Some functionality of the website is not currently available due to technical difficulties. We're working on fixing the issue.
British Grooms Association members leading horses

FINDING A NEW JOB

READ OUR TIPS

  • Job
    Board

  • Freelance Groom
    Adverts

  • Recruitment
    Agencies

  • BGA
    Job Seekers

  • Tips for
    Finding a Job

Tips for finding a jobFinding a job as a groom

Are you looking for a job?

The British Grooms Association (BGA) is the professional membership association for all equestrian grooms and we understand how important it is to find the right job. 

The first step is to be a BGA member - join us today - where you will have access to tools to help support you on your search for a new job. 

Here are our tips for your job search and how to be successful at getting your new position: 

 

Many prospective employers will want you to email your CV outlining your experience and suitability for the position. Keep this concise and professional.

Use the BGA CV Creator to ensure that your application looks professional and stands out.


decide what is important

Before you begin your search for a new job it is helpful to make a list of the things that are important to you.

Location is key, and it is important to consider how far away from home you would be happy to be, especially if you want to go home on your days off. Consider what area of equestrianism does your passion lie in? Do you want to ride, travel, or get training? 

Once you have an idea in your head of what you are looking for you can begin your job search. 

Think outside of the box

Although it's good to have a clear start point about what is important to you, be open to ideas and think outside the box as you might be happily surprised. 

Just because you have always worked in dressage, does not mean that you wouldn't enjoy working in racing. Sometimes a change can make a real difference to your happiness in a job. 

HAVE A PROFESSIONAL CV

Having a professional and well written CV can be the first point of contact that you have with a potential employer, so it is important that yours stands out, is concise, outlines your skills and experience level and is mistake free. The BGA's CV Creator will remove the hassle of creating your CV and allow you to focus solely on your job application.

Your email

Don’t forget your email address will also make the first impression so it is important to have a professional email address (not fluffyponies@hotmail.com) and ensure that your signature on your email includes your contact details.
Keep your emails professional and well written.

Answer your phone

Always answer your phone professionally! A good example would be 'Hello Jane speaking...'

If you have a missed call always phone back - if a recruitment agency or potential employer doesn't get hold of you by calling, then you might miss out on an opportunity. 

Improve your skills

Challenge yourself and improve your skills - for example, if you want to be a competition groom then spend time on perfecting how to plait.  Online training is an excellent way to develop your skills and should be documented on your CV. The BGA offers free e-learning for members. 

where to find a job

Although there are a lot of jobs on social media this is not always the best way of finding a job. The BGA Job Board has lots of vacancies, or consider joining an equine recruitment agency that will match you to specific jobs. This service is usually free for job seekers, and the jobs have been 'vetted' by the agency. 





 

 

 
 

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