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Polo Officials Ban Genetically Enhanced Ponies To Save 'the Magic of Breeding'
TL;DR
Polo officials have banned genetically enhanced ponies to preserve the integrity of the sport and the traditional breeding process. The Argentine Polo Association has declared that genetically manipulated horses are not allowed in any tournaments.
Key points
- Polo officials banned genetically enhanced ponies.
- The ban aims to preserve the integrity of the sport.
- The Argentine Polo Association prohibits genetically manipulated horses.
Mentioned in this story
Argentine Polo AssociationInternational Equestrian Federation
World Anti-Doping Agency
Polo Officials Ban Genetically Enhanced Ponies To Save 'the Magic of Breeding'
"Gene doping represents a threat to the integrity of sport," asserts the World Anti-Doping Agency, which prohibits athletes from "the non-therapeutic use of genes, genetic elements and/or cells that have the capacity to enhance athletic performance." The agency also bans gene editing.
Even if genetic enhancements remain unjustifiably prohibited to elite human athletes, should a ban on gene doping also apply to animals that compete in sports? The International Equestrian Federation says yes. "The use on, or administration or application to, any Horse of Gene Editing or Genome Editing is prohibited at all times."
The Argentine Polo Association (APA) agrees: It has imposed a ban on the world's first genetically enhanced polo ponies. "The use of genetically manipulated or edited horses will not be permitted by the APA for polo, in any official or unofficial tournament," declared the organization.
The banned horses were bred by Buenos Aires–based Kheiron Biotech, a leader in horse cloning that produced about 400 clones in 2025. Researchers at the company edited five clones of the award-winning mare Polo Pureza ("Polo Purity" in English) to suppress the myostatin gene, which normally limits muscle growth. The goal was to breed horses with stronger muscles and more explosive speed.
Q&A
Why did polo officials ban genetically enhanced ponies?
Polo officials banned genetically enhanced ponies to protect the integrity of the sport and maintain the traditional breeding practices.
What organizations support the ban on gene doping in polo?
The Argentine Polo Association and the International Equestrian Federation support the ban on gene doping in polo to ensure fair competition.
What are the consequences of using genetically enhanced ponies in polo tournaments?
Using genetically enhanced ponies in polo tournaments can lead to disqualification from official and unofficial events as per the regulations set by the Argentine Polo Association.
