Anyone worked on a polo yard?

Princess Jess

Princess Jess

Well-Known Member
Joined
16 January 2012
Messages
1,110
Location
Northampton
Visit site
So after searching high and low for competition yards to spend the summer working at I found a polo yard instead! Only trouble is I know nothing about polo ponies :eek:...so I'd be grateful if all you knowledgable people could fill me in?
The yard is a private one with about ten polo ponies (mostly TBs) and he also trains racehorses, although I'm not sure if he has any in work at the moment. I'm going to help out at the yard with general duties, exercising the horses and hopefully accompanying them to some polo matches too.
So my questions are mainly how do polo ponies differ from 'normal horses', do you need a vastly different technique to ride them? What sort of work do they do when they are in work and how often do they go out to matches, what would I be expected to do at a match?
Also are the horses fairly laid back and easy to tack up etc. (I have visions of trying to tack up stressy TB's in miles of complicated polo tack! :eek::D)

Obviously I'm sure they'll tell me what they want me to do, but I don't want to look like a complete numpty! I have a vague idea of general polo rules and have been to plenty of matches but just wondered what its like 'back stage'?

I'd also be very interested to hear your experiences of working in the polo industry, pretty please :D
 
Most ponies wear bridles with a gag or pelham or similar bit in, with two sets of reins. Most also wear a breast girth. The saddles have a single flap, and tend to be made out of buffalo leather. A lot also use over-girths. The saddlecloths are quite often traditional Argie ones.

Ponies wear bandages on all four legs, sometimes with boots over the top, but usually without.

They tend to be hogged with clipped tails. The tails are plaited for chukkas and either secured using a section of tail or taped with electrical/bandage tape.

When not doing chukkas ponies are exercised, usually by doing circuits around a polo field or other field in walk, trot and canter. The focus is on fitness and stamina.

When riding the pony, both sets of reins are in the left hand, with one set above the other. Quite often grooms ride one and lead two or three others (my record was 5!) to exercise them in as short time as possible.

My old patron would play twice midweek and twice at the weekend. Some clubs only play at the weekend. If the owner isn't playing, they may want to stick and ball the ponies (ie practice their ball skills). The tack is the same as for chukkas.

I loved my time as a polo groom :D Please feel free to ask any questions if you've got any-I will try to help!
 
At a match, tournament or chukkas you would be responsible for tacking the ponies, tying them to the pony lines, keeping them watered, getting your patron on and off and sometimes warming up the pony before the next chukka. After you would water and wash off the ponies, untack etc. Each pony will do no more than 2 chukkas, one on then one off. A game consists of 4 chukkas, each lasting 7 minutes.
 
How do you lead several at once while riding? I've seen it but how, like do you have extra long lead ropes or tie each one to the next ones saddle or something? How come none of the lead horses try to pull away? Sorry for all the daft questions :)
 
Hi! I'm in polo, it's a good job with horses IMO. You have had some hood advice above. Sugar to answer your question you normally tie the outer horse to the inner horses headcollar and then hold the inner horses leadrope only, this is the same on both sides otherwise you would end up with 4 leadropes and reins of riding horse which gets rather complicated! The ponies are normally well behaved they know the drill!
OP normally you have a Monday as your day off, most patrons will stick n ball/do chukkas maybe twice in week then play a tournament on the weekend, if you are groomIng for a pro maybe alot more! Polo is very sociable-you will learn some Spanish no doubt as many other grooms/players are from Argentina. X the tack isn't too complex you'll learn it in no time!
 
Helenalbert and Milanesa thanks, that certainly helps!
I spoke to the owner today and am visiting the yard tomorrow to start helping out, so fingers crossed it will go well!
 
Hey! Oh great news, enjoy it. It's a fun job- hard work but most polo ponies are so well trained they are all very respectful and easy to 'do' so to speak! Let us know how you get on!
 
I've worked in various polo yards here and in NZ - absolutely loved it!

I think the others have covered most things, you just have to learn how polo tack needs to be fitted and if match grooming learn to tack change/strip off ponies quickly!

Most polo ponies are well mannered and know their job. As for riding sets, you'll soon get into the swing of it - I used to put their lead ropes through the headcollar of the one next to them but we only did 5 at a time.

Polo yards are generally really sociable - I met some of my best friends working in polo yards. Keep us posted on how you get on, good luck!
 
I don't know anything about polo and never worked on a yard but the horses opposite mine in the american barn are all polo ponies. I have to say they are all incredibly well-behaved, the groom leads all 7 together in and out of the barn and they wait at each of the doors patiently when turning in until it is their turn. They never bother any of the other horses and likely because they are so used to doing things in teams. When they are all on a day off and I am there on my own they are always interested in what is going on and chatty - they are a pleasure to have around actually. The other polo grooms I know find it hard work but all seem to love it. i have seen them with their vet and dentist and they are so calm and unphased it is lovely. i would imagine if all polo ponies are like this they would be a pleasure to groom for - I hope you enjoy your new job :)
 
I've worked at polo yards (2 of the biggies down South) and I remember taking hold of the reins ready to mount my first ever polo pony and the poor thing had the shock of it's life and reared straight up. It had never had this done before and had a total meltdown. Early lesson for me - don't touch mouths when mounting! Good tip about learning Spanish too!
 
And dont turn up on your first day dressed in anky breeches, dressage boots and a fitted gillet - lesson very quickly learnt at my end!! Jeans and short boots/full or half chaps are the done thing unless you have a pair of cotton espadrilles and a floppy cap :D (this is what you will see the argentine grooms working in ;) )
 
Oh and get used to doing a rising canter....else you'll get a sore bum from riding all those sets!!

I can't wait to hear how you get on, good luck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top