As all sporting activity came to a stop with the spread of the coronavirus, the polo season in India, too, was abruptly cut short. The annual four-week season in March in Mumbai ended after only two weeks, with the announcement of the nationwide lockdown. As a result, around 200 horses and their 125 grooms are stuck at the Amateur Riders Club (ARC) in the famous Mahalaxmi Race course.
Even as the club made makeshift arrangements for horses—63 of them mostly from Jaipur and Delhi —and their 39 grooms and taking all necessary precautions, the situation is becoming increasingly challenging for the club with the lockdown now extended till May 3.
Speaking to THE WEEK about the efforts being made to make the stay of throughbreds and their caretakers as comfortable as possible in such times, Shyam Mehta, president of the ARC, said the rising heat and humidity in Mumbai will cause discomfort to the horses. Also, the club has to deal with increased costs in ensuring their stay is comfortable for an extended period. "The extension for lockdown to May 3, 2020, will further aggravate the situation at hand. The weather conditions will be a big challenge for the horses and the men. Especially, for the horses. The rising heat and humidity in Mumbai will cause discomfort to the horses in the temporary stables leading to health challenges. They will require continuous monitoring by the grooms. They may require more fans, maybe even coolers to be stationed for them. The journey back home to Delhi or Jaipur will be even more arduous and dangerous owing to the increasing temperatures."
The international players and umpires from Argentina and UK managed to return to their respective countries in time but the horses and grooms coming after the Jaipur leg of the season were locked down with immediate effect. The ARC constructed temporary stables for the visiting horses and their grooms, and is bearing the costs of their daily essentials whilst ensuring safety and hygiene standards. All essentials including food and facilities for the horses and grooms are being delivered directly to them. The club has also ensured that the daily routine, health and hygiene regime of the 200 horses is not disturbed despite the lockdown. Arrangements for veterinary services on call and a compounder on the premises to tend to the horses’ needs have also been made available. Members are, however, not permitted to ride or even visit the club or the stables. Grooms have also been provided with masks and sanitisers.
Procurement of hay was not easy initially during the lockdown, but things have eased somewhat on that front. But the costs of maintaining so many thoroughbreds for such a long time also mean extra financial burden on the club. "The costs of care for the horses and grooms will further escalate, and will leave a hole in our pockets. The costs are being borne by ARC. There is no external or government funding. We were wary of the extension of the lockdown. Our greatest challenge has been to manage permits to transfer the horses and the grooms back home. We have worked towards this with the Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Gujarat governments The grooms who have come with the horses will travel back with them to their respective cities," said Mehta.
Reportedly, while the Rajasthan government agreed, the club is yet to get the necessary nod from Delhi and Maharashtra state governments. "Looking at the current pandemic, we are unsure what will happen in Mumbai post 20th, but we are in touch with the relevant government authorities and are hopeful to get all clearances to transport the horses safely back to their homes," Mehta said.