EBA Groom of the Year - Joanne Beecher

Based in south Manchester, British Grooms Association (BGA) member Joanne Beecher - Marple Equine Services - has been named Groom of the Year at the 2025 Equestrian Business Awards.

Joanne was one of four fabulous freelance BGA members shortlisted for the Groom of the Year Award, with Rachel Owens, Bria Cummins and Jenny George all making the cut.

Known for her kindness, professionalism, and unwavering work ethic, Joanne’s journey into the equestrian world has been anything but ordinary.

Earlier this year we sat down with her to reflect on her nomination, her career, and why she believes great grooms are the backbone of the equestrian industry.

 How did you feel when you found out you were a finalist for Groom of the Year?

Honestly, I’m still in shock. I’ve got terrible imposter syndrome, and I couldn’t quite get my head around it. I saw the post on Facebook, sort of laughed, and thought, “I’m reading that wrong.” I actually had to get my husband to confirm it for me… Then I cried.

As a freelancer, most of the time you’re working on your own. You do a job, then move straight on to the next one. People say thank you, of course, but you assume it’s just habit.

To see real, genuine recognition there… it’s something incredibly special.

What does being recognised in this way mean to you?

It means everything. When you work alone, you don’t always know if you’re getting it right. There’s no team to bounce off, no colleagues around you day to day. My husband is brilliant, but he’s not horsey, so it’s hard for him to fully understand the work.

Why do you think good grooms are essential to the success of equestrian businesses?

Everything revolves around the horse. If they aren’t cared for properly, nothing else works. A good groom brings knowledge, consistency, calmness, and professionalism. We’re often the steady pair of hands in the background holding everything together.

How did you first get started as a goom?

My kids had all started riding, and eventually I took on a horse from World Horse Welfare who had CPL and various skin conditions. I needed clippers for her legs but they were so expensive, so I offered to clip other horses on the yard.

I got lots of positive feedback so I put a postcard up in my local tack shop and it took off! I reduced my NHS hours to clip more and I loved it. I actually used to dream about clipping through the summer!

I soon realised there was a market for yard support - holiday cover, routine tasks, even just giving people a day off. A freelance system of going yard to yard offering those everyday services.

But I had a well-paid NHS job with a pension, so giving it up felt like too much of a risk… that changed when my husband was about to retire. He had the chance for a fresh start and I was so jealous! When we talked about it, he said, “Go for it. We’ll manage.”

So I did! I spent a year buying equipment, a 4x4, working NHS shifts and doing horse jobs. In November 2014 I handed in my notice, set up my Facebook page and went for it!

I funded all my own training, volunteered at my riding school, went to studs and competition yards for experience. I even bought an old double bridle on eBay so I could learn to take it apart and reassemble it. And the British Grooms Association has been a godsend. Finally, real recognition for the work grooms do.

What does a typical day look like for you?

My main work is winter clipping, welfare clipping, and sheath cleaning. I also have a mobile hot shower in my van, so as long as there’s a cold hose tap, I can wash horses, which they often enjoy!

I do trimming, some plaiting (though arthritis makes that trickier now), and I’ve got plait extensions and false plaits too. The beauty of being freelance is being able to choose the jobs I’m best at.

Building good relationships with other professionals is vital. Celebrate others’ success because good things come back around. Always research advice before giving it, keep learning, and present yourself professionally online.

What do you enjoy most, and what’s most challenging?

I absolutely love what I do. The challenge is not spreading yourself too thin. I’ve invested in equipment for services I later realised I didn’t enjoy. Now I focus on the things I’m good at and that are in demand and that’s made all the difference.

How do you handle the physical and emotional demands of being a groom?

You have to look after yourself. Grooms are notorious for ignoring health niggles. I was in hospital for two weeks with colitis and, because of pre-existing conditions, I can’t get income protection.

My husband stepped in, messaging clients, organising cover, even doing some of the physical jobs. Earlier in my career I broke my back and I still made him drive me from job to job while he did the work. It’s crackers.

I’m 57 now and still going strong, but I’ve learned your health must come first. Do fewer jobs well. Rushing never leads to good work.

What advice would you give someone starting out?

Volunteering is a great way to get a head start and shadowing other professionals teaches you lots. Keep up with training pathways, read widely, talk to vets and farriers, and just constantly be curious.

Don’t try to do everything. Focus on a few services you’re genuinely excellent at, quality leads to repeat business. Keep learning, present yourself well, and don’t ignore your health.

To keep growing, you need to keep learning, and keep providing a top-quality service.

Congratulations to Joanne from everyone at the BGA! Your win is a valuable reminder that even the quietest workers can make the loudest impact.

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