Manipuri Pony Population Sees Positive Growth After Years of Decline

The Manipuri Pony, a breed of significant cultural importance, is witnessing a resurgence in its population after years of decline. Recent reports from the Manipur Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department indicate a positive trend, with new initiatives like the Pony Registration System aimed at accurately counting and conserving these ponies. With government support and increased incentives for pony owners, the future looks promising for this endangered breed. Discover the efforts being made to protect and promote the Manipuri Pony, a vital part of Manipur's heritage.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 29, 2026, 17:06 IST

Increase in Manipuri Pony Numbers

Manipur ponies (Photo: @appadappajappa / X)

Imphal, Oct 29: The population of the esteemed Manipuri Pony, which has faced significant declines in recent years, has shown signs of recovery according to the latest report from the Manipur Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department.

The department noted that the pony population fell from 1,898 in the 17th livestock census in 2003 to 1,101 in the 18th census, and slightly increased to 1,083 in the 19th census conducted in 2012.

Dr. L Arunkumar Singh, the department's director, mentioned that the results from the 20th Quinquennial Livestock Census, which took place in 2024, have not yet been officially released.

He also discussed the Pony Registration System (PRS), a digital platform launched on October 12, aimed at providing a unique identity to each registered Manipuri Pony. Dr. Arunkumar stated that officials are actively working on this system to determine the total pony population in the state.

“Our team is focused on this initiative, which will assist in accurately counting the ponies in Manipur,” he explained.

Additionally, the director revealed that Rs 30 lakh has been allocated in the annual budget to offer incentives to pony owners in the region. Last year, 1,150 pony owners received these incentives.

Following the PRS launch, a proposal was submitted to increase the incentive to Rs 10,000 for each pony owner.

Dr. Arunkumar also highlighted that a conservation proposal for the endangered Manipuri Pony, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of DoNER and the Chief Minister of Manipur, has received approval.

In 2013, the Manipur government classified the Manipuri Pony as an endangered breed. Known locally as Meitei Sagol, these ponies typically stand between 11 and 13 hands tall.

They are celebrated for their endurance, agility, intelligence, speed, and adaptability to challenging environments.

The Manipuri Pony is one of seven officially recognized horse and pony breeds in India, alongside the Marwari Horse, Kathiawari Horse, Zanskari Pony, Spiti Pony, Bhutia Pony, and Kachhi-Sindhi Horse.

This breed holds a significant place in the cultural and traditional fabric of Manipur, participating in events like Lai Haraoba, as well as in polo and horse racing.

Historically, these ponies were used as cavalry mounts for the Manipur Kingdom, which was known for its formidable forces in Upper Burma during the 17th century.

However, the Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Policy has identified various challenges contributing to the decline in their population, including habitat loss due to urbanization, a lack of polo grounds, restrictions on their use, disease outbreaks, and the migration of ponies to other states and countries.