Some functionality of the website is not currently available due to technical difficulties. We're working on fixing the issue.
horse racing groom with British Grooms Association
finding a job

Ready to find your first racing job?

Finding a job in the racing sector depends on your ability to promote your skills and willingness to make the change. 

Trainers are very welcoming to employing grooms who have never worked in racing before, as long as you are open to learn a new set of skills and methods. 

 



PROMOTING YOUR SKILLS horse racing groom

Depending on how long you have worked as a groom, and in what sector, you will certainly have a wide range of transferable skills. 

Your basic horse care is more than likely an established knowledge base and experience. 

You will be able to muck out, groom, tack up, wash off, turn out, rug up and recognise illness or injury.

All of these skills are desirable for every racehorse trainer, and you should have confidence that they you are just what they are looking for.  

If you have worked in a competition yard, you will be able to prepare the horses for travel and smarten them up with plaits and shinny coats.

Going racing has its differences, but essentially it is the same as going to a competition or event as far as the preparation of the horse. You can easily do it. 
 

STEPS TO GETTING A RACING JOB

Once you have decided that you are going to make the change, there is a lot of support to help you to find your new job.  

There are many options as to working in racing and it depends what stage you are at in your life as to what you might wish to do. Have a look at this Career Map to discover what options are available. 

Then take the next steps to getting that new job: 

Write your CV

This is where you get to show off where you have worked and the experience you have gained. 

Remember those transferable skills, and highlight any unique things that will make you stand out. 

 

DECIDE ON Your new career path

Do you want to ride, not ride? Have a complete change and become a racing secretary?

Have a look on careersinracing.com to learn about your options.

 

Search for a job

There are various ways to find a job in racing, the first place to look is the Careers in Racing Job Board. This is widely used by all trainers to find stable staff. 

You can also approach trainers directly. They won't mind and will admire your professionalism. 

You can use the Trainer Locator on the Racing Groom Hub (you can join for free) to search. 

 

Apply for the role 

Once you have found the job you would like to apply for, you needs to write a cover letter.

Racing Groom have a helpful cover letter creator which you can use. 

 

Attend the interview 

Dress appropriately
Jeans or breeches and a smart shirt/jacket are fine. 

Prepare yourself
There are some questions that often come up...“Tell us a little about yourself” or “What do you feel you can bring to the job?”

Prepare in your head three or four main points you want to get across about your personality and your experience that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

It’s your chance to sell yourself, so make sure you get your best points across. Similarly, make sure you know as much as you can about the employer t by looking at their website. 

Give yourself time
Don’t feel you have to launch straight into the answer to a question. You can give yourself a moment to think!


Demonstrate you are keen to change
Be enthusiastic about your career change. This can be tricky when you’re feeling nervous, but it’s important to get across the fact that you’re keen to work with the employer.

Think of two or three reasons why you want the job before you go to the interview and try and get these across.


Listen, and ask questions
Don’t feel you must talk all the time. If you have to give a short answer, don’t carry on talking, just to fill time.

 

 

 

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