Mangalarga Marchador is the National Horse of Brazil and stands out with its unique and typical rhythmic gait. An even-tempered horse, it is known for its multiple capacities and excellent performance in events and shows.
Having a moderate size, these horses have an average height of over 15 hands and weigh somewhere between 900 and 1100 pounds. With a triangular head, straight profile, and medium-length neck, these horses are quite reminiscent of the Barb horses.
This breed of horses is well known of there extremely high levels of endurance and versatility. Another unique characteristic possessed by the horses of this breed is the set of two special gaits exhibited by them. These include the marcha picada and the marcha batida. While the first means 'light touch', the latter literally implies 'to hit'.
History has it that the Brazilians have always demanded that the horses of the Mangalarga Marchador breed be the gaited horse with high levels of performance in fields ranging from reining to dressage and endurance. This has led to the development of the Mangalarga Marchador horse as one of the leading horses in events such as polo and other equestrian games.
The Equestrian Games
Polo is one of the most famous equestrian games of the modern times. Horse polo requires high levels of energy, efficiency and endurance from both, the horse as well as the rider. Since the basics of the game requires that the horse and the rider develop a good rapport and react to the opponent's action properly, it is important that the horse should be intelligent and also easy to train.
The Mangalarga Marchador fits these criterion very well as they are quite amiable to train. Polo training of these horses generally begins at three years of age and goes on for a period of six months to two years. However, the most important fact is that these horses possess a very high level of strength, stamina and endurance which makes them an exceptionally good choice for a polo event.
The Mangalarga Marchador horses have been known to perform extremely well in polo events since decades. Being highly versatile and well-natured horses, the Mangalarga Marchadors adapt quite easily to the polo gear and routine. They are quite easy to discipline which make it possible to teach them to remain controlled under the pressure.
However, experts strongly suggest that it is important to observe a few precautions with regard to the training of the Mangalarga Marchador for a polo event. Foremost, it is important to get the horse used to the attire gradually. The trainer in charge should have complete expertise in giving instructions and making the horse fully aware of his role in the game. Being an intelligent horse, it can perceive even the slightest ambiguity which can have a negative impact on the overall performance.
Besides, it is also useful to have a series of practice sessions on the competition grounds to familiarize the horse with the grounds as well as the overall environment.
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