Freelancing After Children

If you follow the BGA’s social media, you will have noticed we were recently asked by a member to share her question about pregnancy, calling for our community of grooms to share their experiences.

Pregnancy and starting a family are popular questions we are asked; many members are nervous about being a working parent around horses.

Long term BGA member Sarah Hynes saw an opportunity to work with horses after the birth of her son.

Tell us about your experience as a freelancing groom and working mum.

“I have always been involved with horses and I had my own growing up, although I choose not to work with horses. An office job suited me to begin with, but when I found out I was pregnant I decided it wasn’t the right fit anymore. 

It was after I had my son that I decided to become a freelance groom, I thought it would give me more flexibility to work around my commitments at home.

There have been highs and lows to my freelancing journey. It started off well, I had built up a good client base and then Covid hit, forcing me to stop due to childcare issues, as my Mum couldn’t look after my son for me while I worked. Once things got back to normal, I then had to begin again from scratch!

At first, I started with ad-hoc clients, then I gained regular clients and now I also groom at competitions. It happened organically and wasn’t something I pushed, once you build a reputation locally, requests for services just flood in.

Working freelance means, I am in control of my work pattern, and manage my diary around looking after my son and his school hours. If clients are happy, he will come to regular clients with me, to those I know are safe for him to be there.

The freedom to work around my family commitments makes everything so much easier – and I love it!”

Members often worry it’s not possible to continue being a groom once they have a child, what do you think?

“I wouldn’t say it can’t be done – it is just more juggling! It also helps to have support from family.”

WHAT FEATURES OF THE BGA MEMBERSHIP DO YOU USE THE MOST?

“I really enjoy the member questions feature on Facebook and Instagram – it is always great to read other people’s ideas and share your own.”

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR FREELANCE GROOMS?

“I think it is important to remember that you can say no. Don’t be frightened to say it, people prefer honesty rather than being let down. Also, don’t stretch yourself too much with too many bookings. Just do what suits you.”

WHAT IS YOUR TOP TIP?

“Always have snacks with you – don’t go hungry! Keep some bottles of water in the car too so you can always have a drink.”

DO YOU HAVE A FUNNY STORY YOU CAN SHARE WITH US?

“I remember being a groom and being at a stay away show. The sun was shining, and we were all having a great time. The drinks were flowing, and everyone was happily discussing the next day’s classes, only to discover it was 1.30am and we were due to be up at 5.30am. We didn’t see the funny side to the story when the alarm went off at 5.30am! We laugh about it now though!”

Thanks for sharing your experience Sarah, it's great to hear another example of how it is possible to continue being a groom after motherhood. 

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