The Manipuri was originally bred in the northeastern state of Manipur as a mount for the Manipur cavalry. A cross between the Mongolian wild horse and the Arabian, the Manipuri is known for its agility, speed, stamina and intelligence. A small horse, the Manipuri rarely exceeds thirteen hands and is usually bay, chestnut, grey or brown.

The Manipuri is supposed to be the original polo pony. A game of Persian origin, polo is supposed to have been introduced to India by Babur, though the king of Manipur may have played a similar game in the 7th century, using his own ponies. Akbar was an afficionado of polo, so much so that he sometimes played at night by torchlight, and kept huge stables which can still be seen at Agra. During their occupation of India, the British adopted the game and in the early 20th century, the Manipuri pony was replaced by taller breeds.


Sources:
Horses of India
wikipedia-Manipuri Pony
History of Chogan (Polo)