Becky Parker

Tips for Grooms Working with Horses at Christmas

Becky Parker 17th December 2019 Articles, Jobseekers

For the vast majority of ‘normal’ people, Christmas means a nice relaxing few days off, spending time with family and lounging around over a long boozy lunch. For the vast majority of employers and grooms working with horses at Christmas, it just means business as usual. In hunting and racing yards Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year, as boxing day meets are one of the most popular days out for owners. Though it may be hard to fully convince yourself that shovelling poo is the first most ideal thing you would like to do on Christmas Day, there are plenty of ways to keep the festive spirit alive and still enjoy Christmas. Here are our top suggestions for how to survive the holiday season.

15 Christmas Gift Ideas for Horse Lovers

Becky Parker 16th December 2019 Articles, Employers, Jobseekers

Christmas gift ideas for horse lovers - The Grooms List

The run-up to Christmas should be a time of excitement and anticipation. Bonus boxes of chocolates in the tack room and singing along to cheesy Christmas carols on the yard. The problems arise when you find yourself stuck for Christmas gift ideas. How to find something that is the right mix of thoughtful, useful, appealing to that person and within budget. Well never fear, we are here to help. We have pulled together a list of our 15 favourite gift ideas specifically for people working in the equine industry, suitable for your employer, employee or college (or even yourself!).

The Ultimate Guide to County Shows

Becky Parker 18th May 2019 Articles

County shows are an integral part of rural life and a real opportunity for the wider agricultural community to come together and showcase their talents, produce and passion for what they do. For the equine world, county shows provide something for all levels and a huge variety of disciplines. For the amateur rider, just qualifying for a county show is a big deal and something they will work towards and see as a highlight of the season. For professional/competitive riders county shows are the all-important qualifiers for their bigger classes at HOYS/RI (Horse Of The Year Show/Royal International) and an equally vital part of the season. Whether a competitor, groom or spectator, there really is something for everyone at these charming local events, as Becky Parker explains…

The Ultimate Guide to Badminton Horse Trials

Becky Parker 1st May 2019 Articles

Springtime each year sees Badminton Horse Trials open its gates to hordes of eager horse lovers, shoppers, foodies, canine companions, screaming children and long-suffering family members! We bring you the ultimate guide to what to expect and what to look forward to at this wonderful annual equestrian event.

A Groom’s guide to maintaining a good relationship with the yard Farrier

Becky Parker 26th April 2019 Articles

How to maintain a good relationship with the yard Farrier

Teamwork makes the dream work with horses for sure, but one key member of that team you definitely need ‘onside’ is the farrier! A chatty farrier that is both good at their job and pleased to see you, rather than gritting their teeth and glaring at you with a resigned look of ‘let’s get this over with’, is also an awful lot more pleasant to have around. The question is… how to achieve this?

How to balance owning AND working with horses!

Becky Parker 29th March 2019 Articles, Jobseekers

The fine art of owning AND working with horses

Incredibly, there are a remarkable number of admirable people who find working with horses all day, every day, isn’t quite enough. It is a truly a measure of a person’s dedication to an animal that, on top of what is widely considered a very demanding job, so many Grooms still choose to have their own horse(s) too. What does it take to successfully balance owning AND working with horses? How do Grooms do it?

What’s it like to work on a Pre-Training Yard?

Becky Parker 23rd February 2019 Articles, Jobseekers

Every horse has the potential to become a success and just like athletes, it all comes down to training. One of the many great things about working with horses is the huge variety of jobs available to us. This week we look at the world of Pre-Training and what exactly a job on a yard like this involves.

Yard Dog Etiquette – Taking a dog to work

Becky Parker 14th November 2018 Articles, Jobseekers

It is a fair assumption to say the majority of those who choose to dedicate their career to caring for horses will have also succumbed to the charm of four legged canine companions too. When it comes down to taking a dog to work with you, many employers are very open to this idea providing the dog is well trained and fit in with the resident yard dog/s. Sounds a simple request but, just like a proud mother, we can all be more than a little blind to our own child’s faults. This week we ask the question – Is your faithful friend a joyful addition or an accident waiting to happen?

Could you be a Work Rider?

Becky Parker 19th October 2018 Articles, Jobseekers

What are Work Riders and Work Rider Jobs

Many young equestrian enthusiasts dream of a job riding horses – no mucking out, just days in the saddle of various horses, then being paid for it! In this article, we turn our attention to the role of a Work Rider. Becky Parker gives us the lowdown of life as a Work Rider, the pay, how to train and become one and details what it REALLY takes to make a successful career as a Work Rider.

Location! Location! Job Location!

Becky Parker 30th September 2018 Jobseekers

Choosing a location to look for a new job

Truly, the matter of job location can be a difficult subject to broach as a recruitment consultant. A huge part of me screams to write an extremely persuasive article urging you to broaden your horizons and keep an open mind to jobs anywhere in the UK, or even abroad. The opportunities this opens up to you are tenfold to those restricted by job location. So, how important is it that your next job is in the ‘right’ location? Is it worth being flexible for that DREAM job? We take a look at when you should be flexible and when you should hold out for your ideal.

Are you winter ready?

Becky Parker 21st September 2018 Articles

Getting winter ready in the equine industry

Apologies in advance to all of you who still have your mind set to happy, sunny, long summer days but the time has now come to start turning our thoughts to the fast approaching winter season. Temperatures are dropping, days are getting shorter, the show season is drawing to a close and the Hunters are out for their early morning jaunts revving up to full steam ahead for the opening meet. Much as we all jest about the delights of the British weather in winter, there is plenty to enjoy too; think frosty early morning hacks, days out at the races, having some downtime if you’re in Eventing/Showing, hunt balls, escaping to the sun for the Showjumpers and dare I say it…Christmas! As with all things in life the key to avoiding stress is good organisation. So here we are again with another dispenser load of wise words, silly opinions and ridiculous pictures that may or may not help you prepare physically, mentally and emotionally for the slightly more challenging season ahead.

What are Eventing Grooms and Eventing Groom Jobs?

Becky Parker 10th August 2018 Articles, Jobseekers

If you love cross-country and a fast-paced life maybe a career in eventing is for you? What do you know the role of Eventing Grooms and Eventing Groom jobs? Do you have the relevant skills and experience? Do you want to gain them? Becky Parker takes us through the typical duties of a professional Eventing Groom…

So, you want to become a professional rider?

Becky Parker 27th July 2018 Articles, Jobseekers, News and Updates

Become a Professional Rider - The Grooms List

To become a professional rider, charging around Badminton, sailing over the impossibly high Puissance wall at Olympia or dancing majestically across the Dressage arena in ‘s-Hertogenbosch is the sole dream of any pony mad child. But is this dream job REALLY what you imagine it to be? Have you got what it takes?

Have you got what it takes to become a Horse Riding Instructor?

Becky Parker 20th July 2018 Articles, Jobseekers

What is it that makes a GREAT Riding Instructor? Here we take a look through a mixture of research, questioning and personal experience at the most important qualities a horse riding instructor must possess.

Are you ready to be a Sole Charge Groom?

Becky Parker 22nd June 2018 Articles, Jobseekers

Sole charge groom positions can be sole charge for just some of the time when other team members are away, or the job can be fully sole charge 100% of the time, but both scenarios require specific skills and qualities to perform to expectation and the satisfaction of all involved. This can be a hugely rewarding, career-enhancing experience, but it can also challenging. It’s important when applying for such a position that you are suitably equipped in all respects to fulfil the obligations that go with the territory…

Maintaining health and fitness when working with horses

Becky Parker 27th April 2018 Articles, Employers, Jobseekers

It’s an occupational hazzard that when you work with horses, sooner or later you will succumb to ailments and injuries of some sort which may have short, medium or even long term consequences and are specific to our industry. Working with horses + age = creaking gate syndrome, hard to avoid…or is it?

What is a Job Trial and why should I attend one?

Becky Parker 13th April 2018 Articles, Jobseekers

So you think you have found the job you have been looking for? That’s great, but WHOA just hold your horses a second… In my experience, interviewing alone can be a very inexact science. Before you shake hands on the deal, I strongly recommend all job seekers and all employers road test each other first with a job trial, at a pre-agreed paid rate of course. This might be the one thing that for you, secures your decision or it may be that you will look back and consider how you really dodged a bullet. Of course sometimes, for some people, a job trial is not always practical, but if it is, move heaven and earth, do yourself a favour and have one. There is nothing like a road test for really seeing first hand if something might be a fit; and you know we are all about job satisfaction and job longevity here at The Grooms List by Caroline Carter Reruitment! Becky has shared some of her thoughts about job trials and of course, I can’t resist chipping in here and there…

Feeding YOURSELF for performance – healthy eating for equine grooms!

Becky Parker 6th April 2018 Articles, Jobseekers

Take a stroll around any yard at feed time and you will see grooms carefully measuring and allocating feeds for each individual horse. Usually, there will be a complex ever-changing board to ensure each horse has a diet relevant to their workload that allows them to reach their peak performance. By contrast, poke your head into the groom’s kitchen, take a peek in the tack room bin, glance in a grooms car passenger footwell and the chances are high there will be great evidence of a less thought out diet. For some reason when it comes to caring for ourselves the trend for living on Redbull and Mars bars still prevails for many grooms. Yet it makes no sense! If our end goal is to provide the best possible care for the horses in our charge, one of the first steps should be to ensure we are in our best possible form to do that job, and that begins with the fuel we use to power ourselves.

Competition Grooms and Competition Groom Jobs

Becky Parker 9th March 2018 Articles, Jobseekers

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 the showring. When a good groom is secured (no need to name names here!) they are undoubtedly the glue that holds things together in the moments that really count, and the moments that aren’t often counted too yet are equally critical to top performances! For those of you considering competition grooming as a career option, or for those of you who have elements of competition grooming within your everyday grooming role, we can help you up your game to big league level, or even assist in getting you “interview ready” for this exciting career move. The earning potential that comes with such a role also has its attractions…read on…

Equine Apprenticeships – invaluable education or slave labour?

Becky Parker 2nd February 2018 Articles, Jobseekers

Fresh from the clutches of 11 years enforced education, drunk on your own freedom (honestly guv I’m just really happy), the prospect of earning a proper wage dangled in front of you tantalisingly, it can be tough persuading yourself to think long-term about career planning. The prospect of returning to a classroom for college courses or perhaps a degree holds no appeal for those who struggle with formal education or are just fed up with the confinement of a classroom. Apprenticeships provide an alternative way to achieve formal, industry recognised City and Guilds qualifications with minimum or possibly even no classroom time. Learners are able to ‘earn while they learn’ as the tagline goes. The equine industry is famously fast-paced and physical, and there is unanimous thinking when it comes to the verdict that there is really no substitute for practical, on the job training. An equine Apprenticeship allows you to gain this in an unexploited, structured and planned way whilst also gaining the piece of paper to prove it. Becky Parker discusses the pros, cons and alternative routes into a successful career with horses.

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Featured Job Vacancies

JL64363 Berkshire – Groom/Rider (optional) required by Top Dressage Yard.

Bexley Stud

Live in Berkshire, UK

Groom required for Professional Dressage Yard. We are looking for a groom to join a friendly team in a live in position at our yard based in the beautiful Henley-on-Thames. Our ideal candidate should have excellent attention to detail, yard experience and be confident in working in a professional environment with horses at varying levels. You don’t need previous Dressage experience, so candidates who’ve worked in other disciplines are welcome to apply. Duties include (but not limited to) yard and stable tasks such as feeding, mucking out, tack cleaning etc. We would prefer someone who is confident and able to hack out. The successful applicant will be provided with their own accommodation (non-shared, on-site flat with all bills paid), 5 1/2 day week, 28 days paid holiday. Salary negotiable depending on experience.

JL67922 Surrey – Groom/Trainee Groom (Riding optional) for sports horse competition yard.

Ideal Sports Horses

Live in Live out Surrey, UK

*Single self contained accommodation on the yard. *Own horse welcomed *5 or 6 day week negotiable Job Description We are looking for an enthusiastic, hard working person to join our yard. We are a competition yard with a variety of horses including event horses, young horses for breaking and producing and some for sale. The role would include all general yard duties. Some riding for the right person if desired though not essential. Some competition prep and travel to training and competitions if desired but not essential. Minimum Requirements No minimum requirements, if you are enthusiastic and have a desire to learn then we are happy to teach you! Equally we would be happy with applications from more experienced candidates. Accommodation details Single self contained accommodation on the yard. Benefits

JL76220 Somerset – Well Known Equestrian Centre, Groom/Rider (optional) Required.

Millfield School

Live in Live out Somerset, UK

Well known, independent boarding school is seeking a Groom to join their growing and dynamic team. This popular school has outstanding pastoral and co-curricular activities, set in the heart of Somerset. We cater for approximately 1230 pupils aged 13 to 18, all of whom are engaged in sport and physical activities. Millfield School has a large Equestrian Centre with room for 53 horses and both indoor and outdoor arenas. It is a BHS Approved Centre that is able to provide staff training to fellowship level. We are seeking a Groom to work on a full-time basis. The hours of work are 6.45am – 6.30pm during term time and 7.30am – 5.30pm during school holidays (with a 2-hour unpaid lunch break). You will also be required to do night-time stable checks on a rota basis. Days off are allocated on a rota of 2 days one week and 1½ days the following week. Job Description Feed, muck out and groom stabled horses and maintain the high standard of the yard with some duties involving any grass kept horses. Prepare horses for lessons. Receive horses on arrival and itemising equipment. Prepare horses, equipment and transport for competition and other outings and receive them on return, ensuring all equipment is put away and transport cleaned. To be responsible for the horses given to you to care for, and to be involved in the routine of the yard. There will be some weekend duty work on a rota system. This may include travelling to shows. Yard duties will be directed by the Stable Manager. Load and unload horses on the horse walker. Turn out and catch in horses from the fields. Travel to shows and other outings, as required. To undertake night time stable checks and participate in house cleaning rotas. To take specific areas of responsibility as defined by the Stable Manager. To lead by example in terms of appearance and behaviour. Accommodation details The option of school accommodation may be available to Equestrian Staff, and where accommodation is allocated food, lighting, heating and use of a washing machine will be included in the accommodation costs, however staff are expected to keep their room and communal areas clean and tidy. Benefits In return you will receive further training with FBHS and BHSIs, payment towards ongoing exam/assessment fees, a competitive salary, vehicle training and more, plus the possibility of accommodation awaits the right candidate. Applicants should enjoy working with young children and as part of a small team.

JL76058 Doha, Qatar – Farrier Required.

Al Samriya Riding School

Live in Qatar

Privately-owned equine farm established in 2007 and located in Al Shahania, an area 30 km from Doha, we pride ourselves for being in a unique location with access to fields, arenas and tracks where riders can enjoy the picturesque scenery of the Oryx reserve, farm and FBQ Museum set as an old Arabian Fort. We are looking for an experienced farrier capable of delivering the highest-level farriery care to our riding school and livery horses Qualifications: Must be DIP WCF certified with at least 3 years- experience. Ideally to have experience treating lamainitic horses and remedial farriery skill. Reports to ASRS Operations Manager Scope of work: make horse welfare your first consideration in seeking to provide the most appropriate attention for horses committed to your care including due regard to a safe working environment to be able to coordinate with Stable manager and manage a large shoeing schedule Be Physically fit and capable of treating 8 horses per day; even in high temperatures. ensure that all horses under your care are treated humanely and with respect maintain and continue to develop your professional knowledge and skills uphold the good reputation of the farriery profession recognise the limits of your professional competence be honest and trustworthy communicate openly with clients and be professional at all times foster and maintain a good relationship with your clients, earning their trust, respecting their views and protecting client confidentiality foster and endeavour to maintain good relationships with your professional colleagues respond promptly, fully and courteously to complaints and criticism and understand and comply with your legal obligation. Must hold a clean driving license as may be required to shoe horses off site To comply with Qatar’s laws and cultural values. Please send CV and salary expectation

JL76149 Bucks/Oxon borders – Live Out Apprentice Groom or Groom/Rider for professional Show Jumping Yard

Aston Park Stud

Live out Oxfordshire, UK

SHOWJUMPERS/RACEHORSES OXON/BUCKS BORDERS *Ideal first or second job *Own horse welcome *Riding optional *Groom at top shows *Pay above NMW A wonderful opportunity for a cheerful, enthusiastic person to join an experienced professional team as an Apprentice Groom or Groom/Rider (riding is entirely optional, subject to a minimum standard). Ideal first or second job, with the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications in the equine industry via a Level 1, 2 or 3 Apprenticeship. This is a professional yard with 10 horses: 8 horses ranging from yearlings to Grade A Show Jumpers plus 2 retired horses. You will be joing two full time members of staff, plus part timers who help out where necessary. The job will entail all usual daily yard duties, plus the opportunity to learn show turnout and to groom at Show Jumping Shows. If you have a horse you are welcome to stable it at the yard. Friendly dogs are welcome by prior arrangement. The salary will be higher than the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices. The succesful candidate is welcome to start soonest but the employer is happy to wait until after Christmas if you prefer.

JL73771 Somerset. Experienced high class groom/rider for maternity cover on an International Showjumping yard,

Nuttall Equestrian Ltd

Live in Somerset, UK

Job Description We are looking for someone to cover maternity leave over the next 5 months (possibility of extending employment). The job will involve riding fit competition horses ranging from young horses to Grand prix level, flat work and over poles. All yard and stable duties including clipping etc.. Good communication skills with sponsors and owners. We are looking for someone who is reliable, organised and hardworking and has experience at the level required for this position. References will be required. Accommodation details Shared accommodation with one other member of staff. Benefits Free accommodation. Training

JL54449 Surrey Groom/Rider Competition Livery Yard

Thundry Farm Livery & Training Yard

Live in Surrey, UK

Job Description This role is working in a competition livery yard run by a BS Accredited Coach. The job involves all normal stable duties, the exercise of competition horses and travel to shows. You must have: worked in the industry already, have practical knowledge of stable management, horse health and the ability to ride fit powerful horses competently, hacking or in the school. Most horses are 16 -16.1 so we require a lighter weight person at this time. It would be a good role for someone who has finished an apprenticeship and is looking for their first ‘proper’ job. Equally, we would welcome someone more experienced. Somebody who showjumped would also benefit from the opportunity of having their own horse on the yard, training and going to shows with us. You should: be happy to work within a team in a structured environment, prepared to work efficiently with safety in mind, like things to be organised, clean and tidy with attention to detail, have a keen interest in the training of horses both ridden and on the ground. Our horses are treated as individuals and all our grooms must have their welfare at heart and be prepared to work with a level of detail when caring for the horses. Your role will require you to maintain the high standards of the yard if the Owner is not present. This is a full time position 5.5 days a week 7:30 – 17:30. You will be expected to groom for up to six horses, and on occasions take sole charge. You will work alongside two other full time grooms, who are hard working, love horses and are easy to get along with. Accommodation details The accommodation is a modern brick built bungalow. It has three bedrooms with ensuite shower rooms, and a open plan kitchen and sitting room. All furnished. It is heated by electric radiators. The kitchen has a full cooker, fridge, freezer and microwave. Within the yard there is a washing machine and tumble dryer. All cleaning products, washing powder and toliet roll – are provided. Own Horse. As a dedicated horse person we recognise that you may want to have your own horse. We also recognise that if you are committed to that horse it makes being committed to the horses here more of a challenge, if it is not on site. On a regular basis we do not finish later than 17:30, however show days or vet emergencies will mean longer days. Having your own horse at a different location then becomes a conflict and can be very tiring. Therefore we can offer the right candidate the opportunity to have a horse on Staff Livery. The groom start 30 minutes before work so they can tend to their horse and make up some of the time that they will spend on the horse within the day. The horse can be worked and groomed within the working day in the same way the other horses on the yard are. One

JL72896 Devon – Home showjumping groom

Justin tuff

Live in Devon, UK

Job Description home groom for showjumping yard in devon , needing an experienced and reliable person to join our team happy looking after fit competition horses and to be in charge if we are away horses competing national and internationaly , purpose built yard set in 30 ac family run yard we would love someone looking for a long term job our great home groom is now our show groom so having to replace her Minimum Requirements Must have previous experience working with fit competition horses , happy turning out lunging , etc Accommodation details Shared flat on yard Benefits Happy for you to bring your own horse

JL76068 Scotland. Assistant Equestrian Manager,(riding optional).

Kilgraston School

Live in Anywhere

Job Description Scottish School’s Equestrian Centre is looking for an Assistant Manager to join the team. This is the only school in Scotland with equestrian facilities onsite, housing up to 25 horses between the riding school and livery yard and are hoping to become BHS approved in 2021. This is an exciting role for an experienced and qualified coach, who has experience of working with young people and enjoys a varied working day. The successful applicant will ideally be a BHS Level 3 coach (or equivalent) and be a responsible individual who can supervise a small team in the manager’s absence whilst delivering excellent customer service and the best care to our team of riding school horses and liveries. Equestrian Assistant Manager Role Profile: • Tuition in all aspects of riding and stable management • Implementation of yard routine and regular ‘hands-on’ yard duties including mucking out, clipping, feeding etc. • Assisting in management of equestrian staff and volunteers, including delivery of BHS Stage 1 + 2 course work and assessment preparation • Grassland management and maintenance. • Organisation of vets, farriers and feed deliveries. An attractive package, including use of school facilities, regular CPD training and the possibility of both onsite accommodation and livery for own horse is available. The successful applicant will on occasion be the senior staff member overseeing the Centre and the role will include some evening and weekend shifts. Applications close 20.11.20 Minimum Requirements BHS Level 3 coach/ UKCC L2 Accommodation details Accommodation is available onsite Benefits Possibility of bringing own horse, regular CPD and exam training

JL76066 Gloucestershire Yard Manager. :) Something different :)

Jive Pony UK

Live in Gloucestershire, UK

Job Description We are a small family run yard with 6 winter liveries ranging from DIY to full. We are passionate about using positive reinforcement with all our clients and our own horses. I am head of the horse department for a well known Gloucestershire Based Circus and train the new horses for the coming season from our yard throughout the winter. In the winter I will be working on the yard with you, mainly concentrating on the training and riding of the horses. The job is six days a week in the summer and five and a half days in the winter. All the work can be done in roughly 6 hours a day so plenty of free time for your own projects or studying. Our year is split into two season. In winter most of the work is standard yard work, turning out, getting in, mucking out, hay nets, poo picking and riding out (min twice a week). In the summer most of the horses live out except for one retired Highland pony who’s laminitis needs managing. (Turn out pen grazing muzzle etc) The summer requires more field and fly maintenance (poo picking/and fly masks etc) a little bit more riding and also the managing of our mini circus wagon air B&B. Preparing the space showing guests in and out etc. You will be working the yard on your own during the summer season, except for the DIY’s as I will be working away on tour with the circus. You must be confident and happy to handle all types of horses, most of ours are cold bloods but they can be lively. The ability to think for yourself, and do the job with care, kindness and a positive attitude essential. We are a happy little yard with a passion for what we do and we are looking for someone who shares our enthusiasm for high standards and continued learning. Minimum Requirements Minimum contract would be year after a months trial. Accommodation details The position is full time live in. The accommodation is a double glazed, central heated 2 bedroom mobile home situated with in a barn, water and electricity included. If required we have space for you to bring one, (well behaved!) horse or pony. Benefits Opportunities to learn positive reinforcement training, also opportunities to work on set and in be in a show environment.

JL76038 Oxfordshire – Head/Travelling Groom and exercise Rider for Professional Eventing yard.

Attington Sport Horses

Live in Oxfordshire, UK

Job Description Fantastic opportunity to head a professional eventer’s yard based in Oxfordshire Minimum Requirements Must be capable of: All normal stable duties, handling fit competition horses, exercising/lunging, managing a busy yard, being a team player, good communication and honesty, 5* turnout to include plaiting and clipping Accommodation details Onsite cottage, sharing with 2/3 others. Wifi, bills etc included Benefits Excellent salary/package for the right experienced candidate, travelling to 5* competitions. Top of the range facilities

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