Youth leader for Power of Polo

Jhemar Jonas on how horses have taught him compassion, power in vulnerability, why violence is never the answer - and the joy of scoring goals

- Kate Johnson

I’m a youth leader at a community centre in Brixton.

A few years ago, I was asked to help take a bunch of kids on a Power of Polo residential course, which works to positively impact the lives of people facing social, economic or health challenges, using the sport of polo. I’d been around horses once before, but I’d never ridden and they throw you straight on, which is a bit daunting.

I don’t care who you think you are, or the environment you’re from, you have to humble yourself before you get on a horse. You’ve got to tune in to them – it’s not as scary as you think once you’ve connected.

The people on the course all have some form of social complexity.

They’ll be permanently excluded from school, or outcast from society for things they’ve done, and have real problems happening at home. One kid lost one of his friends during the residential week, and had another in intensive care.

The week covers all the essentials.

We look at the rules of polo, we ride, learn the different positions in the saddle and elements of the game. We learn about horse care, how to look after them at play and at rest, mucking out and tacking up. We also tour local facilities, and play games to connect with the horses. It’s interactive and fun, and at the end of the week, there’s a tournament between the groups.

The horses have different personalities.