Introduction

Grooming is simply the ritual of caring for the polo ponies before, during and after the match.

The job of a polo groom is extremely demanding and requires you to be organized, possess initiative and quickness, and to a certain degree aggressiveness. The groom is one of most important beings around the trailer, (except for the horses.) A lot of responsibility comes with the territory that requires your full attention.

The best grooms are organized, anticipate well, and, of course, love to be around horses. They must be truly concerned about the horses' and their bosses' well-being and cannot be afraid of hard work or getting dirty.

This handbook is written for the beginner polo groom (and player), not for the beginner horse person. We assume that you know some of the very basics of being around horses, but not necessarily being around the sport of polo. As you become more experienced, you'll develop your own system or routine, which is encouraged. What separates the exceptional groom from the good groom, is his or her capability of finding better ways of completing tasks and the ability to anticipate needs. I'm not suggesting shortcuts, but I urge everyone who takes on this job to look for ways to improve on a process.

This handbook is a compilation of several polo player's and groom's tactics for getting ready. This is the way we do things - which is not to say it's the only way. Don't be afraid to make suggestions to your boss. You'll have to see what is comfortable and acceptable to him or her. Polo players aren't shy, so they will tell you if they think it's a good idea or not. Each experienced player has their own way of doing things and you will learn many lessons from them directly.

This book is geared for the low-goal player's grooms, because in the high-goal leagues, the grooms themselves are rated players and have been around the sport for a long time. The big name professionals probably don't need my advice.

If you're grooming for the weekend (club) polo enthusiast, then I think you'll find this book covers the basics to get you started. Take this handbook to the matches with you and refer to it as necessary. Make notes in it. Use the pages at the back to list your bosses' line up for the day or to just keep notes on his or her requirements. On game day, things can get pretty hectic and you may not be able to get answers to your questions on the spot.

Go ahead, take control, get your hands, clothes, hair and face dirty but do a good job.

Some other notes of importance that don't really fit in a chapter:

I interchange the words ponies and horses a lot. In the context of this book, they mean the same thing.

For the sake of reading simplicity, I am going to refer to your boss as being male. Many women also play this sport and you could very easily work for a woman or husband and wife team.

I have no idea who you will actually be working for, however, I do know there is a specific personality type that is lured to this game. Typically the people who play polo are independent, very assertive if not aggressive, and sometimes lack patience. Words are accidentally said on the field and around the trailers that may offend you. If you're thin-skinned, find a job in a library. Game days, especially tournaments, can be tense. Your boss may be unhappy with the score or the way a pony wouldn't respond, or maybe his boots are too tight. Who knows. Hopefully, whoever you work for knows that you are doing the best job possible. Remember your boss shares some of the responsibility for coaching you during your job. Do not let these people bother you. Find another boss if necessary, but please don't take anything personally -especially during match play!

One more note before we begin that holds true for all you do around the stable and the trailer. You have to work fast. You cannot spend a lot of time on each horse. You may have anywhere from 4-7 horses to clip, bathe, brush, and tack on a typical polo match day. This sport is different from others where the competitor has only one horse to be concerned about. In some rare cases, you may even be asked to help out a neighbor trailer if they are short-handed or if a problem arises. So you do not have time to dally. You must work through your string of ponies quickly and efficiently. If it takes you too long to complete certain tasks, your boss will be unhappy. (understatement) Being quick does not mean you can be sloppy. As you become more familiar with the processes and the horses, your speed will increase. Practice on your part and good coaching from your boss are key.

Tips on what and what not to wear. We had a groom one time show up in a silk outfit with at least ten necklaces and bracelets. I think there was even a ring on every finger. Great for a spectator but not practical for a groom. Let's just say, if you don't care about getting something dirty, then wear it! As for jewelry, don't wear any, for safety's sake. Because you're dealing with little hooks and chains and buckles and snaps, a ring could easily get caught with potential devastating damage. Also, wear shoes that provide more protection than sneakers. (Sandals a definite no-no) You're working in close quarters and occasionally your horses like to use your foot as a foot rest.

Since a lot of matches take place in the hot, humid, summer, you need to drink plenty of water or sports drinks before, during, and after the match to keep from overheating and dehydrating. You are working hard and sweating fluids out of your system so you need to keep replenishing just as you would do with any other strenuous work or exercise.

Part I - Polo Handbook by Sandy Herron | Part II -Handbook By Sue Sally Hale |

Part III - Grooming the Polo Pony by Carol Barker | Introduction | Preface
Chapter 1| Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4| Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Summary