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A GROOMS LIFE BLOG
Home /Grooms life/The best career choice

The best career choice

BGA member Jess Errington is Head Girl and travelling groom to International event rider Harry Meade.

In National Careers Week we spoke to Jess about her life working as a professional groom.

“Making a career out of horses, especially in the professional industry, is tough whether it be riding or grooming but when it’s something you are passionate about,  it is the most rewarding job that you could have.

I was lucky in that I always knew I wanted to groom at the highest level and so when I was growing up and in my early work days I grasped every opportunity that came my way.

Working as a team

It’s important to surround yourself with a great team and nice people who are happy to share their knowledge and spend time showing you the ropes. If your goal is to be a competition groom then ideally this would be on a professional yard so that you get a thorough understanding of how challenging it can be working with horses in a competitive environment.


I believe that if you want something badly enough then with determination and hard work you can do pretty much anything in life if you have the right attitude and are willing to learn.

I have learnt so much over the years not only about the job and horses but a lot about myself as a person.

  When I first arrived at Team Meade 14 years ago I was very shy and could hardly pick up the phone to speak to people. I knew I wouldn’t be able to be a Head Groom for a professional rider if I couldn’t do basic tasks like communicating well with owners, sponsors, vets, farriers, physios etc – never mind running a big team of staff. This is something I have worked on and my role now involves a lot of people skills as well as looking after the horses.


Harry, the team and I have been through a lot of highs and lows, but I think the lows we have had made me a stronger person. I’ve also learnt that you never stop learning and I hate giving up!

I am always trying to be the best person I can be for the horses and my whole team.

Without me really knowing Harry has quietly taught me a lot about myself, slowly giving me opportunities and responsibilities to bring me out of my shell and I am very grateful for that.

Being a competition groom means that you have the opportunity to meet lots of other grooms and I have been incredibly lucky to make some lifelong best friends. I get to travel with some fabulous horses to amazing top class events both in the UK and abroad.

Work/life balance

Outside work I always look forward to my days off, not only to have a lie-in and rest but I also really enjoy doing normal everyday stuff! I think that’s important and to be able to switch off and have a bit of a life outside work from time to time is vital.

This means that when it comes to the work days I always wake up looking forward to going to work, especially on those competition days.


I adore taking care of my horses and I love the challenge of day to day life, not knowing what’s around the corner and being involved with an elite team.

  The buzz and emotion when that one competition all goes to plan is something that I cannot describe but what I do know and have learnt is that it wouldn’t be possible without the grooms who work incredibly hard behind the scenes to get their horses and riders to those all important three-day events, and the 5*s are just the icing on the cake!


For me, being a professional competition groom is the best career choice I could have made and it has allowed me to experience things that most people only dream of. I would say to anyone who is interested in working with horses to find a great yard with a supportive team, work hard, ask questions and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way."

If you'd like to join the BGA like Jess, have a look at how we can support you. 

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Image kind thanks to Digital Equine.



BLOG ARCHIVE

 
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What the personal accident policy covers you for:

  • Whilst at work
  • All stable duties – mucking out, grooming, washing off, turning out
  • Clipping
  • Riding – including hacking and jumping
  • Hunting
  • Lunging
  • Breaking in
  • Holding horse for a vet and other procedures
  • Travelling horses both in the UK and abroad
  • Competing in line with your job including: jumping, dressage, eventing
  • Injuries that may happen to you whilst you are teaching - but you must also be grooming as part of your duties and not be a sole instructor

What the personal accident policy doesn’t cover you for:

  • Riding in a race, point to point or team chase
  • Stunt Riding
  • Accidents occurring whilst travelling to and from work
  • Riding and competing your own horse (but you can upgrade when applying for membership to include this)
  • Public Liability – this is a separate insurance policy - the Freelance Groom Liability Insurance
  • Care Custody and Control – this is a separate policy - the Freelance Groom Liability Insurance

If you require additional cover then please contact KBIS directly.

   GROOM  RIDER  EMPLOYER

When you are working for other people you do most of the following; muck out, turn out/catch in, tack up, groom horses, exercise Horses (including hacking, jumping and schooling), in the care of your employer/client.

 
YES

 
NO

 
NO
Predominantly ride horses for other people including schooling, exercising and competing.   
NO		  
YES
YES
 Provide grooming services for someone else either full time or on a freelance basis i.e. an employer or a client.   
YES
NO
NO
Employ staff – have an employers liability policy in your name NO NO YES
Buy and sell horses NO YES YES