The Manipur government has made a significant move to conserve the legendary Manipuri ponies, a breed of small horse found mainly in Manipur and Assam with immense historical and mythological value, by allotting 30 acres of land at Lamphelpat, Imphal West.

Taking to his X handle, CM Biren Singh wrote, “To protect the endangered Manipuri Pony, they are now given a new home at the government allotted 30 acres of grassy fields at Lamphelpat, Imphal West where they can freely roam and graze. The Manipur State Government has been taking up various measures to protect the Manipuri Pony which is closely tied to the state’s history & culture. We gave the game of Morden polo to the world, and considering the importance of this animal, their preservation requires support from the masses. I also appreciate the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association for their initiative to save the precious yet endangered Manipuri Pony.”

In 2016, the Manipur state government passed the Manipur Pony Conservation and Development Policy, acknowledging the decline in the species population, from 1898 as per the 2003 livestock census to 1101 as per the count published in the 2012 census.

Notably in January 2023, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a 122–foot–tall statue of a polo player mounted on a pony at the shrine of Ibudhou Marjing, considered the God of Pony, Polo and War, in Manipur. “This will surely take the legacy forward and inspire more youngsters towards the game,” he posted on the social media platform X.

Despite their importance in the modern sport of polo, which originated in Manipur, the population of these robust animals continues to decrease, presenting serious challenges for pony owners.

The census data shows an annual decline of at least eight ponies, pushing this iconic breed closer to extinction.

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