In every Polo Match, we all admire and root for the players, the teams, even the horses! But, just like in the creation of every great thing, there are people behind-the-scenes we don’t know much about. People who have given their days and lives to this game. So personally and deeply connected to the game, yet hidden behind the curtains. Their stories of dedication, loyalty towards the sport, and perseverance are motivating and inspiring.
SANGRAM SINGH SHEKHAWAT
The caretaker of the horses of Mr. Vikram Rathore, Shekhawat Ji has been into horse care for almost 15 years. “I entered this field out of curiosity. I always felt an attachment towards horses. My mother’s brother was in this field and I entered this world through him. He even taught me how to ride a horse. Soon, my hobby turned into my job.”
Shekhawat claims to have had a great experience with horses since he began his journey in 2007. He set foot in this world out of sheer thirst for knowledge about the equine species and ended up growing so attached that there was no going back. His unyielding mindset contradicts with the gentle way he prefers to handle the horses. His antidote for a freaked out horse is patience. “With out-of-control horses, you have to give them time, 2-3 years even. It’s also a good idea to check their diets. When you continuously try to create a bond with them, they slowly calm down.”
Shekhawat now has the duty to not only look after the horses, but also teach his subordinates about horse riding and practices to follow while taking care of a horse.
DASHRAT SINGH RAJAWAT
Starting his career as a horse groom 20 years back, Rajawat has progressed in his profession and now handles the responsibility of a horse rider of Sunny Patel. Even after devoting 20 years of his life to this livelihood, if you had asked Dashrat those two decades back, he probably would not have classified a career in horses as his purpose. “Whatever I have learned about horses, I have learned on the job.”
When it comes to the games, Dashrat has a mellow approach towards the outcome. “If the horses are competent and well-equipped, then I have done all I can for the game. There is no point in stressing out. Tense situations only arise when you are not very sure about the ponies that are playing on the field,” he says.
His laid-back attitude paired with confidence and a sure hand on the horses reflects that he is truly an expert at his job.
DILIP NAYAK
Notably the most tenderfoot in the lot, Dilip Nayak has been a groom of Vikram Rathore’s horses for about 6 years. An immigrant from Bali, Nayak’s ambition is to one day take his skills to a developed foreign country.
“It has been an amazing journey, I have had a lot of fun and I have become well-versed with the ways of horses. I especially love the Polo game days, particularly when we win.”
His love of watching Polo games is equivalent to his love of horses. He follows the motto: “If you maintain a relaxed attitude, your horses will be composed as well.” He has a very pragmatic approach towards the games and knows you can’t win every war.
“We can’t expect that the team would win every match. That is impossible, but we are also certain that such amazing and hardworking teams won’t have many losses written in their fortunes either.”
CHAIN SINGH
With his family being a part of the industry for as long as he can remember, Singh grew up hearing about horses. While he would study, or go about his regular business, he would simultaneously pick up on the horse-talk his family would indulge in. Despite the familiarity and theoretical knowledge, when he started this profession, Chain was not used to being in close proximity to a horse. “When I started, I was pretty scared. It took me 10-15 days to even go near a horse. After that, slowly, I started overcoming my fears. Now, I am not afraid of them at all. To me, they are now the same as the small animals in my village. I love horses and I now view them as my buddies.”
Singh has recently finished 17 successful years at the post of NCU in the 61st Cavalry. His personal style of treating the horses is to shower them with love and patience, but also being strict when the horse misbehaves. Especially during a game, he believes, when the stakes and pressure is high, it’s necessary for the horse’s groom to portray a calm attitude. If you freak out, the horse is bound to change its behavior as well.
“Right when I was posted here, I started to stay around the Polo players. I have spent the past 17 years near these players, and it fills my heart with sheer joy to witness how much they are progressing.”
