Cryotherapy can be an effectively aid to the recovery of many conditions often seen in polo ponies.

Polo ponies require considerable training and ongoing conditioning. They need to be trained so that they are not afraid to bump into other horses, and not to shy at the ball or at mallets swinging near their heads. They need to be quick and agile so they can turn and follow the ball through its many movements. They also need to be in good physical condition.

Polo ponies have the same health problems as a horse. A recent study conducted among polo players and polo ponies owners found that polo ponies sustained wounds, splints, and tendon injuries. Still, on average, the rate of injury was no different than for other sports involving horses.

Common lameness conditions in polo ponies include:

• Laminitis and other foot-related injuries

• Distal hock joint pain, osteoarthritis of the distal tarsal joints (bone spavin)

• Desmitis of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon

• Conditions of the digital flexor tendon sheath

• Osteoarthritis of the metacarpophalangeal joint

• Superficial digital flexor tendonitis

• Exertional rhabdomyolysis

• Osteoarthritis of the carpus

• Osteoarthritis of the femorotibial joint

• Injuries of the palmar or plantar annular ligament