit Governor’s Cup (Shane Winkler Memorial) tournament, the APPR centralized the project with the following objectives: connect breeders, recognize top-performing horses and encourage sustainable development across the sport.
The APPR aims to formalize how polo horses are tracked, recognized and rewarded in the United States, drawing inspiration from successful models like Argentina’s Cría Polo Argentino and the American Quarter Horse industry. The pilot program at Big Horn Polo Club included financial incentives and prize categories for horses based on performance and breeding, as well as early feedback to shape the registry going forward.
“This is a long-term vision to build community, reward excellence and modernize how polo horses are recognized in America.” – APPR Board
The APPR Committee is composed of Committee Chair Whistle Uys, Vice-Chairman Chloe Torres, with staff support from Justin Powers. Committee members include Steve Krueger, Troy Lequerica, Gillian Johnston and Daniel Pike. In this week’s issue, CLICKPOLOUSA asked the group to share a joint response on the goals and future vision of the registry. What follows is a collective statement from the APPR Committee further detailing the project, why it matters and how clubs, players and breeders can get involved.
Held during the Pacific Coast Circuit Governor’s Cup (Shane Winkler Memorial) tournament, the APPR seeks to identify and recognize top-performing horses across the sport.
The APPR is envisioned as a long-term registry initiative to benefit breeders and players across the country. What are the main goals of the program at a national level?
An incentivized registry—the American Polo Pony Registry, will provide a platform for the polo community to connect. This is a long-term vision. The registry will offer a way to track existing horses in the U.S. and serve as the foundation for future growth. It will also provide financial rewards to the top horses, breeders and trainers. This summer at Big Horn Polo Club, the committee will pilot a limited prize payout system to evaluate its practicality, identify any logistical challenges and gather meaningful feedback from participating players.
The main goals of the program at a national level are to build a network among existing breeders and individuals interested in producing polo horses. The APPR aims to create a platform that fosters community connection and provides educational resources for those interested in horse breeding. A central component of this initiative is the registry, which would include foreign horses, as they form the foundation of our bloodlines in the U.S. today. Foreign horses would be designated as such in the registry, with the opportunity to compete for prizes, though at a lower value compared to their U.S.-born counterparts. This registry will help the polo community begin to recognize and track bloodlines, while also giving well-deserved recognition to breeders, trainers and players.
Looking ahead, we hope to expand on events like our pilot program at Big Horn Polo Club, hosting them across the country as clubs host USPA tournaments. We also envision holding polo pony shows, inspired by Argentina’s “rural” showcases, where breeders and trainers can present their prospects. Ultimately, our long-term vision is to create more jobs within the community and introduce alternative sources of income, helping to modernize the sport and open doors to outside sponsorships, possible syndicates and broader business opportunities.
The APPR aims to formalize how polo horses are tracked, recognized and rewarded in the United States.
In your opinion, why is it important for U.S. polo to have a centralized registry for polo ponies?
We believe a centralized registry for polo ponies is essential to the growth of U.S. polo and breeding in the U.S. because it allows for accurate tracking of bloodlines, performance history and breeding outcomes, which helps improve the overall quality of the horse. A registry also provides recognition to breeders, trainers and owners. Cría Polo Argentino has done a wonderful job at implementing this and they are a model for us. Another major influence on the APPR is the Quarter Horse industry. Organizations like the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA), under the leadership of Executive Director Jay Winborn, have introduced substantial cash incentives and nomination programs that have elevated the breeding side of the sport. These initiatives have created alternative income streams for participants, helping to drive the horse industry to new heights and setting a strong example for what’s possible in polo.
The pilot program included financial incentives and prize categories for horses based on performance and breeding, as well as early feedback to shape the registry going forward.
How will the APPR help improve breeding practices or the overall pony pool?
The APPR aims to improve breeding practices across the U.S. polo community by educating aspiring breeders on modern and more advanced breeding techniques that take a portion of the guesswork out and improve the success of breeding goals. We also plan to encourage the overall pony pool by fostering collaboration with the established breeders throughout the U.S.
How can breeders, players, or clubs get involved or stay informed about the APPR’s progress?
The APPR is currently hosting its first pilot event to refine the logistics and gather valuable insights. We are collecting feedback and data from volunteers, participants, sponsors and supporters to help shape the future of the program. Our goal is to secure funding by the end of 2025, with plans to launch an official website and mobile app shortly thereafter. To get involved and stay up to date, follow us on Instagram @americanpolopony.
All photos courtesy of ©Tequila Sunsets Photography.