Horse Jobs – Groom

horse with groomA position which can often be a springboard for a long career in the horse industry, the groom is the one who actually takes care of daily routine for the animals.

Multitasking

There are many tasks that can fall under the grooms command, and the actual job description will vary from facility to facility. That means that not only does the job vary but so does the pay.

This is a position which benefits from a firm knowledge of horseflesh, a teamwork attitude and independent, creative thinking.

Must Love the Animal

Physical strength, love of the animal and attention to detail are quality aspects of a successful groom. A sense of personal responsibility is essential in a caretaker.

Job Description

Regardless of the size of the establishment, a groom spends a lot of time hands on with the animals as well as taking orders from the barn manager, foreman, trainer or trainers assistant.

Responsibilities

  • Following feeding, cleaning & watering schedules
  • Basic horse care, bathing, brushing, clipping
  • Cleaning & maintaining of tack & equipment
  • Basic exercise and ground work
  • Assisting with breeding & foaling
  • Assisting vet & farrier
  • Following supplement & medication schedules
  • Basic grounds maintenance and repair
  • Sometimes requires the use of farm equipment

Requirements

Some employers may require a high school diploma, but beyond that this position does not require any formal schooling. Experience is the best teacher with respect to horse care and potential employers know that.

Any education or training in horse anatomy, care and training are always a bonus. As is the drive to use a groom position as the first rung in a horse career ladder.

Resources

A few places to start if you are interested in a career as a groom.

*Link opens in a new window

British Grooms Association

The Right Job For You?

If this isn’t your dream job, there is a long list of different careers that involve horses. Each one requiring a different skill set, schooling requirement and amount of contact with the animals.

Image from Banamine

7 Responses to “Horse Jobs – Groom”

What's Yours?

  1. I am interested in starting a career with horses(racing). This would be an entry level for me. I need training and I would like to get started. Please send me much information.

  2. Leanne booth says:

    hey yuette im only 13 but iv been riding for 8 years started when i was 5 and id just like to say have you got a horse?… and have you tried going some were to go to train because my oldest cousin when on websites and found a race training farm/club and she said she has never felt better because shes so good and in a couple of years when she gets her own horse and trains that she is going in for a chance to race ..p.s my imformaton might not be what your looking for but im just trying to help out type back love leanne x l.booth1997@hotmail.co.uk

  3. Leanne booth says:

    hey agen if you do right to be sorry if i dont right back because my email playing uo just type back to me n here if you want to bye leanne x

  4. DANA says:

    I still looking for horse job like groom and rider…who knows something for me ???

  5. Stephanie says:

    hi I’m looking for a job with horse. Ive been riding for many years and I’ve even ridden on a national level. I was hopping to find in a job in Europe or in the USA. I has hoping to find a job when I take care of horse and ride them on a day to day basis. If anyone has any info or any places for me to go I would be every interested.

  6. megan says:

    hi i have been riding since i was 3 years old i have been in many shows i have got many 1st places the lowest i have is a 6th place, i have many horses of my own. i have 1-2 years left at school and hoping to develope a career involved with horses.

  7. Gabrielle says:

    I’ve been in the military for a long time and I wanted to get started in learning and caring about horses. I want to spend the time that I’m not working around horses and getting more knowledge involving them. Hoping that one day I can have a full time job working around horses.

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