Equine Careers: How Grooms can increase their salary

Several times, every day I am involved in discussions with grooms and employers about salaries. One of the most commonly asked question by grooms in what is considered a poorly paid profession is, “what can I do to get the top end of the salary ranges advertised in your jobs?”.

There are some basics you can achieve fairly easily:

Ensure you have the best possible level of skills…learn from professionals and be able to showcase what you can do at the job interview/trial
Have good people skills and be a team player who can mix
Make smart career moves and choose jobs which help you get to where you want to be in your career
Stay in those jobs 18 months minimum
Have a professional but succinct CV
Have us negotiate your salary with employers when finding your next job on THE GROOMS LIST
Gain some extra qualifications

Intelligent Career Planning

This is by no means all you can do to enhance your equine career. Any investment in your career will undoubtedly pay back dividends, but you don’t want to make moves and spend money on qualifications and licences willy-nilly. Through a series of articles over the next few months, we will tell you how you could get some serious extra money in your pay packet each month.

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How to grow your equine career AND your salary!

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Top Jobs!

JL132607 Hampshire – Full Time, Live in Stud Hand Required For Thoroughbred Stud

Lunways Farm

Live in Hampshire, UK

Job Description We are looking for a motivated individual to join our friendly team on a small privately owned stud. Good knowledge and experience working with thoroughbreds would be an advantage, ranging from yearlings to older mares. Horse care and stable management is the main priority. No foaling or foal watching. Duties include all stable and horse care, mucking out and grooming. 1 Bedroom house available on a beautiful estate. Full time live in 6 days a week to include every other weekend, this can be discussed at interview. Weekday hours 8am to 4pm weekend hours 8am to 11am – 3pm to 4pm. 28 days holiday and optional pension scheme. Minimum Requirements Knowledge of stud work or working with young thoroughbreds useful. Accommodation details 1 Bed house available.

JL132800 Essex – Competition/Show Groom Opportunity- Show Jumping

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd

Live in Live out Essex, UK

*Top remuneration available, (negotiable on experience and lorry license qualification) *Accommodation available * Dog welcomed but no room for own horse. *International level facilities Fantastic opportunity for a motivated Show Groom to join a motivated team who have a great track record competing at home and abroad. A good Competition Groom/Travelling Groom is an indispensable part of a competing team, without whom most top riders would not be able to achieve what they achieve, in this is a role where you would be truly valued. Excellent turnout skills, horse and rider management abilities and experience at shows is essential, ideally at Show Jumping but other disciplines considered. An HGV is ideal but not essential. Show – Groom experience is the priority. Whilst away, sometimes for 6 weeks at a time, you would have sole charge of a handful of quality Show Jumpers (no stallions) but at home, you would be part of a dedicated team with staff available for much of the mucking out Rider not essential. For more details and/or to apply, Pls call Caroline on 07747 686118/or 0203 006 5730 or email caroline@carolinecarterrecruiment.com

JL129460 Peebleshire, West Linton – Live Out Groom/Rider (optional) on private yard

TOWNFOOT

Live out Lanarkshire

Job Description We are looking for a Temporary Groom to join our small, efficient team looking after 12 horses. Our horses are mainly driving horses, some are ridden, and one is retired. We take part in driving competitions over the spring and summer months. We would ideally like someone who can also ride some of the horses. Driving experience not necessary – we will teach you to drive! Both myself and my husband drive, and we already have a full time Groom, plus a Groom coming in 4 days a week. This role is a 5 day week, starting at 9am and finishing at 5 pm, with a break for lunch. Additional hours are available if you would like to do more. Minimum Requirements Ability to work with others and care for horses. Accommodation details N/A, this is a live-out job. Benefits Great working conditions, workplace pension, 28 days holiday, excellent riding facilities, caring employers.

JL124961 Oxfordshire – Full time Groom required at Dressage yard

Heath Farm

Live in Oxfordshire, UK

Job Description A fantastic position has become available to work alongside our friendly, experienced team. We are looking for someone who has a good knowledge and experience working with competition horses. Full time 5.5 days a week to include some weekends. Horse care and stable management is the main priority. Fabulous opportunity to further your career. Applicant must have a love of horses & be a good team player. Duties include all stable and horse care. Mucking out, grooming and tacking up etc. We have 25 dressage horses including stallions and young horses. Excellent package including pension scheme. Accommodation is available if required with sky TV and internet. We are only able to accept UK residents sadly. Minimum Requirements Must have previous experience with competition horses. Accommodation details Lovely apartment if required

JL108547 Hampshire – Full Time Live-in Head Groom/Rider (optional) for family-run Livery Yard

Headley Stud

Live in Hampshire, UK

Job Description We are a professional, yet relaxed and friendly yard looking for a full-time, live-in, Head Groom to look after our own 13 horses and ponies. We offer 5 star facilities, a 5 day week, 28 days holiday & optional pension scheme. Duties include all general yard duties and 5 star day to day care of our 8 horses & 5 rescue ponies. The applicant must be experienced, dedicated, friendly, trustworthy, enthusiastic & confident in handling large competition horses. We have a wide range of horses from our own little rescue ponies up to large warmbloods & any thing in between. All of the horses are well behaved & extremely lovely. We are a small friendly team who always put the horses needs first. The applicant must be able to take charge, turn out to a high standard and be willing to muck in and out and more importantly love the horses as much as we do. We are extremely proud of the friendly atmosphere at our yard and are looking for someone with the same genuine love for horses and cheery personality to match ours. Minimum Requirements Experience preferred. Accommodation details Accommodation available, partner welcome. Benefits Pension scheme 28 Days Annual Leave

JL79595 West Wales – Groom/Rider vacancy at Competition Stud

Bryngwyn Stud Farm – Penuwch West Wales

Live in Live out Wales, UK

We are now looking for an experienced competent rider to join our team. With up and coming youngsters ready to begin their careers. This Warmblood Stud is the home of Stallions and Broodmares. We have the pleasure of owning and producing beautiful and versatile warmblood horses. Our bloodlines include some of the top in the Country ;- Concorde, Kannan, Voltaire, Zirocco Blue, Cardento, Kashmir V. We are based in West Wales near Tregaron in a stunning rural location with purpose built equine facilities with an Equine Therapy and Spa onsite. We also have our own racewood eventer simulator which staff have regular training. Set in the midst of the idyllic Cambrian Mountains we are graced with beautiful outriding and our horses benefit with hacking out as part of their daily routines. These quality Warmbloods are or have competed in show jumping competition in this country and abroad. This full time, live in or out role in a newly built accommodation bedroom with own bathroom under floor heating and shared stunning living dining kitchen onsite. Or a self contained bedsit own access We need a competent rider to join the team. Most importantly to work with our wonderful team, getting the best from our horses. This will include general yard duties working as part of the team producing young stock and competing our stallions. The role is 5 days per week including alternate weekends and flexibility if we go out to shows at the week days and weekends. We are a mixed yard competition horses (stallions), youngstock, broodmares and general riding horses. We have some very well bred, exciting youngsters for the future. We are a very busy yard this could be a hugely rewarding role for the right person. A super friendly team. Accommodation details – Live in is available for one person also local livery close by which is an option for own horse. must already live in the UK we have no facilities to sponsor a worker.

JL132625 Wales, Powys – Yard Work/ Gardening/ Maintenance Person required

Family hunting yard Shropshire/Powys border

Live in Wales, UK

Job Description Full time job/Live in Join us in Powys on the Shropshire border. We are a friendly small team at a private home. We require someone to look after & take pride in the grounds & gardens in the Summer. Who’s also confident to help the girls with stable work in our family 7 Horse Hunting Yard in the Winter. Opportunity to ride out. Maintenance & General help in the houses & grounds. Dog walking – must love dogs! Occasional driving. Accommodation is a cottage on site Well behaved dog welcome Minimum Requirements Lawn Mowing & Gardening experience Worked on horse yards before Accommodation details A private 2 Bed 2 Bath Cottage on site (only suitable for one person as the 2nd bedroom needs refurbishment) Private courtyard & good size storage shed Well behaved dog is welcome

JL117562 Switzerland – Experienced Home and Show Groom

Optimum Horses

Live in Switzerland

Job Description An international sport- and dealing-stable in Dielsdorf, Switzerland, is looking for a friendly, experienced and reliable person taking care 3 private sporthorses and able to start as soon as possible. Duties include grooming, tacking, therapies (massage rugs, ice, etc.), bandaging, bathing, trimming, clipping, plaiting, show preparation, show grooming, braiding, first aid, lunging, laundry, organizing of tack room, feeding and cleaning stalls. Accommodation details Very nice accommodation with own kitchen and bathroom. Benefits Competitive salary, social insurances, accident insurance, working contract and working permit for Switzerland

JL132522 Berkshire – Senior Groom/Rider (optional) for Dressage Livery Yard

Fairoak Grange EC

Live in Berkshire, UK

Job Description We are looking for someone with experience to join a small team on a dressage livery yard. Full time including Sundays but with some short days. Usual yard duties and general care working with about 10-12 stabled horses ranging from 3yo to GP stallion. This could also suit a working couple as we have some maintenance requirements also. Minimum Requirements Capable with sports horses, ability to work quickly and to high standard, confident and cheerful. Car and tractor driver. Riding not essential but there could be some for the right person. Accommodation details Large, bright and lovely 2 bedroom flat on site with bills including internet. No pets. Benefits Pension and discounted horse livery/training possible.

JL132565 Wiltshire – Yard Manager/Head Groom/Rider (optional)- International Dressage Yard

Lewis Carrier Dressage

Live in Live out Wiltshire, UK

Job Description We are looking for a motivated individual to join our team on a full time basis as a head groom/yard manager. The job will include usual groom duties and management of up to 10 fit dressage horses of varying ages. The role would suit a driven, positive and ambitious individual that wants to work in the dressage industry. Lovely accommodation available on site but can be live out if very local. Right candidate able to bring own horse. Job includes running the yard and all usual groom duties (preparation for shows including plaiting) as well as overseeing horses schedules and management. The right candidate must have experience working on a professional competition yard and uphold the highest standards. It would be a real bonus if applicant has HGV licence and experience driving lorries. We’re really looking for someone who wants to become a key member of the team and loves what they do. We currently have a lovely, small team of staff, so you must be able to work well with others. Most importantly, the top priority is finding someone that loves the horses like they are their own and is invested in their journeys. Would suit someone who only wants to groom or equally someone that wants small amount of riding eg young rider wanting to gain experience and receive training. Minimum Requirements Ideally experience working on yard competing at FEI International level (dressage if possible) Confident with fresh, fit horses UK driving license Accommodation details Accommodation available on site. Private bedroom with ensuite (shower and bath) in modern communal flat shared with 2 other event grooms. Lovely shared kitchen and washing facilities. Dogs and partner allowed at extra cost.

JL132561 Spain, Malaga – Trek Leader, Stable Help and Novice Trainer required

Hacienda Horses

Live in Spain

Job Description We are looking for another member for the Team. This is an opportunity to join a forward thinking dynamic team that provide top class riding holidays for people from all over the world. Attitude and happy personality essential. Must be able to ride to a high standard, must be able to be responsible for guests out on hacks. Must be willing to help with stable cleaning 2 days a week. Must clean horses and tack and if required help with novice guests. Please only apply if you have a European passport The position is until the end of October The applicant will have a full Spanish contract and pay tax on the above amounts. Minimum Requirements MUST HAVE A EUROPEAN PASSPORT Must be able to drive. Must ride to a high standard – laterals Must be a kind rider. Must be responsible and quiet in the stables Accommodation details Private accommodation with bathroom Benefits Tips, food car available for local journeys

JL132529 Surrey – Groom/Rider (Seasonal)

UK Mission Enterprise LTD

Live in Live out Surrey, UK

Job Description Perform daily stable yard and field duties, including feeding, handling, and grooming horses. Muck out and clean stables to a high standard. Report any horse ailments, infections, or injuries to the Head Groom immediately. Administer necessary treatments to horses as directed. Exercise allocated horses daily through lunging, hacking, schooling, or track cantering. Safely lead fit horses, including stallions. Check and maintain the safety and serviceability of all equipment, reporting any repairs needed. Ensure riding arenas are clean and tidy at the end of each day. Transport horses as required. Assist in client activity preparation tasks and riding activities, following correct procedures. To buddy with new starters as part of their induction. Any tasks or responsibilities as requested by management within the scope of the position. Knowledge and Skills: Experience working as a Groom (Essential) Experience in horse care (Essential) Ability to ride to BHS Stage 2 standard (Desirable) Clean driving licence (Essential) Experience working with children (Desirable) Equine qualification (Desirable). Accommodation details Live in accommodation available or live out

JL132531 Surrey – Groom/Rider (Permanent)

UK Mission Enterprise LTD

Live in Live out Surrey, UK

JL132482 Northamptonshire, Bozeat – Live Out Experienced Yard Manager Required

MA Equestrian Riding School & Livery Yard

Live out Northamptonshire, UK

We’re looking for a knowledgeable and motivated Yard Manager to take the lead on our day-to-day yard operations and support our horses, riders, and team. This is a hands-on, leadership role for someone who loves being in the thick of it, is confident managing others, and has a true passion for horse welfare and stable management. As Yard Manager, your duties will include: Taking full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the yard Ensuring all horses are healthy, well looked after, and prepared for daily lessons Overseeing the grooming, feeding, turnout, and medical care routines Managing feed and bedding supplies, as well as record-keeping for horse health and farrier/vet schedules Leading, mentoring and organising junior staff, volunteers and apprentices Upholding high standards of cleanliness, safety and yard presentation Communicating with riding instructors to ensure smooth operation of lessons and horse allocation We’re after someone who is: Experienced in yard and horse management (minimum 2–3 years in a similar role) Knowledgeable and confident in handling a variety of horses A calm and kind leader with great people skills Reliable, self-motivated, and organised Committed to the highest standards of equine care Comfortable working in a busy yard environment and able to adapt to the day’s challenges Ideally BHS qualified (or equivalent experience) We believe in supporting our team and rewarding hard work. As part of your role at MA Equestrian, you’ll receive: Staff riding opportunities – keep up your riding with our wonderful horses Ongoing training and professional development A warm and welcoming team environment Possibility to stable your own horse Beautiful countryside setting Real opportunities to shape the role and grow within the business Full-time position with a flexible rota, including weekends and some evenings

JL130642 Scotland, Perthshire – Live In/Out Horse Riding Instructor / Ride Leader required

Crieff Hydro Riding Centre

Live out Scotland, UK

Job Description In the heart of Scotland, we’re set in a 900 acre estate in stunning Perthshire. A home from home, we’ve been welcoming generations of families for 150 years. We have 215 hotel bedrooms, 55 self-catering lodges, 6 restaurants and over 60 onsite activities – including a spa, leisure center, horse-riding center and our famously exciting Action Glen. There really is something for everyone! About the role We’re looking for a Ride Leader / Instructor to join our Riding centre team. Using your own initiative is essential and on our busy yard you’ll be able to build relationships with our customers and team. We pride ourselves in being a BHS approved centre. We look after 45 horses and with our 900-acre estate we have the perfect setting for endless hours of hacking, while our outdoor and indoor arenas are ideal for schooling and teaching. You’ll enjoy lots of variety – from supporting our RDA group, to teaching university students and regular riders, to taking leisure and hotel guests for guided hacks across our beautiful 900 acre estate. What we need from you You’ll be an experienced Ride leader with a teaching/coaching qualification. If you hold a UKCC coaching certificate or BHS certificate that would really make us excited to hear from you. You’ll support the manager by taking responsibility for the business when she’s not there. We have a range of school horses, private liveries and youngsters each with their own unique personalities and abilities, so you’ll have experience in schooling all types of horses to get the best out of them. We’re looking for a degree of flexibility to meet business and customer needs. We’ll also need to carry out a full PVG Disclosure Check. Accommodation details Accommodation is limited and will be dependent on availability. Generally, you will have your own room and bathroom. While kitchen facilities aren’t usually included, all team members have access to our on-site staff canteen which offers three free meals a day. All bills are included in the accommodation rate which is dependent on rate of pay, but is usually no more than £450 a month. We also have a Staff Social Club, our own mini pub on site which offers discounted drinks and a great space to spend time. Please note, accommodation is for employees only, no partners or pets are allowed. What you’ll get from us Opportunity to bring your own horse may be available. A Friendly & Supportive Team – Work in a fun, welcoming environment where team spirit and well-being are a priority. Grow with Us – We invest in our people. Whether you’re looking to develop new skills or take the next step in your career, we’ll support you every step of the way. Career Progression – With multiple hotels, departments, and roles, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow and explore new career paths. Leadership Development – Get access to our Be A Leader programme and develop the skills to take your career further. Exclusive Discounts – Enjoy discounted leisure membership, 30% off retail, 30% of food and drinks, plus great

JL102498 Surrey, nr Chertsey – Live in/ live out Grooms required for VIP private estate

UK Mission Enterprise LTD

Live in Live out Surrey, UK

Job Description Daily stable duties – grooming, feeding and handling to a high standard of turnout Lead horses to their stables, and to the field, must be confident in dealing with fit excitable horses Check horses for common injuries, ailments and infections Mucking out to ensure the stables are clean and maintained Daily exercising of the horses Confident handling of stallions on the yard as well as riding Assisting the children with riding activities Minimum Requirements BHS Level 1 Accommodation details Live in accommodation available or live out

JL130199 Lincolnshire – Home/Show Groom & Exercise Rider (optional). Family Show Jumping Yard. International Rider.

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd

Live in Live out Lincolnshire, UK

*Salary negotiable from £27,936.48 – £32k pa *Accommodation available on site(ideally sized for one persom but partner considered). *Own horse possible *Scope for some free time during the day Small, friendly showjumping yard with great facilities looking for someone to take charge and care for five horses (ranging from 5 years to 14 14yrs). All usual yard duties, tacking up, washing off, tack cleaning, clipping, and getting horses show ready. Travel to shows home and abroad, so must be flexible to this with a current, valid passport. Exercise riding/hacking available or non-rider ok. For more details and/or to apply, please call Caroline and The Grooms List team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruiment.com

JL130801 Berkshire – Home/Show Groom required, Show Jumping Stud

oakingham stud

Live in Live out Berkshire, UK

Job Description Show/Home Groom required. Due to taking on more horses we are looking to expand our team. Love fun, friendly team. Accommodation on site. Competitive wage with paid holidays. Minimum Requirements Must have general understanding with horses Be a team player Happy to learn Accommodation details Shared kitchen but separate private bedroom and on suite bathroom Laundry room Cinema room Games room and gym Benefits Great fun team in a lovely area Working with lovely horses Lots of shows, national and international

JL131930 Essex – Experienced Groom/Rider (optional) for 3 Horses. Flexible Hours.

Stable House

Live in Essex, UK

Job Description We have 3 horses – biggest is 15.2hh, so not big horses to handle. Based on small yard, with our own private turnout all year round. We’re looking for a reliable groom up to 5 days a week. Minimum Requirements – All 3 horses to be fully mucked out daily, haynets, turnout, bring in, poo picking, waters etc. – Lunging, capable of riding but not asking for a ‘rider’ as such. – Additional duties may include looking after our miniature schnauzer if we are away. – Would be helpful if able to drive 3.5 ton horsebox confidently. Accommodation details – Self-contained one bedroom flat with kitchen and bathroom. – High speed WiFi. – Short walking distance from yard. Benefits – Salary and benefits will depend on age and experience.

JL127942 Cambridgeshire – Permanent,experienced Rider/Groom for an established and traditional Hunting yard.

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd

Live in Live out Cambridgeshire, UK

*£27,936.48 gross per annum (pay own electricity) *5.5 days a week/40 hrs *warm, cosy 1-bed apartment *Dog welcomed *Lots of riding on big, fit hunters *Out of season much less work to do with the horses so hours shorter/easier. Lovely position available on a well-established, traditional family hunt yard within a beautiful estate. Ideally, you will be able to turnout well and be able to clip, plait (sew plaits) etc Fun, professional team renowned for being great at what they do. You will work hard but be treated well and have a very rewarding job! The position involves riding and grooming duties to a good standard. Lots of riding is available with hunting, you must be a strong, confident, good jockey and understand hunting etiquette. You will be required to educate and introduce new and younger horses out in the field. Horses ranging from 15.2-18.2HH who are fit and well with young hunters in the mix! Great facilities/menage/lunge pen/500 acres/excellent hacking. The setting is beautiful within the grounds of a grand country house not far from Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com

Equine Careers: How Grooms can increase their salary

Intelligent Career Planning

Don’t miss out!

How to grow your equine career AND your salary!

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