I’ve loved the competition for everything.

It’s my life. It’s my job. It’s my love.

My name is Jesse Bray

I’m a 5-goal American polo player.

I was born in New Zealand, grew up in California.

I’m 23 years old.

I started playing professionally when I was 16 years old

it’s when got my first pay cheque for playing Polo.

My dad’s played professional his whole life

he made it to a 7-goal handicap.

My goal has always been to be better than him.

Polo is definitely considered a luxury sport.

I’ve travelled a lot to play Polo.

There are some low places and there are some high places

and Santa Barbara is definitely one of the highest places to be.

La Martina has the role of growing this sport of polo.

They can get the word out to a lot of high class people

who bring the high class to the polo world.

To play in the high level it’s all about horses.

I’m constantly looking for new horses.

I’m improving my string all the time

investing every dollar I make trying hundreds of horses

to find one that fits perfect.

Trying a horse is similar to trying, buying a new car.

You want to make sure you’re in love with it

it’s a great comparison having the top-end cars

compared to the top-end horses.

To play polo is not a matter of just being a part

of a small group of lucky people.

To reach this kind of exclusivity

is something you can get just step by step.

It is a lot about hard work.

It’s not as what everybody sees from the outside.

I’d wake up every morning by 6:45

so I’m at the barn at 7.

I spend pretty much all day

getting the horses ready for the games.

I’m riding 4 or 5 hours a day.

Horses are athletes as well.

They feel different.

What’s really important: to get your horse in top condition

to play at its best.

If you watch from a couple of years ago to now

you see the difference in every horse.

They’re always improving.

I spend a lot of time with the horses

so there are a lot of things you miss in life.

It’s some sacrifices you make but it makes up for it.

My goal has always been to make it to an 8-goal handicap

I’ll get there.

It’s not a ‘hoping to be’

it’s going to happen.

I think my dad will be proud of me.