Prince Harry’s passion for polo has landed him in hot water with animal rights advocates.
The Duke of Sussex is currently producing a documentary series that promises to provide an unprecedented look into the high-stakes world of professional polo.
However, his project has drawn criticism from organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), who argue that the sport exploits and endangers the horses involved.
Prince Harry’s polo documentary sparks concern
The announcement of Harry’s polo docuseries, in partnership with Netflix and Archewell Productions, has reignited a long-standing debate surrounding the welfare of horses in equestrian sports.
PETA has been vocal in condemning the practices employed in polo, citing the use of whips, sharp spurs, and the risk of serious injuries to the animals.
“Polo involves many of the harsh practices horses are prominently subjected to in the horseracing world, including the use of whips that sting and sharp metal spurs that dig into their sides,” said Elisa Allen, PETA’s Vice President of Programmes and Operations.
“Horses are accidentally hit in the head or jaw with the mallet and sustain ankle injuries from being yanked forcefully to make sharp turns and driven hard by competitive, aggressive riders.”
This is not the first time Harry’s involvement in polo has drawn criticism from animal rights groups.
In 2010, one of the prince’s favorite ponies, named Drizzle, died of a heart attack during a match, prompting PETA to condemn the incident as “by no means an isolated incident” in the sport.
Despite the backlash, Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have been actively promoting the upcoming docuseries.
The couple attended the Royal Salute Polo Challenge in Florida shortly after the project’s announcement, where Harry was photographed with a film crew, suggesting that production is already underway.
While the polo documentary promises to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the sport’s “grit and passion,” animal rights advocates argue that the series glosses over the ethical concerns surrounding the treatment of horses.
PETA has encouraged polo enthusiasts to consider alternative activities that do not involve the exploitation of animals, such as water polo.
As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen whether Harry’s docuseries will address the animal welfare concerns raised by PETA and other organizations or if it will prioritize the glamour and excitement of the sport over its controversial practices.