Horse Groom

Horse grooms care for horses on a daily basis to ensure that they remain healthy, happy and in good condition. They:

• keep the horses clean and well fed
• lead horses from their stables to the fields and back
• replace bedding
• prepare them for riding, competitions and shows
• clean and brush the horses' coats
• tack up the horses (putting on saddles and bridles) and untack them after riding
• clean the tack
• check for signs that an animal is unwell
• muck out stables and keep the yard clean
• keep records of vaccinations
• remove droppings, weeds and litter from fields.

Horse grooms work around 40 hours a week, but may work longer on occasions. Most of the work is outdoors, in all weather conditions. Some jobs involve travelling and staying away from home. The work can involve lifting, carrying, bending, climbing and standing for long periods. There is a risk of injury if a horse bites or kicks you or you fall off. Stables can be a long way from towns, sometimes in remote areas; therefore a driving licence may be useful.

Salaries for horse grooms range from the national minimum wage to up to £18,000 or more a year.

Horse grooms should:

• be knowledgeable about the care of horses and relevant health and safety issues
• be able to ride to a reasonably high standard and within strict time scales
• have stamina and fitness
• have a genuine interest in horses and their welfare
• be willing to undertake routine tasks
• have the ability to work alone as well as in a team
• enjoy working outdoors.

Horse grooms work throughout the UK. Employers include riding schools, private stables, competition yards, polo yards, livery stables, stud yards, hunting yards, trekking centres, horse rehabilitation centres and the armed forces. Job opportunities for grooms are generally good.

No academic qualifications are needed to become a horse groom, but a real interest in working with horses is very important. Any experience of working with horses is useful. It may be useful to have some volunteering or work experience. Apprenticeships may be available for this career.

Horse grooms are trained by their employer. They may work towards a range of different recognised qualifications, including NVQs.

Experienced grooms may become head grooms. They may work towards teaching qualifications to become riding instructors. There may also be opportunities to work and train abroad.

Further details