Cloning In Polo

In the competitive world of polo, cloning has emerged as a powerful tool to preserve and perpetuate the genetics of exceptional polo ponies. By creating genetically identical replicas of champion horses, teams can ensure consistent performance, extend the careers of elite bloodlines, and reduce the unpredictability inherent in traditional breeding. At Gemini Genetics, in partnership with ViaGen Pets & Equine, we offer end-to-end equine genetic preservation and cloning services in the UK and Europe, guiding clients through every step—from sample collection to the birth of a healthy cloned foal. This blog explores the history and practical applications of horse cloning in polo, and details how you can leverage Gemini Genetics’ expertise to clone your own polo pony, improving your team’s stability and competitive edge.

Introduction to Cloning in Polo
Cloning technology traces its modern roots to the birth of Dolly the sheep in 1996, the first successful mammalian clone, which demonstrated that specialized cells could be reprogrammed to develop into an entire organism. Since then, advances in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) have extended cloning to a variety of species, including horses, allowing polo enthusiasts to replicate elite equine athletes with unmatched genetic fidelity. Argentine polo legend Adolfo Cambiaso pioneered polo pony cloning in the early 2000s, preserving his champion mare Aiken Cura’s cells and debuting her clones on the international circuit by 2013. This breakthrough not only ensured the continuity of his team’s success but also catalysed a broader industry of equine cloning providers.

Benefits of Horse Cloning for Polo
Genetic Consistency and Performance Reliability

Traditional breeding introduces genetic variability, making each foal’s abilities somewhat unpredictable. Cloning eliminates this uncertainty by producing horses with the exact DNA of proven champions, ensuring consistency in speed, agility, and temperament. Teams can field cloned ponies knowing they possess the same athletic potential that characterized their predecessors.

Extended Careers and Bloodline Preservation
Elite polo ponies often retire or pass away at the peak of their careers, taking invaluable genetics with them. Cloning allows owners to preserve these bloodlines indefinitely: even after the original animal’s death, a skin sample can yield a genetically identical foal years later. This capability not only honours the legacy of legendary ponies but also offers breeders long-term strategic planning for their stables.

Health Screening and Disease Resistance
By controlling the source DNA, owners can screen for hereditary diseases before clones are produced, reducing the risk of genetic disorders in future generations. This proactive approach enhances overall herd health and performance longevity on the field.

Ethical and Economic Considerations
While cloning involves higher upfront costs compared to traditional breeding, the long-term value of replicating elite genetics—combined with reduced variability—can yield superior financial returns through consistent tournament success and stud fees.

Applications of Cloned Polo Ponies
Professional Polo Circuits
Cloned ponies have already made their mark in high-goal tournaments worldwide. Adolfo Cambiaso’s cloned mounts have dominated major championships since the early 2010s, illustrating that genetic replication can translate to real-world victories.

Breeding Programs and Genetic Research
Clones serve as foundational stock in advanced breeding programs, allowing scientists and veterinarians to study performance traits and refine selection methodologies. This can accelerate genetic improvements across entire stables.

Amateur and Developmental Polo
Amateur players and polo schools can benefit from cloned ponies by accessing consistent, trainable horses that build confidence and skill more predictably than traditional foals.

How to Clone Your Horse with Gemini Genetics
Initial Consultation
Contact Gemini Genetics to discuss your goals and obtain a detailed overview of the cloning process, timeline, and costs.

Sample Collection
To clone your horse, a skin sample is needed. For a live pony, the process involves your veterinarian taking 4 x 6mm biopsy punches of skin from the crest of the neck, under the mane. Your horse must be under standing sedation with appropriate analgesia for the sample taking area. Live sample taking is also subject to veterinary approval and must only be conducted by a vet, ensuring appropriate veterinary sample taking procedures. Contact us here for more information on live sample taking.

For deceased animals, collect and ship chilled skin from the neck and ear tissue (2cm x 2cm) within five days of passing. Health tests are also needed. Please contact us here for more information.

You can also consult the sample taking link on our website here for full instructions on live and post mortem sample taking. The link also includes a video of live sample taking, so you can see what the process involves for your horse and veterinarian.

Cell Preservation
Gemini Genetics preserves, cultures and stores your horse’s live cells in our state-of-the-art UK-based facility. Genetic preservation and cell culture starts from £1600 (+VAT where applicable).

Once the samples are preserved, they can be held in storage for as long as needed by the animal owner. There is no time pressure to clone immediately. A small monthly storage fee of £12 (+VAT where applicable) is applied per horse sample stored. Please visit our price list page for full information on costs and services available at Gemini Genetics.

SCNT and Embryo Development
Partner lab ViaGen Pets & Equine performs the somatic cell nuclear transfer stage of the cloning process, transferring your horse’s nucleus into enucleated donor oocytes and culturing embryos to the blastocyst stage.

Embryo Transfer
Embryos are implanted into surrogate mares, which carry the cloned foal to term under veterinary supervision.

Foal Birth and Aftercare
ViaGen Pets expert team coordinates foal delivery and provides aftercare guidance, ensuring your cloned pony thrives from day one.

Why Choose Gemini Genetics? 

UK & Europe’s Only Pet & Equine Tissue Bank for cloning: We’re the region’s sole facility offering in-house sample preservation before collaborating with ViaGen for cloning

Expert Support: Our team are experts in the field of animal genetic preservation and cell culture for cloning. This, combined with our state-of-the-art facilities mean we offer the highest standard of genetic preservation for cloning and the highest standard service to our clients.

Proven Track Record: Hundreds of successful clones worldwide attest to our reliability and technical excellence. We also have over 6000 samples in storage for future cloning, and, like our partner company, ViaGen, we also work with conservation partners, in the race against animal extinction. Such work in conservation is strictly controlled and only permitted for verified, expert and trusted genetic preservation companies.

We Understand Your Cloning Journey: As a team of animal owners and animal lovers, we fully understand the reasons why clients invest in the animal cloning journey. Whether a pet cat or dog, or an elite performance equine, we understand the significance of the cloning journey to each and every client we assist. This means you not only receive our highest standard of technical & scientific expertise, but you also receive our compassion and full dedication to assist you as fellow animal owners ourselves.

You can see and learn more about our expert team and facilities, via our company brochure.

Conclusion
Cloning offers an unprecedented opportunity to lock in the genetics of world-class polo ponies, ensuring consistent performance and preserving invaluable bloodlines for generations to come. With Gemini Genetics’ comprehensive services—from sample collection and storage to expert SCNT coordination—you can embark on the cloning journey with confidence. Contact us today to learn how horse cloning and cloned polo ponies can revolutionize your stable and elevate your game.