The Manipuri pony, an indigenous breed deeply ingrained in the cultural and historical identity of Manipur, is facing a fight for survival. For centuries, this rare, semi-wild breed has been celebrated for its distinctive appearance, remarkable stamina, and association with Sagol Kangjei, the traditional game widely believed to have evolved into modern polo.
Today, the animal that once symbolised the state’s heritage is threatened by shrinking grazing grounds, habitat loss, and neglect. According to polo associations, pony owners, and equestrian organisations, the animals are being systematically stolen, slaughtered, and allegedly sold for meat, pushing an already endangered breed closer to extinction.
The associations claim that more than 80 Manipuri ponies were stolen and slaughtered between September 2025 and January 2026. A recent survey conducted by these groups also uncovered around 150 previously unreported cases of theft and loss, raising fresh concerns over the rapidly declining population of this indigenous breed.
According to figures from the Directorate of Veterinary, just over 1,000 Manipuri ponies remain in the state. Against this backdrop, the recent spate of thefts and slaughter has intensified fears over the future of one of Manipur’s most iconic native species.
Representatives of several polo and pony organisations voiced grave concern over the rapid decline in the Manipuri pony population at a joint press conference at the Manipur Press Club on Sunday. The groups alleged that organised thefts of the native horses are being followed by their slaughter and sale as meat, posing a direct threat to the survival of the endangered breed.
The organisations represented at the press conference included the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association, All Manipur Polo Association, All Manipur Equestrian Association, Manipur Pony Society, All Manipur Arambai Association, All Manipur Pana Sagol Kangjei Association, Manipur Pony and Polo Welfare Association, pony owners, and polo players.
The associations urged the state government and all stakeholders to take immediate action and implement effective measures to ensure the survival, protection, and conservation of the endangered breed. They also announced that they would launch a special drive to inspect meat shops across the state to determine whether horse meat is being sold illegally.
The steady disappearance of traditional grazing grounds has also become a major threat to the survival of the Manipuri pony. Official records show there were once around 44 grazing grounds for ponies across Manipur. Today, only a handful remain, including Mapal Kangjeibung, Hapta Kangjeibung, and Manung Kangjeibung, which also double as venues for polo matches.
For pony owners, the crisis is deeply personal. Pandit, a pony owner and state polo player from Langol, said there are currently only 20 registered polo owners in the state. The recent wave of thefts has dealt a severe blow to the already dwindling community of pony owners.
As reports of thefts continue to mount and the population of Manipuri ponies continues to shrink, owners and conservation groups fear that the breed is approaching a critical tipping point. They are now calling not only for strict legal action against those responsible for the thefts and slaughter but also for long-term conservation measures to safeguard one of Manipur’s most enduring cultural symbols before it is lost forever.
