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Become a professional groom – 6 Simple Steps

How to become a professional groom – 6 simple steps

by Kelly wallace Horne

At any stage in your life, deciding on or changing a career pathway is a very tall order. We have to identify a working life that is enjoyable, that we are not only capable of but are likely to be good at, and that will sustain us financially and provide for our retirement. It’s hardly surprising that so many of us passionate horse lovers opt for a career with horses! So many young horse lovers stand on the threshold of their adult life envisaging a long future of playing with ponies every day and being paid to do it. What’s not to love?! Well, quite a lot actually – living the dream can soon become very disenchanting… unless you do it right!

Just as good grooms have the pick of the best jobs, good employers have the pick of the best grooms. So the burning question is, how can you be that groom?

 

 

1. Build and preserve your CV

Become a Professional Grooms in 6 Simple Steps - don't job-hop

For many, if not the majority of equine grooms, their first paid experience of working with horses will involve taking the first or only opportunity that presents itself, then going where the tide takes them from there on in. This potluck approach to getting jobs isn’t necessarily wrong, but it isn’t likely to bring you the best the equine industry has to offer you. There are plenty of good grooms jobs out there – The Grooms List by Caroline Carter Recruitment regularly recruit for well-paid jobs with generous salary packages and they nearly always go quickly, often with very little advertising! How? Because when we know who the good grooms are and what they are looking for we can start “matchmaking” pretty much from the get-go. So to be in with a good chance, first and foremost we need to know you are looking so you need to be registered with us, and we need details of what you’ve done previously and your future requirements and desires. When we have this information we know to contact you as soon as a suitable job becomes available (and you need to answer your phone or call us back, and quickly!) This is how potluck grooms miss out, because they would need to be in the right place at the right time to even know about the best jobs – you would be extremely lucky to repeatedly stumble across good jobs by chance.

Professional grooms DON’T leap into new jobs willy-nilly. By taking the potluck route you are jeopardising your equine CV. Each job that turns out to be a wrong move for you means you will probably be moving on again within no time. Your CV will soon resemble a chequerboard of short-lived jobs, telling future prospective employers that you’re probably not going to be with them long, and you probably aren’t worth their time-investment in settling you into their yard, let alone training you up, and your aspirations of being a successful, professional groom will be pushed out of your reach.

Become a Professional Grooms in 6 Simple Steps - don't leave your career to luckProfessional grooms DO discuss having a job trial before deciding to accept or reject a prospective job. A job trial could prove to you that you would not enjoy the job after all. You also must understand the importance of job longevity. When you take a new job you really need to remain in that job for at least 12-18 months. Anything less than that risks spoiling (and ultimately destroying) your CV. Always closely examine why you are leaving your job, when you are leaving it and what can be done to rectify or improve your situation within your current role.

 

2. Be honest and stay safe

Become a professional groom in 6 Simple Steps - Be honest about your skills and experience

You don’t need equine qualifications to build a career in the equine industry, but they certainly are a benefit. Whether you choose to gain qualifications or not, when you start working with horses and especially if you are a school leaver, please don’t be under the illusion that you will be able to walk into a top equine job based on your years in the Pony Club, or how many horses/ponies you’ve owned throughout your life. No matter how much you’ve done or what great experience you’ve got, having your own horses and ponies is in no way comparable to working for someone else. An employer is going to want to see evidence, or at least have reassurance on how well you perform within a team, how you time-manage and prioritise your daily tasks, how you apply initiative when things go off-schedule and how you perform under pressure etc. Professional grooms with an established equine CV will be able to give prospective employers references from previous equine employers as evidence of their skills and abilities that are required to do the job. When starting out you need to be mindful of this and be prepared to agree to legal compromises regarding your salary expectations and the responsibilities you will hold within your job.

Building your equine career inevitably involves stepping outside of your comfort zone at times. “Punching above your weight” may seem necessary for progression, but ensure you do this in a realistic, sensible way. When considering what appears to be a dream job move that offers real career progression, make sure your potential employer is aware of your limitations and lack of experience in certain areas. Whilst there are many job vacancies that require someone who can just get on with the job, there are plenty of employers who are quite happy to help you broaden your skills set and progress your equine career. Make sure you discuss this at your enquiry/interview stage, strongly consider arranging a job trial before committing to a career move, and ensure both you and your prospective employer are clear on both party’s expectation and requirements and that this is laid out in writing before your start date. Don’t wing it, you have too much to lose.

Become a Professional Grooms in 6 Simple Steps - Career PlanningProfessional grooms DON’T big up their experience and ability in order to get a chance at career development. By doing this you are not only gambling with your equine career but quite possibly yours, and other people and horses’ safety too, if you are not prepared for all aspects of the new job.

For example, if you’ve previously worked at a Riding School or Livery Yard where you have plaited a horse up for a local show, you can’t big this up in order to get a job as a competition groom for a professional, international competition rider. You will most likely be a huge hindrance to the team on show days and you could come unstuck when handling big, fit, powerful, excitable competition horses. Your lack of skill and experience will be painfully obvious AFTER you’ve moved to your new job and you risk finding yourself back job hunting in no time and in turn you risk your CV becoming the chequerboard described in point 1, with all the associated consequences. Rather than your bold job move furthering your equine career, your aspiration of being a successful professional groom will be pushed further from your grasp.

Professional grooms DO discuss honestly their limitations, strengths and weaknesses, the skills they need to improve and the elements of the job they enjoy and excel at. When considering a new job do discuss having a job trial before deciding to accept or reject a prospective job. A job trial could prove to you that you would not enjoy the job after all, or prove to your potential new employer that you are a good fit for their yard, and they will be more accepting of any short-fallings as you take your step up the career ladder with them.

 

3. Be sensible in your life choices

Professional grooms DON’T bite off more than they can chew and are realistic in fitting their job around everything else in their life. This goes back to the potluck approach outlined earlier in this article. If you take on more than you can realistically manage on a daily basis you risk over-stretching yourself, you will not achieve a sensible work:life balance, and you will probably not get the best the equine industry has to offer. Full-time jobs in the equine industry are notorious for being long hours and hard work, so taking on more than you can fit in and manage it is not going to work.

Professional grooms DO consider the potential consequences of everything they do. Here are a few key examples:

  • Become a professional groom in 6 Simple Steps - the consequences of having pets and horsesGenerally speaking, the further afield you’re prepared to go to take the perfect equine job for you, the more perfect equine jobs you will have to choose from. The more you limit the geographical radius for your job hunt the more you limit your possibilities and job opportunities.
  • Having horses/dogs/pets of your own has both positive and negative effects on the job opportunities open to you. Ensure you take these consequences on board BEFORE jumping in and taking on another fur-friend. You can read more about taking a horse and pets to a new job here.
  • Never jump ship when you could, by discussing issues with your employer, make things work where you are. Whatever you do today will affect lots of tomorrows when it comes to getting the best jobs in the equine industry. Getting the best jobs in the equine industry is not simply a matter of a good job hunt, it’s about everything you’ve done in each and every job you’ve had leading up to your current situation.

 

4. Know there are no shortcuts to becoming a knowledgeable and experienced groom

Become a professional groom in 6 Simple Steps - Be honest about your skills and experienceProfessional grooms DON’T cram as many different types of jobs in various disciplines in as short a space of time as possible. This doesn’t convince future potential employers that you’re a very experienced, diverse groom, but it probably will convince them that you will not stick around long (check back at point 1: preserve your CV!)

Professional grooms DO 
choose a realistic career pathway. For example, if you’ve quite enjoyed working as a dressage groom don’t simply jump to being a polo groom for 6 months because the opportunity has arisen and you fancy a change. Stick at your job for at least 12-18 months THEN consider your next career move, not whether you fancy a change or not. If you wish to dip your toe in the water of other sectors of the equine industry consider short-term/temporary/seasonal positions as a legitimate way to build up more diverse experience without damaging you CV by job-hopping. You may have more diverse career options available to you than you think, so it is always worth having a chat with one of our knowledgeable and approachable recruitment consultants. Do contact us for a friendly, no-obligation chat.

Become a Professional Grooms in 6 Simple Steps - flag up the need for change5. Nudge things along where necessary and appropriate

Professional grooms DON’T let things drift. For instance, don’t be afraid to remind your employer that it is your 18th/21st/25th birthday next month and, if you are paid the National Minimum Wage, you require a pay rise to meet legal requirements.

Professional grooms DO keep up with adjustments to the National Minimum and Living Wage rates and the accommodation offset rate, any agreements made between themselves and their employer (this works both ways), and how progression within their existing job can benefit both them and their employer. If you feel something is lacking or wrong in your current job role or the flow within your team, or that there is room for you to develop within your existing place of employment, don’t be afraid to broach the subject with your employer. Don’t wait for your employer to notice, or offer you new opportunities. Showing keen and expressing a desire for success is rarely, if ever, a bad thing!

 

Become a Professional Grooms in 6 Simple Steps - keep things business-like

6. Understand that no one “owes” anyone anything

OK, I heard you just say “No professional groom works for nothing!” and you are correct. What I mean is, no one owes you anything and you don’t owe your employer anything beyond your terms of employment and honourable and decent behaviour. Neither an offer to work, or of employment is a favour, it is a business-like transaction between employer and employee.

Professional grooms DON’T agree to work for someone cash in hand/for less than the National Minimum or Living Wage/in return for accommodation, training, or favours.

Professional grooms DO bear in mind that it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been working for someone, how pally you may have become with them and/or their team or family, it doesn’t matter how much out on a limb you may have gone, or what your friends think, in simple terms your association with your employer is a lawful contractual arrangement.

Become a professional groom in 6 Simple Steps - working your way up the career ladder

Ensure you have EVERYTHING laid out in a Written Statement of Employment BEFORE your start working for anyone, even if you consider them to be a friend. You wouldn’t buy or rent a car without knowing what you’re getting and the price of it, so why should employers and employees? Again, this cuts both ways. Taking on a new groom is as much an investment to the employer as the groom. You are stepping into their corner of the world and they are welcoming you into it. A potential employer will be assessing the pros and cons of hiring you as a groom, just as much as you are assessing the pros and cons of taking their job.

 

OK, so whatever stage you’re at in your equine career, you’ve made it as far as an equine recruitment website, which is great. This actually is a very good place to start and/or revisit throughout your career, no matter what age you are when you start out working with horses.

Although it may not appear so at first look, these 6 steps really are simple. You don’t need lots of qualifications, tons of experience or any special skills to become a professional groom, you just need to ensure being a groom is the right profession for you and your circumstances, build a good employment history and keep your eye on the ball as you go.

 

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Top Jobs!

*Single or family person welcomed (including children.) *Dog welcomed but not on the yard* *5 day week * IRO £25K -£35Kpa +/- plus accommodation neg. . The employer is a semi-professional carriage driver and his wife has a strong equestrian background. Carriage driving experience is helpful but not essential.  Strong horsemanship skills on the ground and under saddle along with yard management skills are, however, essential. Groundwork and long-reining ability also are highly desirable. The horses are ridden (hacked and schooled to a good level under saddle). Candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the nature of horses and possess all the usual skills including the ability to turn a horse out and there is an opportunity to learn to drive. There are 7 horses which are Dutch harness horses 16HH-16.2HH (2x mares and 5 geldings), these are typically WB Dutch dressage type horses. The employer is constantly back and forth to the yard/abroad where he runs a thriving business so a track record of RELIABILITY is key. Please note due to protracted absences of the employer, this position has a contracted 3-month notice period. Accommodation options are available. Very well appointed 2 beds/2 baths flat on-site and a lovely house in the village close by is available meantime. Please note due to protracted absences of the employer, this position has a contracted 3-month notice period. Good yards close by if you have a horses (s) Small family estate. Indoor and outdoor ménages, good hacking. Great facilities -walker/washdown etc. Please call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email caroline@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
Job Description Looking for a dedicated and motivated team player to join our busy yard in a role as a competition groom with plenty of travelling. Will suit someone that wants to be closely involved with the competition horses and help achieve exciting goals with them. A full time, live in or live out position which includes all day to day yard duties and working with the horses at home and away at shows. Must clip, plait and turnout to a high standard. Will need to be happy driving a 3.5t horsebox and HGV license is a bonus. A love of the horses and high standards and attention to detail are the most important. Role will include competition grooming for myself as well as taking clients to shows, horses to the treadmill, vets etc. We have a string of horses from youngsters up to 4* eventers and also compete BS regularly including Hickstead throughout the summer. The right person will need to be organised, cheerful and hopefully slightly OCD. Must work well in a team and be good with clients as well as being happy working on own initiative and motivation. Someone who also likes and is happy to pitch in with young children is also a huge bonus. Current team of staff have all been here between one and five years. Littleton has exceptional facilities and is one big family (even if it is a slightly bonkers one at times). Hopefully someone wants to come and join us for the ride! Ideally looking for someone from the start of April however this is flexible as right person is paramount. Previous experience in this specific role not essential but must have good yard work experience and ideally some competition grooming so far. Riding can be part of the job but not compulsory. Competitive package with a contract including pension, paid holiday etc
Job Description We require a Polo Groom/Rider to join our small team to help look after our lovely horses. The job involves plenty of riding, mucking out, keeping the horses looking good, travelling to tournaments, ensuring the yard is tidy and generally helping the club run smoothly. Our horses are all very easy but you must be a competent rider as you will be required to ride and lead. The job is varied and fun.  No Polo experience required as full training given.
Job Description Full Time Groom required to look after a happy family yard near Newmarket, doing a bit of everything! We are training up for easy to get to goals and shows; working hunter; local Shows, and Pony Club activities. We mostly hack out and school, and in the Summer there is Beach Riding, Woodland Riding, The applicant MUST be a confident rider, enthusiastic and reliable. Duties and responsibilities: We are looking for an experienced Head Groom capable of managing 16.2 hunters to a high standard together with managing family horses and ponies. All duties of a professional groom in sole charge will be expected, including, but not limited to: • Building up and maintaining fitness levels • Supervising a fearless 11 year old • Care of Tack, Tack Room and Stables • Paddock maintenance • Basic knowledge of equine first aid – the ability to spot and deal with minor wounds etc • HGV licence would be a significant bonus & Trailer licence • Supervision of part time / temporary groom(s) Core working hours will be between 0800 and 1700, however the hours will vary according to the needs of the Estate and the requirements of the role with the need to start earlier and finish later when necessary. You will generally be required to be available between Monday to Sunday. Where possible you will be entitled to two days off in a seven day period at reasonable times to be agreed with the Estate. You may have to work such additional hours as are necessary for the proper performance of your duties which will include weekends and bank holidays for which you will receive time off in lieu as agreed with the Estate. This is a lovely opportunity for the right applicant to work for a friendly and relaxed family on a yard set in stunning parkland.  
Job Description We are looking for a Stable Hand / Groom to join our 5* Equestrian Centre. Top facilities on a newly developed Centre. 2 to 5 Days a week, minimum Saturday and Sunday cover, 7:45am start with a lunch break. Yard finishes about 6pm. Candidate must work well as a team, competent in the stable yard, friendly, self motivated, honest & kind with our horses. Fantastic opportunity to work with Mrs Sam van den Berg, International Level 2 Instructor! Excellent package, dependant on experience & ability! We look forward to meeting the new future member of out Team! Minimum Requirements Experienced Groom, able to work efficiently, at high standard. Punctual, friendly, team worker! Must be local or have reliable transport, as bus service is not always reliable   Accommodation details No accommodation available   Benefits Working on a 5* establishment, top wage package. £150 Signing Bonus after successful completion of 3 months probation period.    
Job Description We’re in search of a dedicated full-time team member to join the close-knit Magna Horses family. As a valued member, you’ll play an important role in our passion-driven, family-owned business focused on caring and producing top quality horses. Ideal candidates will: – Prioritise reliability and be a trustworthy team member. – Have experience in handling young horses and stallions – Thrive in both team environments and be able to work on their own – Complete all basic yard duties to a high standard, including mucking out, hay net filling, and turning out, with additional opportunities for the right person. – Most importantly have a love and understanding for competition-ready horses of varying ages. We invite people with their own horses, offering a competitive salary, excellent facilities, and potential additional benefits. Minimum Requirements Be comfortable around horses and like them! We can offer training as long as you are happy to undertake general yard duties.   Accommodation details Regrettably, accommodation is not currently provided.   Benefits We invite people with their own horses, offering a competitive salary, excellent facilities, and potential additional benefits. Also, we will include free flat work/dressage or in-hand lessons with GB U25 Grand Prix rider You can ride your horse during day light horses (probably lunchtime) – yard duties can be done after dark, riding your horse can’t! Located in picturesque Wiltshire(SP3), with fabulous off road hacking.  
Job Description Self-employed groom sought 3-5 hours a day, generally 5 days a week, to care for and manage three competition horses in a private yard between Cirencester and Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (GL54) We are seeking an enthusiastic, reliable, efficient, trustworthy person.  The person needs to be capable of sole charge, with high standards and a good level of equine management, including fitness, and riding skills for hacking and schooling.  Ability to clip, plait, and turn out to show/event standard is required. The role is for someone who is a good communicator, open minded to occasional equine complementary therapy, and adaptable to usual competition flexibility, with a sense of humour. Whilst there are usually people around, initiative and responsibility is required The person will be responsible for organising and booking the diary, for lessons, farrier, vaccinations, chiropractor, dentist, training and event schedules, alongside rider support. Minimum Requirements Average hours are 3 – 5 hours a day, minimum of 2, but need to be flexible and event days will be longer hours.  There is an opportunity of additional work, alongside this role, in a large attached livery yard.  Self employment required. This is a lovely and cheerful environment, with lovely horses, who are very much cherished, excellent facilities and outstanding hacking.   Possibility of stabling your own horse on site. ***Start date is flexible – can start any time between now and June 2024, please contact and discuss***  
Job Description RIDING VACANCY AVAILABLE ! Due to the increasing number of young stock we have coming through, we are now recruiting for another rider to join the team and work alongside myself, Hannah Morrow & Catherine Robinson. This is a fantastic opportunity for a keen young rider to come and base themselves at Aston-le-Walls and learn from an established and successful event team. The chosen applicant will have the option of bringing their own horse, benefiting from world class facilities and plenty of training. Alongside all the day to day yard work, the job involves helping with the riding of both the young event horses and the commercial horses for sale with the potential to compete, dependent on experience. We are looking for : – Someone ambitious and hard working with an established eventing record, preferably up to Intermediate / 3* level & experience producing young horses. – Someone with a passion for eventing and an understanding of the correct groundwork alongside having natural feel. – An empathetic rider with solid foundations on the flat and a soft approach to a fence.
Job Description We are a private livery yard consisting of 36 acres, featuring 15 stables, 25x60m manège, lunge pen, and cross-country practice course. The yard has easy access to the East Anglian Farm Rides off-road hacks on over 55 farms in Essex. The yard requires a new head groom that is willing to live onsite. The person will be responsible for the day to day needs of the horses in livery and maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the yard, stables and equipment. The suitable applicant must be at BHS level 3 (or have other equivalent training/experience), work meticulously, expeditiously and to a high standard, is comfortable working independently as well as providing supervision to junior grooms if needed, and be capable of monitoring the health and behaviour of the horses, recognizing any changes that need reporting to the horse owner. The position does not require riding but there is the possibility of occasional ridden work. Similarly, grooming, clipping and performance of other tasks may be possible. Salary: £25-30’000 per year, to be discussed Hours: 40 hours a week, Monday – Friday. Possibility to offer services to the liveries at weekends for supplementary income. Start Date April/May 2024 Minimum Requirements BHS level 3 or equivalent/equivalent experience, bandaging, first aid, lunging, mane trim/pull and clipping advantageous. Comfortable working alone and also able to provide support to less experienced grooms.   Accommodation details 1 bedroom apartment (unfurnished) available at £450 a month (price includes electricity, water) on a separate tenancy agreement   Benefits Possibility to bring own horse  
Job Description home/ show groom, opportunity to do shows UK and internationally if they would like to Minimum Requirements must have knowledge with horses and be confident with young horses   Accommodation details shared accommodation,  private ensuit bedroom and bathroom in the accommodation building there is a newly fitted out kitchen, games room, gym, laundry room garden area with bbq and seating   Benefits great team already there opportunity for international shows lovely accommodation well looked after and respected with in the team  
Job Description flat rider/groom for competition yard, mainly 4-7 year olds no breaking or backing young ones required Minimum Requirements must be able to ride confidently and have good flat work skills lunging and long reining   Accommodation details shared accommodation, ensuit private bedroom and bathrooms within the accomadion there is a new kitchen, laundry room, games rooms and gym   Benefits great fun team opportunity to flat ride at shows uk and internationally
Job Description A fun and friendly yard with high professional standards, now expanding and in need of an Assistant Manager. Looking for a full time person to join the team at an eventing focused yard on a beautiful private estate near Charlbury, Oxfordshire. Largely in support of a lovely young Event Rider aiming for Europeans later this year and hoping to complete her first 4*. Looking for someone with the ability to oversee staff and the running of the yard in the Yard Managers absence, whilst also happy to muck in as part of the team. A HGV licence is essential for getting out and about, travelling to training and competitions. Confidence handling and riding big fit competition horses is key, with the successful candidate undertaking hacking, fast work and schooling if capable. There is always something new and different happening on the estate to provide an ever changing and exciting environment.   Very competitive package for the right person including own accommodation, 5 day week and salary ranging from £27-30k dependent on experience.   Minimum Requirements HGV licence – travel to training and competitions Ability to manage staff and the running of the yard in the Yard Managers absence Eventing/competition experience Confidence handling big fit competition horses This is a riding role – hacking, fastwork, lunging, potentially schooling Sense of humour!   Accommodation details Lovely own Cotswold cottage provided, with council tax and water also covered. Partners welcome, dog a possibility.   Benefits Accommodation Salary dependent on experience – £27k-£30k  
Job Description We are looking for a capable yard manager who is also an experienced instructor with an interest in biomechanics to run the yard of 14 horses and teach lessons not only on actual horses but also on our eventing simulator. For the right candidate training and qualifications will be provided. The successful person must be organised, reliable and able to drive. We have a rider you will be working alongside and would be an advantage if you can drive a 3.5 ton or 7.5 ton horsebox. We have riding holidays, clinics and camps which you will get involved in with the other staff members. Minimum Requirements Coaching qualifications or experience   Accommodation details Sole accommodation if required   Benefits Fantastic facilities and location 80 acre cross country course Latest technology horse simulator – can jump a course of 1.20m sj and xc New big airy barn type stables Pension 28 days Holiday  
STABLE HAND/HOME GROOM VACATION COVER MAY 2024 EXPERIENCE IN HANDLING HORSES FROM 3 to 23 YRS (NO STALLIONS!) HORSE WALKER AND TURN OUT SERVICES MUCKING OUT FEEDING   Modern Appartment on premises with floor heating, rain shower, WIFI, TV
Searching for a groom to join a growing competition yard with top-class facilities. Confidence and ability to handle fit competition horses from young stock to 4* is a must; with a general love of horses and the sport. Previous experience on a professional yard preferred, but not a necessity. General day-to-day yard duties, lunging, riding etc. HGV a bonus. Applicants must also have/be: • Happy • Enthusiastic • Can-do attitude • A team player • Reliable • Good communication A good salary to reflect level of experience. 5 days a week. Fantastic on-site accommodation available in a 4 bed house. Well behaved dog welcome. Own horse considered.  
*Salary £35,000 PA depending on experience and qualifications.*5 day week *Horse welcomed *Discretionary, generous end of year bonus *Overtime available *Very interesting role We have placed several staff with these employers over the years and most are still in situ with the feedback in all respects extremely positive. ‘Lovely family, a great place to work, nice people, more than fair remuneration Exciting Role on a small yard of 10 rare breed/schoolmaster horses for a really lovely private HNW family. The family reside in the UK seasonally and now needs an accomplished, calm, confident, self-starter with a passion for high standards of horse care and VIP client interactions to join the team. The daily role is inclusive of completing all yard jobs to a high standard, and exercising the horses both under saddle and in the carriage (opportunity to learn to carriage drive if not currently in your skillset). The horses need to be kept in a manner that keeps the horses suitably trained for their intended purpose and with a high level of turnout and yard. In the season the role is similar to a competition groom role, exciting and dynamic with different requests to fulfil on the main premises inclusive of pony riding, carriage driving, trekking, photoshoots, events and more! The ideal candidate would possess their HGV licence, but at minimum, the candidate will need to be confident driving a 3.5t and towing with a manual car and trailer with a willingness to obtain a HGV with the employer’s sponsorship longer-term. The candidate will need to be flexible regarding hours during the “season” the family are in residence as some events run into the evenings, this time is well remunerated and those that go above and beyond to make the residency period run smoothly are well rewarded with a very generous discretionary bonus at the end of the season. Daily working location is based in Hook, Hampshire, main estate based near Windsor, during the “season” you will be required to work from either/both locations. Could be live-in or live-out position but a relocation package is offered whereby the employer provides allowance for accommodation for 4 months, (giving time to look for own accommodation in the area). Amazing private facilities with space for 20 horses but family have <10 : International sized arena, own gallops and show jumps. Great hacking. Call Caroline and The Grooms List team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruiment.com
*5 day week * IRO £25K pa +/- plus accommodation neg. 🙂 This vacancy has arisen due to internal promotion. We have placed staff in these roles previously and the feedback is always excellent 🙂 This lovely employer is a semi-professional carriage driver and he and his wife have a strong equestrian background. Good horsemanship skills on the ground with yard & horse management skills being a priority for the role . Candidates should possess all the usual skills, including the ability to turn a horse out Riding optional – the horses are ridden by their owners (hacked and schooled to a good level under saddle). An interest in carriage driving experience is helpful but not essential and there is an opportunity to learn to drive if you might be interested.  Outings to competitions are shared between the yard manager and this position. You would mostly be travelling to outings in the UK. There are 7 horses which are Dutch harness horses 16HH-16.2HH (2x mares and 5 geldings), these are typically WB Dutch dressage type horses. The employer is constantly back and forth to the yard/abroad where he runs a thriving business but is looking to be permanently based in the UK permanently in 5/6 years’ time. Integrity, self-reliance initiative and self-starters are a must for this role. Small family estate. Indoor and outdoor ménages, good hacking. Great facilities -walker/washdown etc. No room for a horse but lots of good yards close by. Please call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email caroline@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
Job Description English family relocating from Scotland are looking for a live-in groom to start June 2024. This is a full-time position with the requirement to work ad hoc Saturdays or Sundays as needed. The applicant will be in sole-charge of two perfectly behaved cobs and three (pretty perfectly) behaved shetland ponies. The family are currently looking to acquire three further horses / ponies to add to their team. The private estate is a working farm with excellent equine facilities. There is an outdoor arena with show jumps, miles of off-road hacking and plans for an extensive cross country course. This is a very happy and family focussed home, with young children, dogs and other livestock. HGV 7.5 ton license preferable, but for the right candidate the family would sponsor the required training and qualifications. CVs and references will be required. Minimum Requirements All yard duties must be performed to a high standard. Applicant must be a sensitive and confident rider and happy to work through any schooling or behavioural issues. Due to the size of the horses, the family require a lightweight groom, ideally one who is able to exercise and school small stocky ponies. Candidate must be energetic, a team player, with good social skills and the ability to work harmoniously alongside other staff. The family are also looking for a positive, happy groom who would also really enjoy riding with (and teaching where needed) the younger members of the family. A DBS certificate will be required. Accommodation details Idyllic one-bedroom flat adjoined to the main house, overlooking the farm and parkland. This flat is in excellent condition and there is a strong expectation that this standard of accommodation will be maintained by the successful applicant. – Council tax paid for – Water and heating paid for (T&Cs apply) – All other utilities to be covered by the applicant Benefits For the right candidate, this position offers: – The opportunity to bring with them their own horse – The opportunity to bring with them a maximum of two well behaved small pets (indoor cats only) – The opportunity to use the family horse box for personal use (when not in use by the family) Pension as standard  
We are now looking for an experienced competent rider to join our team. 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. 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. We need a competent rider to join the team. Most importantly to work with our 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 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. Accommodation details – Live in is available for one and own horse considered.  
*Salary of £22,360 -£25K pa neg and prorate. depending on experience plus beautiful Cotswold stone cottage accommodation (without charges). *Fab CV opportunity *Single accommodation *World-class establishment *Well behaved dog considered Groom with some performance horse experience is required to work on a TEMPORARY basis whilst we find a permanent member of staff for an established and highly motivated team who work to a very high standard in an international dressage yard. Competent Grooms from any discipline considered. You must be a team player and as this is a non-riding position (some hacking, maybe,  if you are a particularly balanced and capable rider). It would suit someone who enjoys the Dressage environment and who wants to work with the best team of people & horses in the best of facilities at home. Please call Caroline & Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
*Salary of £22,360 -£25K pa neg. depending on experience plus beautiful Cotswold stone cottage accommodation (without charges). *Fab career/CV opportunity *Single accommodation *World-class establishment *Well behaved dog considered Groom with some performance horse experience required to work within an established and highly motivated team to a very high standard in an international dressage yard. Competent Grooms from any discipline considered. You must be a team player and as this is a non-riding position (some hacking, maybe,  if you are a particularly balanced and capable rider). It would suit someone who enjoys the Dressage environment and who wants to work with the best team of people & horses in the best of facilities at home. This is a great training ground for those established in their career or ambitious individuals wanting to build a career towards yard management and /or competition grooming in the future. Please call Caroline & Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
​*Stunning Cotswold location *IRO £400-£450 +accomm and no bills *5 day week * dog considered* Our client events her horses at all levels (BE90 – 4*)and has some fabulous advanced horses as well as some “up and coming” youngsters. This role is suitable for an experienced Groom who enjoys the competitive environment but is also happy when mostly home grooming. Relevant experience ideal including yard/stable/performance horse management. Youngstock experience a bonus as a few young horses brought in from time to time to bring on. Must be able to turn out to a good basic level. Must be passionate about horses and their care. … Please call Caroline & the Team  on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com  
CONFIDENTIALITY ASSURED *Salary IRO £40k totally negotiable depending on experience plus accommodation *Sponsorship available to suitably qualified non UK citizens *Partner, own horse and pets welcomed (but this is a role with lots of travelling home and internationally) Show Jumping Competition Groom required for a vacancy with a very ambitious and competitive family. Must be an experienced Show Groom in the UK and Internationally with an established referenceable record. Rider is a bonus but certainly not essential. Experienced driving  26t+ lorries and ideally articulated is key. 18 quality jumping horses and homebred/other young stock destined for a career in SJ/jumping all kept in top accommodation to the highest standards. Nice, flexible  accommodation Great team environment with a young, energetic, motivated and progressive team. Top-class facilities Fairly flexible on the number of days worked, can work around anything between 5 and 6 but obviously will be straight through when away at shows You will be well looked after and treated as the professional you have worked hard to become in this very inclusive environment. Must have experience with handling stallions. Please call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com  
If you have an EU or German passport or the necessary immigration status plus an adventurous spirit and would like to turbocharge your CV – we would like you to get in touch soonest *Salary £2047.71 per month/£24,572.52 pa annum/£472.54 pw (Euros equivalent) *Food/accommodation and utilities small charge *Must have an EU or German passport *Dog considered *Short-term contract positions (6-9 months available), as well as long-term jobs, are available *This employer is happy to consider junior and senior, experienced or less experienced This is a unique opportunity to work in a world-class performance horse yard/ auction site/ sales/youngstock /sales and competition yards and on the same employer’s Stud & AI laboratory (during the Stud season) . The Stud role during the season has 2 key elements:  to look after broodmares and their foals. You would also be involved in vet checks and insemination, youngstock handling, stable management, feeding, health care, farrier, etc Grooms/Stud staff interested in working in their world-leading AI laboratory This position requires someone super meticulous and organised to fill and pack the orders for mares to be put in foal to their world-class stallions via AI  you don´t need any horse or lab experience at all. Enthusiasm and dedication to work alongside the best horses, riders, and horse people. This opportunity would be GREAT FUN and a second-to-none experience which would enhance your career anywhere you choose at home and abroad. Outside of the season you may well work with young horses/competition horses/auction bound horses etc etc whatever you r preference vs the yards requirements at the time. All up for discussion. This really does offer a rare insight into world-class horses, world-class facilities, and a truly remarkable experience for any Groom or Stud Person seriously interested in getting to the top of their game. There are also considerable opportunities for advancement and promotion possibilities if you wish to remain in Germany. Please note: Medical aid – by law both employer and employee have to pay 50% Statutory sick pay – the employer pays for the first 6 weeks of medical insurance,  after the 6 weeks they pay around 60-70% 3 meals per day will be provided when working on site, (one of which is a warm cooked meal), and the employee pays 163€ per month contribution All employment/immigration /legal administration – The employer will assist with this but there will be a joint responsibility between the employee and Employer. The agency, Caroline carter Recruitment Ltd. in its capacity as an introductory and not an employment agency,  does not get involved with this apart from in terms of communication between employee and employer if requested in writing/email by the employee or employer Covid-19  – The employee must have had the 1st and 2nd doses but it is not mandatory to have had the booster.  This will be at the employee’s discretion but the employer retains the right to restrict duties without it.   Please call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
Add considerable experience to your CV – why not consider as a short-term contract position (6-9 months available) as well as long-term jobs. If you have an EU or German passport, an adventurous spirit and would like to show what you are capable of or add to your CV, then this could be for you! *Salary £2047.71 per month/£24,572.52 pa annum/£472.54 pw (Euros equivalent) *Food/accommodation and utilities small charge * Must have an EU or German passport *Dog considered. One of the most professional performance horse yards in the world is looking to add to its team with two key Stud Roles to look after broodmares and their foals. You would also be involved in vet checks and inseminations, youngstock handling, stable management, feeding, health care, farrier, etc Grooms/Stud staff interested in working in their world-leading AI laboratory This position requires someone super meticulous and organised to fill and pack the orders for mares to be put in foal to their world-class stallions via AI  you don´t need any horse or lab experience at all. This employer is happy to consider junior and senior, experienced or less experienced. Enthusiasm and dedication to work alongside the best horses, riders, and horsepeople. This opportunity would be GREAT FUN and a second-to-none experience which would enhance your career anywhere you chose in the future both at home and abroad. A rare insight into world-class horses, world-class facilities, and a truly remarkable experience for any Groom or Stud Person seriously interested in getting to the top of their game. There are also considerable opportunities for advancement and promotion possibilities if you wish to remain in Germany. Please note: Medical aid – by law both employer and employee have to pay 50% Statutory sick pay – the employer pays for the first 6 weeks of medical insurance,  after the 6 weeks they pay around 60-70% 3 meals per day will be provided when working on site, (one of which is a warm cooked meal), the employee pays 163€ per month contribution All employment/immigration /legal administration – The employer will assist with this but there will be a joint responsibility between the employee and Employer. The agency, Caroline carter Recruitment Ltd. in its capacity as an introductory and not an employment agency,  does not get involved with this apart from in terms of communication between employee and employer if requested in writing/email by the employee or employer Covid-19  – The employee must have had the 1st and 2nd doses but it is not mandatory to have had the booster.  This will be at the employee’s discretion but the employer retains the right to restrict duties without it.   Please call Caroline on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com

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Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd
The Stables
Fildyke Road
Meppershall
Bedfordshire
SG17 5LU

info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
0203 006 5730 / 07747 686 118

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