| I have been a groom to my own horse, a groom | | | | good knowledge base of how to do things and |
| in a dressage yard for no less than 7 horses, a | | | | what to do. A good way to abruptly end your |
| groom for 3 Event Competition horses and a | | | | groom work is to apply for a job you are not |
| groom for a private farm of 13 horses. I have | | | | skilled to do. Applying for a position as a groom in |
| been a working pupil where you carry out the | | | | a competition yard has duties which may not |
| duties of a groom in return for lessons and a | | | | need to be performed in a typical riding school |
| reduced wage. I have also held the title of head | | | | yard. For example turning horses out for |
| groom and Stud Manager. | | | | competition such as mane and tail plaiting |
| Throughout my experience I believe that working | | | | (braiding). |
| with horses in no way makes you rich. It does | | | | Another reason for honesty is that you are |
| however provide many opportunities for learning | | | | simply being kinder to yourself. If you have never |
| and even travel. As a groom I have had the | | | | worked with horses before you should take the |
| opportunity to work in Africa, England and Europe | | | | time to condition your body. Becoming a groom |
| with horses. In each country the basic role of a | | | | of seven horses in a single days work can result |
| groom and the duties remain consistent. | | | | in strained and pulled muscles, yours! You can |
| Accommodation is provided with most grooming | | | | very well apply for the position, but arrange for a |
| jobs. In this situation the groom is on call 24 hours | | | | training and trial period where you are given a |
| a day. You may well find yourself up tending to a | | | | few weeks to work up to the full duties |
| sick horse at 2 am in the morning and still having | | | | expected of you. |
| to be up to feed the horses at six. A full time | | | | Working with horses as a groom does not suit |
| groom normally works a six day week with a | | | | everybody. Research the field, talk to grooms in a |
| scheduled one day off. If this sounds like too | | | | yard and develop a realistic expectation of what |
| much of a commitment for you, there are at | | | | the job is and what it offers. To be a groom and |
| times jobs to be found offering part-time work. | | | | work with horses can be a fantastic opportunity |
| When applying for a potential grooming position be | | | | and interesting adventure. When you find a yard |
| honest about your experience, especially if this is | | | | you enjoy working at you you'll have days where |
| your first opportunity to be a groom. Many yards | | | | you are in "horse heaven". |
| will take the time to train you and give you a | | | | |