Why I love my job

BGA member Jess Errington works for Event Rider Harry Meade as his Head Girl. She tells us why she loves her job...

I love my job. It is always something in the back of my mind that I have wanted to do but never thought I would be good enough to do it at the highest level.

When I was quite young we went to Badminton Horse Trials every year and all I was really interested in was watching what happened post XC and I was desperate to be the person behind the scenes looking after the amazing horses and wanted to lead them back to the stables.

I just wanted to be involved with an athlete who was at the top of their game although never really knowing when I was younger how much of a massive part a groom plays in getting your rider and horse to that level.

I have always loved the sport of eventing and although I might not be the rider on top and the one in the public eye I have worked my way up and now have the responsibility of being in charge of a great team of people and a yard full of wonderful event horses and most importantly I get to work alongside one of the most popular, nicest and world’s best riders on the circuit.

I wake up every day not thinking of going to work but instead I look forward to spending the day caring and managing wonderful horses and a great team of people. I know that our basic routine will be the same but everyday is different and you never know what is around the corner.

I am in my 11th season with Harry now so I know him and the horses very well. Over the years we have developed the yard together and are still learning everyday. I am able to run the yard as efficiently as I can but still making sure that each one of our horses get what they need and every horse is treated as an individual, it is important to me that they are not rushed in any way and they are all allowed to have their own quirks and personalities.

Of course any work that involves horses is very hard work and we work very long hours. It is a lifestyle not a job and you have to be prepared to sacrifice a lot - no weekends off and no going to you’re friend’s party whilst the event season is on. The horses and rider always come first every day whether you like it or not.

There are many highs and lows within the sport and you have to be made of strong stuff to be a groom at top level. Importantly you have to be able to deal with whatever is thrown at you, you have to stay strong and keep going for your team involved and for the rest of the horses in your care.

Like in any job you will have very good days but also very bad days but when your plan comes together and your horse and rider have gone and done well then my job is incredibly rewarding and the emotions and buzz surrounding you and your team is something that I can not describe. It is very special. Suddenly all those bad days you had never existed and are suddenly forgotten about.

I feel that I am very lucky to have got to where I am now. Harry gave me the opportunity with not much experience 10 years ago and I grabbed it with both hands. I have made some life long friends humans and horses along the way and somehow have managed to land my dream job becoming Head Girl for Harry Meade.

I would recommend being a groom to anyone who loves a challenge and loves working with horses.

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