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When he could no longer perform and win prize money, the original owners gave him to a Mexican family. The family returned to Mexico leaving Mr. Biggs behind to starve. Neighbors noticed the abandonned horse and began feeding him. They realized he was 'lame' and contacted Creative Horse Connections, who called S.T.A.R. (Save the Animals Rescue). Karen Owens of S.T.A.R. reports, "A farrier was called at 9 PM that night for emergency help.  The farrier pointed out the spots behind his front feet above the hooves where the 'soring' occured so Mr. Biggs would raise his feet to his chin...racking. His feet were so sore he could not stand still. He stands in odd positions trying to find comfort to rest. His right shoulder buckles sometimes causing him to stumble. His left shoulder muscle was sore to the touch...back left stifle shot, too late for surgery. He has small bumps above his hooves, indicating chains and/or weights or both. His body is basically destroyed by living on 'pads' on his front feet, throwing off his weight distribution, causing muscles to work unnaturally. Phenylbutazone helped ease his immedate pain, but he cannot remain on it for long term. He is now on another medication to see if we can keep him comfortable." S.T.A.R. will seek a loving new home for life for Mr. Biggs once they have his pain under control. Karen says, "He can never be ridden again. He will be adopted only to someone with a flat pasture, shelter and other horses. He deserves loving hands to continue his life long care. How he can walk so peacefully among us 'humans' and trust us at S.T.A.R. is humbling, and a true lesson in forgiveness." What can we do to put a stop to these torturous practices? I sought advice from Juana Grover of STARS (Sound Trail and Rail Society). Juana, tell us a little bit about the Tennessee Walking Horse breed. Experienced horseman sometimes state that Upper Back Supports the Walking Horse is the most loving, accepting and willing of all horses. They enjoy working with people of all ages. They are always willing to learn something new, and once taught, rarely forget. With their fantastic temperament and smooth, ground covering gaits, they are the perfect companion and pleasure horse for riders of all ages. Why do people use cruel training methods to force them to exaggerate their natural gaits? I cannot answer this without using a little history of the breed. The walking horse was in its heyday in the 40's when they were generally called Plantation Horses. They worked on the plantations and farms during the week, pulling plows and wagons. Their gait was so smooth and straight, the plantation owner could ride them up and down the planted furrows checking his crops.

A Polo-professional will need to have at least a dozen trained polo ponies to have a competitive string, all fit and ready to play. Each High Goal game is at least 6 chukkers (periods); hence, if you play two days in a row then you will have to have at least 12 horses, not counting the ones that may be just a little sore. Some low goal players will have only 2 ponies and will "double up" to play a 4 chukker game. Heel Lift Polo ponies are bred in Argentina and broke in Argentina and begin their careers in Argentina before heading to America or England to be sold for a considerable sum of money; however, some polo ponies are bred here in America and are American thoroughbreds that were bred for racing and either never raced or just were not cut out to race. The same goes for the Irish thoroughbred, South African thoroughbred or English thoroughbred. Personally, the Kentucky thoroughbreds make the top polo ponies. Personally, I prefer playing the fillies since they are less muscled and looser, just more "catty", lighter on their front feet and way more scrappy. The filly polo pony is less timid and just so much more aggressive in the melees. The polo pony travels from the barn to the polo fields by van, which can carry up to 15 polo ponies. They are tied to the side of the van prior to the games and prepared. They are then "undressed", walked after they played a chukker and then tied to the van to relax. To learn more about the sport of High Goal polo, polo news and polo videos - please visit PoloPony-dot-com. Most high goal polo ponies are between 4 and 12 years old, hitting their prime at 9 years old. WATCH: (see resource box below for link to "polo ponies in action"). I really like the lines of sires, such as of Mr. Prospector; they have the most correct confirmation for polo: A high goal polo pony should be short backed, athletic, light in the front feet, strong and wide in the hind, nice withers and short cannons with well-defined tendons. Their hind leg muscles, or "caskins", should be well muscled and strong and their head low with a well-balanced neck. Their throat should be wide with a nice passage for airway. For further information, please feel free to contact Patrick at We hope you enjoyed this article! Sincerely, Patrick with the PoloPony Team