Manipuri Pony Society holds health camp in Imphal ahead of monsoon, polo season

The Manipuri Pony Society on Sunday, June 21 organised a one-day Pony Health Camp at the Manipuri Pony Breeding Farm in Imphal in collaboration with the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association and the Manipur Equestrian Association.

The health camp was conducted under the aegis of the Directorate of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services, Government of Manipur, with the objective of carrying out general medical examinations of ponies and creating awareness about common seasonal and monsoon-related ailments affecting horses.

Speaking to reporters, Dr. Romi Maibam, Specialist (Medicine) at the State Veterinary Hospital under the Directorate of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services, said the initiative was undertaken as a preventive healthcare measure ahead of the monsoon season and the forthcoming polo season.

Dr. Maibam stated that horses remain particularly susceptible to several diseases during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods due to stagnant water and the growth of fresh grass, which may carry eggs and larvae of various parasites and worms.

He explained that such parasites can affect the gastrointestinal tract of horses and lead to multiple health complications if timely medical intervention is not provided.

According to the organisers, the camp aimed to provide vaccination and medical examination to approximately 110 to 120 horses. By the lunch session, nearly 70 horses had already undergone health assessments, while the remaining were expected to be covered during the second session later in the day.

The organisers said the initiative was intended to safeguard the health and welfare of Manipuri ponies, which continue to hold significant sporting and cultural importance in the state.