One of the most exciting things you can do as a groom is to take a horse you have been looking after and see it perform to its best at a competition. It’s a buzz and it’s a big responsibility. There is such a lot to of preparation required, so many things to remember to do and to bring, and so many places to be at certain times. Time to really showcase your skills and experience; oh and the chance for some cracking junk food at the show venue! All that being said, how would you cope if something went wrong with one of the horses in your care at a show? How prepared are you for a sick or injured horse?

Rugging is both an art and a science. Sole charge groom positions are very popular these days and the owners and horses are reliant on you knowing your stuff and staying informed on the facts and latest thinking. Knowing where to start each Autumn is an annual dilemma for every groom, but this weeks guest blogger, Kelly Wallace Horne, gives us some useful reference points to help us take that first step into the winter season.

Our first guest blogger reminds us of the importance of understanding the vital signs of the horses in your care. Would you know if your horse's heart rate, pulse rate and/or respiratory rate is unusually high? Would you know if it is normal for him or her? Our guest blogger, who wishes to remain anonymous, talks us through the basic checks you can make to have a deeper understanding of how your horses may be feeling on any given day...