Conover

Conover was part of the enviable string of Harry Payne Whitney. Played by Whitney as well as Monty Waterbury, he was a star of the Internationals in 1909, 1911, 1913 and 1914 as an aged horse but still a mainstay for the legendary “Big Four” who dominated International Polo in those years.

The tough Texan-bred bay gelding was foaled sometime between 1892 and 1895 if the stories reporting his age are correct. Although written accounts differed slightly from year to year, it is still clear that he played remarkably as an aged pony. Conover was lauded for his speed and brilliant performances over a number of years of grueling International matches both here and overseas. It was said that he had “brought fame to the Texas cowpony,” was described as “a hero” and “one of the best of the Whitney string.” He proved himself to be a mount with an indomitable spirit – a gallant, game war horse for two Hall of Famers who made up half of the hardest-riding and most competitive polo teams of the era, The Big Four.

Conover with J. Monty Waterbury astride, circa 1914

After a long and illustrious career, Conover was retired and relied upon as a trusty mount for the Whitney children.

Watercolor portrait of Conover (Top Photo) by artist, Melinda Brewer; www.poloart.ca