Overview
Horse groomers look after horses. They clean the horses and brush off any dirt or mud. They keep the horses’ coats shiny and sometimes get them ready for competitions. They also clean out the stables and put fresh straw down for bedding. Grooms also give the horses exercise and get them ready for other people to ride.
Activities
- Brushing and cleaning horses
- Trimming their coats
- Cleaning out stables
- Giving horses the right amount and type of food
- Riding horses to exercise them
- Getting horses ready for other people to ride
- Cleaning all the riding equipment
- Helping to move horses from one place to another
- Checking that horses are healthy
Organisations
Grooms work in places that have horses across our region. These may include riding schools, livery stables, which look after people’s horses, riding studs, charities that rescue and care for horses, and racing stables.
Workplace
Horse grooms spend a lot of time working outdoors.
Working Hours
Horse grooms usually work around 40 hours a week. Horses need to be cared for every day of the year.
Salary
£12,000-£18,000.
Qualifications
You need to have a real love of working with horses for this job. You do not always have to pass Level 2 qualifications at school, some employers may ask for GCSEs, usually including English and Maths, or equivalent or an apprenticeship.
You could also apply for an apprenticeship. If you have an EHCP you may be able to apply under the DfE exemption which allows the apprentice to use Entry Level 3 English and Maths qualifications. The apprentice would have to be competent enough to successfully achieve all other aspects of the apprenticeship requirements, become occupationally competent and achieve Entry Level 3 in English and Maths before the end of their apprenticeship.