25 years but who's counting?

BGA member and Freelance travelling groom Sara Shears tells us her story.

"25 years - but who's counting?! Certainly not me! From leaving school at 16 my life has revolved around a love of horses and carving out a career to enable me to live my dream.

Many years ago I went from Brackenhurst College to Malcolm and Judy Pyrah’s yard in Nottinghamshire. This move kick started my showjumping groom career and I owe everything to them for guiding me on the right path.

From there I worked for various showjumpers such as Lee Williams, Richard and James Davenport, Emma and Sara Rust. I enjoyed a few years in Holland working for Shelley Redbart and the late Jaime Guerra and Vincent and Albert Voorn. A return to the UK saw me working for Sarah Lynch and finally time to sit and pass my HGV.

After a stint at Vale View as Competition Yard Manager I realised eventually that I needed to go “on the road” again. I did some horse transport work for LOC International and I’m now a self employed international travel groom and transport driver.

Unfortunately as is the way with many a groom or rider, the work took its toll on my spine. So I made the decision to work as a freelance so I could manage my own workload and take the pressure off, but still do what I love.

I get all my work through personal recommendation and the power of social media. I absolutely love my job because I get to travel to new destinations every week and catch up with friends along the way. I love always being outside – preferably in the sunshine rather than rain!

The downside of being a travelling groom is that you will miss out on time with family/friends. Be prepared to miss special occasions and to experience tiredness like you have never known before.
Being a groom has taught me to plan ahead, be self sufficient, don’t always rely on others. And make the most of your free time.

My advice for aspiring grooms would be to watch and learn from the experienced grooms and don’t be afraid to ask questions no matter how trivial they may seem. Make sure you are fully insured – especially when self employed. If you travel internationally then medical cover is especially important.

If you join the BGA they can help you with all of this and they are always on the end of the phone for you."

A big thank you to Sara for sharing her story so far. To become a BGA member like Sara, and thousands of other grooms, have a look at our membership options. 

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