The Future is Being Re-Written

In the competitive world of polo, where a single goal can define a season, advances in technology are reshaping how Ponies are bred and trained.

Since the 70's a majority of us are well educated to the benefits of using artificial insemination with livestock and now cloning is the emerging transformative force. Influential breeders in Argentina, the USA, and the UK are pushing boundaries, using cloning methods to produce polo ponies that have taken the sport by storm. Central to this revolution is the Argentine polo star Adolfo Cambiaso, who is using cloning to breed champion polo ponies winning all the trophies at the highest level.

Argentina has long been known for its polo heritage, and several breeders have made their mark through innovative practices. Among them, Haras de La Figuera and Haras El Camino stand out, producing exceptional ponies by utilizing both artificial insemination techniques and cloning.

Haras de La Figuera has carved out a niche by breeding top ponies such as "Córdoba," a clone of the legendary stallion "Teorema." Córdoba has shown remarkable performance on the field, demonstrating the advantages of cloning.

Haras El Camino, owned by the renowned horseman Julio Novillo Astrada, has implemented artificial insemination with the best stallions in the sport, including "Islay," which has produced several winning ponies. The ability to easily access high-quality genetic material without the confines of traditional breeding has redefined the competitive landscape. Artififical Insemination remains far cheaper than cloning yet many are turning toward the newer technology.

Adolfo Cambiaso who boasts not only a handicap of 10 goals  but categorically the worlds most outstanding champion and winner of every major tournament and title in the sport many times over, has also embraced cloning as a strategy to maintain and improve his competitive edge!

His involvement has drawn significant attention with his clone, "Aiken Cura," winning the prestigious Argentina Open in 2024. Also Cambiaso has made headlines with his pony "Barrilete". A clone again, who helped secure victories during the Hurlingham Open in 2023 with his stunning performance highlighting the effectiveness of cloning as a viable breeding method. From elite tournaments to international exhibitions, Cambiaso's achievements with these clones are changing the future of polo breeding. His success has proven that cloned ponies can compete at the highest levels, giving new meaning to the vetting process of elite horses.

The very most prestigous Argentine Open, Hurlingham Open, and Tortugas Open are where Cambiaso showcased his cloned ponies.

• Aiken Cura won the 2024 Argentina Open, contributing to Cambiaso's impressive legacy as he reached the tournament’s finals in an intense showdown against teams from the USA and the UK. Barrilete played a vital role in securing victory in the 2023 Hurlingham Open, where Cambiaso's team faced off against the elite British squad led by James Beim, a professional with a handicap of 7 goals.

These wins mean more than just trophies for Cambiaso—the high performance of cloned ponies in such high-stakes events is sending ripples through the breeding world.

As Adolfo and top Argentine breeders redefine expectations with this technology, other breeders in the USA and UK are adopting similar strategies. Ben Soleimani, a prominent UK breeder, who started using artificial insemination to selectively breed an new generation of impactful ponies showing competitive spirit at high-profile UK tournaments.

In the USA, breeders like Kathy Scagel have begun exploring cloning's potential, allowing them to preserve the genetic traits of their winning ponies. With her clone "Moonlight," a replica of the successful pony "Ace," Scagel secured second place in the 2025 US Open Polo Championship. The growing interest in cloning reflects a competitive spirit among breeders, pushing them to innovate and adapt.

As a result, the landscape of polo breeding is changing dramatically, with players and breeders realizing that genetic advancements can yield immediate competitive advantages.

While the excitement of cloning and artificial insemination offers numerous benefits, ethical concerns also come into play. Critics argue that a focus on a limited number of top-tier genetics could jeopardize genetic diversity within polo ponies. 

Despite these concerns, the performance of cloned ponies is providing compelling evidence these methods are irrefutably producing champions. Breeders must navigate these challenges carefully.