Target: Piero Dillier, President of Federation of International Polo
Goal: Safeguard horses in polo from neglect, injury, and preventable death.
A Netflix documentary has shone a renewed spotlight on the controversial sport of polo. The documentary details one aspect of the lives of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: their love for polo. Critics have blasted the documentary and the sport as a whole.
Polo, long favored by royal families and higher-income individuals, involves players on horseback trying to hit balls into goals with mallets. Typically, small ponies are the horses of choice since they tend to be faster and easier to maneuver on the field. Yet their small stature – as well as the nature of the sport – puts the ponies at a markedly higher risk of serious injuries. Whips and sharp metals are also characteristic in polo training, increasing the possibility of physical harm even more. And the ponies often suffer chronic health problems, just as a pony belonging to Prince Harry did when the animal died of a heart attack shortly after a game. More tragic still, for ponies used in polo retirement is often soon followed by death.
Advocates are calling for much stronger animal welfare standards in a sport under new critical scrutiny. Sign the petition below to echo these calls for urgent reform.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Dillier,
Veterinary professionals and many other advocates have voiced concern about harsh training methods used for polo horses. And many anecdotal cases have been shared that reflect the devastating injuries ponies often face due to unnecessary risks taken by riders during competition. Neglect and inadequate equine housing have also emerged as serious allegations.
As the head of the highest governing body for polo, please take immediate action to strengthen welfare standards and ensure that all living beings associated with this sport are treated with dignity, respect. and safety.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Heather Moreton
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