Agri - Kaleidoscope - Equine Genetic Resources of NEH region

North East hilly region of India is bestowed with diverse indigenous animal genetic resources including that of equines. The states of Manipur and Assam have the indigenous Manipuri breed of ponies, one of the purest and prestigious breed of equines of India. Manipuri pony has the acclaim of being the oldest polo pony in the world. However, in the last decade, the equine population is found to show declining trend in the region. In the state of Assam, the total equine population decreased from 14,000 in 1994 to 11,000 in 2003 (Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, Assam). Similarly, the status of the Manipuri breed of pony is alarming with a population of around 2300.

Manipuri pony

Habitat and Origin
Manipuri ponies are found in Manipur and Assam states of NEH region and are supposed to be brought to India by the invading Tartar tribes. They are similar to other South East Asian type ponies and are believed to have been derived by crossing Mongolian Wild horse and the Arabian.

Physical Characteristics
Manipuri pony is a strong and hardy breed with very high adaptability to extreme geo-climatic conditions. These ponies are elegant in appearance with light head set on well formed neck. Face is concave with small pointed ears and alert eyes. Manipuri ponies are 11-13 hands high at wither with a good shoulder, short back, well developed quarters and strong limbs. The croup is sloping, the legs are sturdy and the hooves are well proportioned. Mane is generally coarse and upright. Manipuri ponies are generally bay, chestnut, gray or brown. However, fourteen different colours have been reported viz. bay, black, gray, brown, Mora white, Leiphon white, Sinai White, Stocking, chestnut, Roan, light gray, Reddish brown and dark bay.

Utility

Manipuri ponies are intelligent, extremely tough with tremendous endurance. They have close association with the socio economic life of the people of hilly region by means of their utility in transport, hunting and racing. Most importantly, they are famous for the polo game and Manipuri pony is said to be the original polo pony. British learned the game from the local people and spread it across the world.