Jackie Potts on mental health, mentoring, and the realities of life behind the scenes

As Mental Health Awareness Week draws to a close, we sat down with British Grooms Association Ambassador Jackie Potts - renowned for her long career as William Fox-Pitt’s head groom - to reflect on the realities of life as a groom on the eventing circuit.

With decades of five-star experience, Jackie brings a grounded, compassionate perspective to the unique pressures grooms face, and why supporting one another, especially in the quieter moments, is more important than ever.

This year marked a change for Jackie. “It was the first time in years I haven’t had a horse going to Badminton,” she says. “It felt very different,but also a gift. I could actually be there for other grooms. Talk to them, listen, give something back.”

For Jackie, the slower pace wasn’t without a twinge of guilt. “In the past, Badminton, and especially cross-country day, has always been the most hectic day of the year. You’re flat out.”

“But this time, I was relaxed. I could just watch, observe, learn, even after all these years, and be available if someone wanted advice or a chat. Though I never offer advice uninvited. I’ve learned it’s more powerful to listen first.”

The Invisible struggles

Despite the glamour and prestige of top-level events, Jackie is honest about the emotional toll they can take, especially on newer or shy grooms. “With these incredible lorries, everything looks so polished, but it can be quite cliquey,” she explains.

“If you’re young or introverted, and you're living in your lorry, it can be lonely. Badminton is good in that the canteen brings people together, it builds a bit of a community. But not all events are like that.”

Jackie’s observations highlight an industry where long hours, physical exhaustion, and the pressure to deliver perfection can easily take a mental toll. “Grooms aren’t always great at self-care,” she admits. “There’s this old-school idea that unless you’re working 24/7, you're not doing a proper job. But that mindset needs to shift.”

“A well-groomed horse starts with a well groom. You’re like a mini athlete yourself - you need to be fuelled, rested, and supported.”

A call for connection

Jackie is passionate about better structures to support mental wellbeing and career growth. “What I’d really love to see is a mentoring system, someone on the end of the phone who gets it. Someone you can ask questions without feeling silly. Especially at events, having a familiar face or contact point could make all the difference.”

She points to the Grooms Briefing at Badminton - one of the few events to hold such a meeting - as a simple but powerful tool. “It was great. Everyone together in the Quadrant, going over the dos and don’ts, where to go in an emergency, where to get kit.”

“It takes five minutes, but it brings people together. I'd love to see that at every four- and five-star event. It’s especially useful for new grooms who might not know where to start.”

This sense of belonging and acknowledgement is vital. Jackie recalls the memorial for fellow groom Kate Hort as a poignant reminder.

“Kate was more than a groom, she was a friend, a colleague, a part of this community. Her life was celebrated, and it was so important to be there. That kind of support, that recognition that we are people with lives outside the stables, matters deeply.”

Educating and empowering the next generation

Though she’s stepped back from full-time grooming, Jackie isn’t slowing down. “I can’t do justice to the horses in the way I used too, this is a young person’s job. But I want to help my fellow grooms. I’ve been filming with Ridely for the BGA, giving talks, and working on educational content. There’s so much I can pass on.”

She’s also encouraging grooms to see the bigger picture. “Grooming can be a great career, but you’ve got to be open to learning. Go watch the physio, ask the farrier questions, understand your horse’s fitness. Think beyond the role: get your HGV licence, explore different disciplines. BGA members should definitely take advantage of the free online training, it all adds value to your experience, knowledge and career.”

Jackie wants to help change the narrative from burnout to balance. “We need to move away from the badge of honour that comes with overwork. You can do a great job and still eat properly, sleep enough, and take care of your mind and body. That’s the professional way forward.”

Final words of wisdom

So, what’s Jackie’s message to today’s grooms?

“Look after yourself. And look out for one another. It’s a tough job, but it’s also the most rewarding. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to dream big. And remember: A happy groom means a happy horse and a happy rider.”

As we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Week, Jackie’s words resonate deeply: wisdom born not just from experience, but from a lifelong commitment to the people behind the scenes.