How to financially survive as a groom

Dated 18/03 - please see the BGA Coronavirus page for latest advice

Since the beginning of the Coronavirus outbreak, we have seen a significant rise in phone calls, most of them from concerned freelancers.

As a freelancer you are reliant on other people needing work, and with all major events cancelled Coronavirus is having a huge impact on the equestrian community.

The effect on those who are self-employed may be huge, but the outbreak could also impact on many employed grooms, especially if you work in riding school and your job is at risk.

Do we have any quick fix answers? Unfortunately, not.

Can we give support? Absolutely, yes.

We are in the middle of something that we have never seen before, but it is important to remember that this won’t last for ever. It will pass and your earning capacity will return to normal.

At the BGA we get calls like this every day, not because of Coronavirus, but due to grooms being injured and unable to work. If you don’t have personal accident insurance, then an incident at work can result in an instant loss of earnings. And it’s scary.

But in the meantime, how can you earn money?

As a groom you have many transferrable skills which you can utilise in other areas and now might be the time to diversify. Yes it’s not ideal – but needs must.

If you are out of work, contact (in a safe way) your local yards, kennels, dog walkers and vets to let them know that you are available at short notice should they need short term cover themselves for their own yards. Outline in a concise manner your skill set and availability.

If you have your LGV licence then contact local driving companies as (currently) deliveries will still need to be made, or farmers might need an extra pair of hands.

Advertise your services locally, in addition to horse related activities these might include animal care, gardening or handy work etc.

Many other businesses who are overwhelmed with the demands created by the virus, are recruiting temporary staff so think outside the box and remember it’s not for ever.

If you haven’t read our advice for freelancers and what the Government are doing to support those who are self employed then have a look here.

Cutting down on costs

This sounds obvious but cutting back on your outgoings might be essential. Some costs, for example money spent on socialising and going to the cinema, or out to dinner, or competing, will be cut out of your control.

Other areas to look at is planning and budgeting your food shopping (no more compulsive food buying for a while), curtail spending on more luxury items.

Could you put an extra jumper on and switch your heating down a degree - without being uncomfortable of course.

If you have a horse and it’s appropriate, could you adjust the livery agreements so that they could live out instantly removing the need for bedding and cutting down on hay? Could they just have front shoes on for a couple of months?

These are just a handful of ideas to get you thinking about ways you might be able to cut down.

If you have a mortgage investigate if you can take a payment holiday, many lenders are offering this so get online and discover what is on offer.

The same if you have to pay rent speak with your landlord, could you take a three month payment holiday and then pay a slightly higher rate once you are back at work? It is worth an ask.

Of course, every situation is different but it’s important to be proactive – not reactive. By this we mean reduce your spending now and budget for the next few months, rather than panic when you have no money left.

Helping others

We are all in the same boat with many people wondering what on earth they are going to do to pay the bills.

Many people will lose their jobs and the impact on the economy will be evident for months to come.

If you are on reduced work why not get involved in your local community and helping others. There are lots of local Facebook groups being set up with ways of how to help those who are vulnerable and may need to isolate.

Looking after your mental health

This is a worrying time for everyone. It’s important to stay active (at a safe distance) and stay in communication with friends and family.

Self isolating doesn’t mean cutting yourself off. If you are feeling a bit out of sorts and need some support then don’t forget to have a look at Grooms Minds, which also has a support line if you need to chat.

Here at the BGA we are open as normal and here to chat and help where we can.

Stay safe, wash your hands and remember that together we will get through this.

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