Field of clones: How horse replicas came to dominate polo
knowablemagazine.org
June 7, 2026
15 min read
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47/100
Summary
Equine cloning has become a mature industry in Argentina's polo scene, with cloned horses now commonly used. Ethical dilemmas surrounding the practice continue to be a topic of discussion.
Key Takeaways
- Equine cloning has become a mature industry in Argentina, significantly impacting the sport of polo.
- Polo player Adolfo Cambiaso successfully cloned his flagship mare, Cuartetera, leading to the establishment of La Dolfina's dominance with over 150 cloned horses.
- Cloning a horse is more expensive than traditional breeding methods, and ethical dilemmas regarding animal welfare and competition fairness persist.
- The cloning process involves somatic cell nuclear transfer, which has been successfully applied to over 25 mammal species since the creation of Dolly the sheep in 1996.
Community Sentiment
Positives
- The idea of cloning high-performing horses could revolutionize polo, ensuring consistent quality and performance in the sport.
- Advancements in cloning technology may lead to ethical alternatives in horse racing, potentially improving animal welfare.
Concerns
- Cloning could lock the industry into a cycle of sameness, preventing the evolution of potentially better horse breeds.
- Turning biological assets into commodities through cloning raises significant ethical concerns about the future of horse breeding.