How to Become a Polo Pony Groom
Polo has been a popular equine sport for centuries. Originally developed as a war game between Iranian soldiers as early as the 5th century, polo is still enjoyed around the world by spectators and players alike. Each rider normally has a string of four to eight ponies, making the services of a groom necessary for proper performance. Becoming a polo pony groom requires skill and training, and can be a very rewarding career.
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Instructions
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Find a mentor in the sport. Polo is a complex sport and to truly understand how to properly prepare polo ponies, you must understand what the sport entails. Speak with players and ask to observe them and their routines to get a working knowledge of polo.
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Volunteer at local stables to familiarize yourself with horses and grooming procedures. Learn how to bathe, brush and tack up a variety of horse breeds. The more experience you have working with horses, the easier it will be for you to find a job as a groom later on.
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Attend local polo events to find riders in need of a new groom. Speak with players, get to know people in the sport, and make it known that you are available and ready for groom work. The more people you become familiar with, the more memorable your name will be when a groom is needed.
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Call local farms and ask if you can intern as a polo pony groom. A number of stables will allow you to come in and shadow current grooms to gain more experience and travel with polo players. As you gain more knowledge, you can inquire about being promoted to a full polo pony groom.
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Check local and online publications for help wanted advertisements. Many polo players post ads to reach more people and find the best groom possible. Respond to ads that fit your interest, explaining who you are and outlining your experience as a groom.
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Post flyers at local businesses stating that you're available. Veterinarian's offices, farm supply stores and tack shops often have bulletin boards just for this reason. Include a few business cards with your flyers to make your contact information readily available to interested people.
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Tips & Warnings
Make yourself available for any horse-related position. Cleaning stalls and tack may seem like a far cry from a job as an actual groom, but the more experience you have working in all aspects of horse care, the more likely you will be to land a job as a full groom.
Never take on a horse beyond your skill level. Some polo ponies are very excitable, and attempting to control a 1,200 pound animal you are not ready for yet can be disastrous for both you and the horse.
