The mission of the Equine Welfare Committee is to advise the USPA Chairman and Executive Committee on all aspects of the care and well-being of polo ponies and with their direction, to carry out programs to insure the finest of polo pony welfare conditions and care.

NOTICE TO CLUBS: Equine Welfare - Be prepared with a plan and expect the unexpected
On behalf of the USPA, the Equine Welfare Committee advises clubs to be prepared for emergencies and have basic equine emergency care available at all polo games. Clubs are advised to have a plan in place in case the unexpected happens and a horse is injured or dies on or near the polo field. Club owners, managers and players are asked to discuss any emergency equine welfare plans with their local veterinarian. Equipment, supplies and information included in that plan should be readily available including the phone number of a nearby, on-call veterinarian.  The best equine emergency plan is one that is in writing and distributed to a wide number of club officials and players with practice drills performed in advance. When an equine emergency happens during or near a polo match, players and club officials are advised to stay calm and follow the plan until the emergency is over.  The most important aspect of a well conceived emergency plan is sticking to it.

Heat Index Article- Josh Hall, DVM

Kimzey Leg Saver Splint Program:

A useful piece of equine emergency equipment is the Kimzey Leg Saver Splint and the USPA is offering USPA member clubs a $200.00 rebate if a Kimzey Leg Saver Splint is purchased. This offer is a first come, first serve basis.  For the most complete information about the splint, go to  www.kimzeymetalproducts.com/new_page_4.htm. Please consult a veterinarian as to the proper way to use the leg splint.

For more information about the USPA Kimzey Leg Saver Splint Reimbursement Program, please contact Lindsay Dolan at ldolan@uspolo.org.

For proper use of the Kimzey Brace, contact the product manufacturer or your veterinarian.

The Equine Welfare Committee is responsible for advising both players and clubs about horse care and welfare; and, they provide information about the ways and means of being prepared in case of medical emergencies that might unfortunately occur in polo. There are also official USPA Rules and Bylaws that protect horse safety and welfare that are strictly enforced by USPA umpiring officials. In addition, the Polo Pony Welfare Hotline (859) 608-4766 is an effective way to report horse abuse and neglect. The Equine Welfare Committee has initiated programs that include the Polo Pony Care Guide, the USPA Equine Drugs and Medications Program as well as the Kimzey Leg Saver Splint Reimbursement Program.

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For Minutes from the 2011 April Meeting click HERE

For Minutes from the 2010 Fall Meeting click HERE

Check out the USPA Equine Welfare Committee Facebook Page by clicking HERE