I needed to do something that I love

BGA member Carly O’Brien shares her story on becoming a freelance groom and instructor.

My name is Carly and I’m a freelance groom and instructor. I have my side kick dog Zac who comes to work with me and we love being in the great outdoors.

Throughout my childhood, I was obsessed with horses! I had posters on my wall, the John Whitaker and Milton VHS tape and I was at the stables at every opportunity.

In my teens I don’t remember that there were many resources detailing the opportunities of working with horses (this was before the internet and social media), so I assumed that unless you were a top show jumper/rider, there weren’t that many career options available with horses.

When I left school, I had various jobs including working at Gatwick Airport, in a travel agent, in a bank, and being a nanny to name a few; but it just wasn’t what I wanted to do with my life.

I still had a passion for horses but put it to the back of my mind as I hadn’t ridden a horse for many years and I think I was lacking in confidence.

To begin my journey back I loaned a horse so that I could start riding, grooming and being around horses again after 15 years off.

Shortly after a job of an instructor at a local charity riding school for the disabled came up. I didn’t have any teaching experience or qualifications but I thought ‘What’s the worst that will happen?’

I spoke to the manager Jo and watched a couple of lessons. I then taught a mock lesson and I remember I was so nervous! She then gave me a trial day (which I loved!) and then she offered me the job.

I had lots to learn so I watched as many YouTube tutorials as I could. I had lessons myself which I gained so much from to then pass down to our riders.

I worked at the riding school full time for two years and I adored it. I knew this is what I wanted to do.

The riding school also offers a livery service and I had gotten to know the livery clients quite well so when the groom went on maternity leave I offered to take over.

Once I was on working on the yard I was being recommended to other yards and that’s how my freelancing grooming business started!

When I look back I wished I had known more about the equestrian world when I was a teenager and what job options that were available as I know I would have taken this career earlier.

I’m a big believer in fate and everything happens for a reason and although the winter can be hard sometimes when you’re dealing with wind, rain and mud but even then, I don’t have the dread to work feeling when I wake up! I really love my job I would encourage everyone to look at what opportunities are available.

Thanks for reading,

Carly x

If you would like to join the British Grooms Association, like Carly, have a look at what we can offer you. 

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