A Day in the Life of - Showjumping Groom Chloe Burns

We caught up with long-term member, Chloe Burns. Chloe is a groom for International show jumper Louise Lovegrove, nee Saywell. Chloe gave us an insight into her typical day as a groom in a busy showjumping yard.

I start a typical day at 5:30am. These dark mornings are making it so much harder to get out of bed on a morning. Thankfully I have a fancy coffee machine that makes my coffee ready for me waking up.

Its a 45-minute drive to work so I need something upbeat to listen to. I tend to pick a random playlist to put on something to get me motivated for the day.

I arrive at work at 7am. I am always greeted with pricked ears and happy faces from the horses peeking out of their stable windows.

My first job of the day is breakfast. As soon as the yard doors open, the horses get pretty noisy shouting for their food! I give out the hay first. We fill our empty chaff bags up with hay so every feed time it’s quick and easy. It also doesn’t make a mess so less sweeping for me which is always a bonus! I quickly go around with the hard feeds and have a quick glance over all the horses to make sure they are all ok.

On to the mucking out… Louise has usually joined me by this point to lend a hand depending on how many horses we have in.

Once we have finished the yard it’s time for a coffee break. It is usually around 8:30am by this point. We use this time to have a chat and plan for the rest of the day.

When our coffee break over and the diary has been filled out for the day, we will start exercising the horses. Depending on the day and depending on what’s happening that week will determine what each horse will do that day. Louise will ride some, I will ride some, they may go on the walker, in the field or be lunged. I like to have everyone exercised by 1pm so they can be back in their stables ready to enjoy their lunch and have a quiet afternoon.

After a busy morning working horses, I’m normally ready for a sit down and a bite to eat. I tend to use this time to make any orders I need to make or book any appointments such as vets coming for vaccinations.

I try to have a bit of a horse free afternoon and allow them to have that all important down time. Just like humans’ horses need to be able to switch off and just be horses, whether that be in their stables or in the field. I think it is so important for them to do this. I use this time to get some jobs done. Cleaning water drinkers, washing feed troughs, poo picking fields, filling hay bags, cleaning tack and just general tidying. I will maybe clip a horse or two, there is always something to be done.

Come 3pm, I like to start doing the yard up. I will pretty much do a full muck out again, so they have nice dry beds to sleep on, and to make my life easier the next morning. This is probably one of my favourite times of the day as I like to spend a little time with each horse having a kiss and cuddle. I am incredibly lucky to have a yard full of big character horses that love to be affectionate.

I would really struggle to pick a favourite but my four boys just melt my heart every day. Kung Fu is the needy toddler that always needs mums’ attention. Codi, well Codi is one of a kind, playful, cheeky, and a little bit naughty when he wants to chew your coat, you just can’t help but love him. Paul is just a big kid. He loves to splash in puddles! Then there is Grand, the most beautiful horse ever. He is the kindest, most gentle stallion I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I like to have a bond with all the horses on the yard. It’s a great feeling when the horses recognise you and generally look happy to see you each day and not just because you are the hand that feeds them.

By 4pm I am nearly done for the day. One last round of hay for everyone before doing the last tidy-up and checks for the day. I make sure everyone is in their correct rugs for the evening, checking they are not too hot or cold, then they get their final meal for the day at 5pm.

One last quick check round that everyone is happy and locked away safely for the night and it’s time for me to head home.

The BGA asked me how I got into grooming and if I always wanted to be groom. The honest answer is no. I was always a pony-mad kid but had never thought about being a groom until a friend of mine asked if I wanted to work for her in Spain for 6 weeks on the MET tour. I had no idea what I was letting myself in for and it was massive shock to the system. But I fell in love with job. I love that I am a part of a team, it means just as much to me to see the horses doing well, as it does to the riders and the owners. I am incredibly lucky to work for Louise we work great as a team and being at work just feels like a second home to me.

I have made some amazing friends and memories through being a groom, memories that I will cherish forever. I think for me 2016 was particularly a memorable year. We had a fantastic team of horses and racked up some amazing wins at shows such as HOYS, Millstreet, Scope, and many more. I did my first 5* shows, one being the beautiful Hermes in Paris. I even got to fly the horses to Abu Dhabi for a 5* nations cup. It really can be the most rewarding job.

We thank Chloe so much for taking the time to share a day in her life with us. We have loved reading her story and hope you do too!

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