Call +44 (0)203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com

Equipment/Business Tools for Freelance Grooms

Equipment/business tools for Freelance Grooms

The ESSENTIAL CHECKLIST

On the whole, Freelance Grooms use the same equipment as any other groom, but Freelance Grooms often have to provide and maintain much of this themselves!

Things to consider:

A car

Freelance Grooms, by the very definition of being self-employed, will work at a variety of yards over a week or month. Due to the nature of working the hours required by horses and the typically rural location of many equestrian establishments, public transport is just not often a viable or sustainable option year-round.  Having a car, small van, or even a moped or motorbike (with panniers), will be essential for you to be available to a broad client base, to be able to turn up on time, in all weathers and to be able to take the items you need to perform your duties (spare sets of clean, dry clothes and boots, your riding hat and spare gloves, plaiting kits etc).

 

Branded clothing

If you are presenting yourself and your services as a professional business you may wish to consider having clothing that is branded with your name/business name and, if you have one, your logo. These needn’t cost a lot – if you are buying a new jacket/fleece/beanie you can often buy them directly from suppliers who will embroider/apply your name/logo for a small fee. You’ll look and feel the bee’s knees when you rock up to clients’ yards with your very professional-looking, clean, colour-coordinated outfit, clearly displaying who you and your business are to yard members and other potential clients.

 

Freelance Grooms and Freelance Groom Jobs - Lots of clean clothesSpare sets of clothes…LOTS of spare sets of clothes!

Whether you opt to build up a wardrobe or personalise with branded clothing or not, you need to present yourself professionally every day. If you are popular and have a regular set of clients, and especially if you offer emergency cover/services, you need to be prepared at all times. When you are booked to plait or clip a yard full of horses after a morning mucking out session elsewhere, you don’t want to turn up looking like a scarecrow and wreaking of ammonia. If you can quickly change into fresh, clean, dry clothes before travelling to your next yard, you will look and feel (and smell) much better. Whilst as a Freelance Groom you may get away with wearing ‘tracky’ bottoms, an old t-shirt and a pair of trainers say, for clipping, it’s safe to say, it will not give a good impression if you turn up looking routinely dishevelled.

 

Insurance

We can’t overstate the requirement NOT to wing this “I’ve been around horses for 20 years and not killed anyone yet!” Running your own business is a very serious matter and vital that you get yourself proper and complete insurance – your clients will expect you to have your insurance cover and you will need it for :

  • 3rd party and Indemnity – this is VERY important when you are taking responsibility for other people’s horses. Should there be any debate after any incidents and you are NOT able to prove that an accident was not your fault you could find yourself liable for huge, life-changing expenses, vets fees, lorry/vehicle repair, someone else’s health care, compensation to name but a few!
  • Loss of income if you are injured or suffer illness – you will not get sick pay as a self-employed person.
  • Medical bills in case you need to seek private medical care.
  • A financial payout if injury or illness prevents you from working with horses again. It is crucial as a Freelance Groom that you have an insurance policy that covers you for Temporary Total Disablement.

When you can advertise and tell potential clients that you are fully insured it shows a considered and professional understanding of what your business is about. It demonstrates respectful maturity and responsibility, which most potential clients will find very reassuring. We suggest you carry your certificate of insurance with you and show it to each new client. It demonstrates very clearly that you know what you are about…don’t forget to ask to see there’s too, it’s only fair and eminently sensible!

 

 

A price list

You need to work out a price list for your Freelance Groom services, as you will be charging your clients rather than receiving a wage/salary package. When working out your price list, you need to remain competitive without underselling yourself. You will need to factor in the time and expense of travel, wear and tear on equipment you use, and even the unpaid time you spend on marketing, bookkeeping and general business administration. You also need to factor in income tax and national insurance, plus accountancy fees. Whatever you earn is not all yours to keep! Research the going rate for Freelance Groom services in your local area, or your speciality, and work out your rates according to your experience, skills, and ability.

 

A service agreement

When you are self-employed and performing services for someone else it is highly advisable to avoid any misunderstandings, that you have an agreed, written service agreement with each client. This should detail:

  • Your understanding of the task(s) in hand
  • Your hourly rate
  • If applicable, anything that is excluded from your hourly rate (e.g. you may charge a flat fee for clipping)
  • Start and finish times each day
  • The start of the period of service and, if applicable, the end of the period of service
  • Who is covering you with insurance (you or your client) and the name of your insurance company.

Speak to the British Grooms Association about drawing up a contract template and everything it should include.

 

Freelance Grooms and Freelance Groom Jobs - clipping servicesClippers and plaiting kits etc

If you are good at clipping and/or turning out for shows you may wish to offer these in your list of services, in which case it is a good idea to equip yourself with everything you need for the task. Many clients will have their own clippers, plaiting kits, shampoos coats glosses etc., but this isn’t a given. If you come fully equipped with good quality products that you are practised with, you will be able to work quickly, and efficiently, and produce a finish to the best of your ability. Of course this could come with  additional charges:

  • Ensure your clippers are kept scrupulously clean, and regularly serviced, your blades are sharp, you have spare sets of sharp blades, and that your model of clippers is up to the job. You can’t clip 4 horses in one day with clippers designed for a leisure owner of 1 or 2 horses. Do your homework before investing.
  • Ensure you have bands and thread in all colours, and keep any combs and clips scrupulously clean to prevent cross-contamination between yards (you don’t want the spread of some unpleasant disease being traced back to your show turnout services!)
  • Always ask horse owners before using your chosen brand of clipper oil, or applying any shampoos or coat sprays – they may not think to tell you their horse breaks out in urticaria at the mere mention of baby oil or [brandname] clipper oil, so play it safe and always make a point of telling the owner which products you will be using and gain their express agreement to it.

 

Yard Tools

As a Freelance Groom, you might have your own set of yard tools (fork, broom, skip bucket etc). In fact, you technically should. Under UK employment law, one of the defining features of a Freelance Groom is that they use their own equipment and are not provided with equipment by the yard they are working at. Sounds strange? Have a read of our article, “The Difference Between Employed, Self-employed and Freelance Grooms“, it will explain it in a lot more detail!

 

References and Testimonials

Freelance Grooms do need references and testimonials. If a potential client wants to hire your services for, let’s say holiday cover, it’s not unreasonable for them to want to see some evidence of your ability, suitability and reliability beforehand. It would seem very professional to maybe have them all to hand, readily displayed in a waterproof folder. Be proud of your track record and achievements; you have worked hard to earn them and to show them off. The quality of your offering and your hourly rate should reflect your quality & experience and these documents are a testament to that.

 

A DBS check

DBS stands for “Disclosure and Barring Service” and is basically a copy of your criminal record. This is called ‘basic disclosure’, and it’s available for people living or working in England and Wales. It costs £18 to obtain and you can request one here. As with your CV, references and testimonials, this is extremely beneficial to have and show prospective clients.

 

A First Aid Certificate

This is one thing that will not only look good on your CV and adverts, it could help keep you and others around you safe – to the extent that you could save someone’s career, or even life. Find out more and save yourself 10% on a first aid qualification by clicking here. Again do have this readily available to show to new clients

 

A website /A Facebook Page

You will need to have somewhere to showcase your services, photographs and testimonials and your own website or FB page is another way to do that. Not essential by any means but it could give a point of contact for potential clients to find you and contact you.  You can showcase your services, photographs and testimonials too.

 

A passport

It may seem an unlikely one, but you never know when you might get the opportunity to travel to an overseas competition, or with a client going abroad for training with a top trainer.

 

Freelance Grooms and Freelance Groom Jobs - You have to do paperworkStationary and “office equipment”

Just because you don’t work in a physical office does not mean you are exempt from office duties! You will need to think of your car as your mobile office and have a space at home to keep your important paperwork. If you are going to be working as a Freelance Groom you need to ensure you are fully aware of your legal responsibilities regarding your income tax and National Insurance contributions. This means doing paperwork!

To give you a basic idea of some of the things will need:

  • Folders and pockets – for keeping your monthly client invoices, and purchase receipts for clothing, equipment, insurance, lunch receipts and even the stationary you’re using to organise your paperwork.
  • You may benefit from having a home printer to print out invoices, agreements and even adverts to put in local equestrian shops and venues. Do consider e- alternatives of course to do your bit for planet saving!
  • Crisp, clean paper to write or print invoices and agreements on to give to clients. (You may just email them of course to avoid using paper and thus again another opportunity for saving  the planet!)
  • A notebook and pen to keep in your car/bag so you can make notes about any tasks, information, names, numbers, addresses etc. (Do consider  ‘e-alternatives again! )
  • Freelance Grooms and Freelance Groom Jobs - Mobile Phone HolderA phone holder that goes on your belt, so you are always contactable and have your phone at hand in case of emergency. I find the horizontal belt holders good because they don’t bounce about, especially when you’re riding.
  • It might be a good idea to sort yourself out a decent hands-free kit for your phone. You don’t want to fail at your freelance venture through clients giving up on you because you never answer your phone, and you also don’t want to get a reputation of always being glued to your phone or driving points or worse for illegal phone use whilst driving!

 

Freelance Groom - First Aid Training

A First Aid Kit

Although the majority of yards/horse owners will have their own medical kit there is never any guarantee of it being well stocked. If you are independently looking after other people’s horses you may want to consider carrying some first aid provisions of your own, so you know that you are prepared should you find yourself tackling an illness or injury. It is advisable that you ensure you are knowledgeable about the basics at least. If you are offering your services as a Freelance Groom you need to be confident and competent at recognising common symptoms of an unwell horse and understand the correct course of action to take and when. Our article Understanding a Horse’s Vital Signs will help you understand the very basics.

 

An HGV Licence

An HGV licence really gives your employment and salary prospects an uplift – a real uplift! You may even have your own horse lorry, BUT you need to ENSURE you are genned up on insurance and any additional licences you might need to legally transport other people’s horses in the owner’s or your own horsebox or trailer. We recommend you speak to Specialised HGV Training to learn the ins and outs of HGV horsebox licensing and driving. While you’re speaking to them, mention The Grooms List by Caroline Carter Recruitment and get 20% off any HGV or trailer driving training.

 

An account on THE GROOMS LIST

A key place to be seen by advertising your services and availability is right here on THE GROOMS LIST. What’s more, these services to Freelance Grooms are completely FREE OF CHARGE. Your would-be clients often advertise their need of a Freelance Groom but more often will look on THE GROOMS LIST for local or speciality Freelance Grooms, and contact them directly. You can ensure you are on that list by adding and updating your free listing. Additionally, when you are struggling to get bookings, or you have availability to fill, you can contact us and we will help you promote your services, again completely free of charge. You really have a lot to gain and absolutely nothing to lose by advertising on THE GROOMS LIST! You can find out more about our services to Freelance Grooms here. Add your business listing to THE GROOMS LIST here.

 

***As a Freelance Groom, all of the equipment you use to run your business and earn your living are “allowable expenses” that can be offset against your earnings in your HMRC tax returns. From clothing to clippers, yard tools to office stationary, an office printer to an accounting app/program); you can keep receipts and records and submit these expenses on your tax return. You can also claim 45p per mile you drive your car to a yard/contract. You can find out more on the UK Government website.***

 

Get FREE equine recruitment advice

Both employers and jobseekers alike, if you would like free, friendly, no obligation recruitment advice from Caroline please do get in touch!

The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that the information they are working to is correct and appropriate for their specific circumstances.

We’re on social media!

Follow us on social media and stay up to date with the latest from The Grooms List. We are quite happy to chat via social media too!

The Grooms List by Caroline Carter Recruitment is on FacebookThe Grooms List by Caroline Carter Recruitment is on Twitter The Grooms List by Caroline Carter Recruitment is on Instagram

 

 

Top Jobs!

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.  
*Top remuneration available, (negotiable on experience and lorry license qualification) *Accommodation available on site or employer would fund off site accommodation in local village if required * 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 SJ competitions is essential. 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
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.  
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  
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.  
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  
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    
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.  
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.  
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  
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
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).  
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
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
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  
*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
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  
*£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  
*IRO £30k pa pro rata plus accommodation and bills for on-site accommodation if required * Opportunity to travel to competitions (steady level not full on professional schedules!) *5-day week. Small, well-behaved dog welcomed. If you are between eventing jobs or looking to step up from another discipline, this could be one for you for a season or more. Lovely position to work alongside an owner/2* Event Rider and other team members . The horses kept include 1 x 100/novice horse, 2 young event horses about to start their careers, and an older 2* event horse currently rehabbing from a tendon injury, plus 2 retirees. Riding is optional. You should be able to: Work in a team and take some sole charge Perform all aspects of stable management. Provide a first-class standard of care, with a high level of attention to detail. Pls call Caroline and The Grooms List team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruiment.com  
*Salary IRO £28-£32K pa depending on experience *Every other weekend off/5.5 day week * Accommodation shared with one other currently in 4 bed home with garden 2 miles away in a lovely village *Dog welcomed Based not too far from the M4, in a lovely and popular part of Wiltshire, this is a great opportunity for an experienced Stud hand to step up to Stud Groom or for an experienced Stud Groom. You would be working with a lovely Team of 6/7 people under the guidance of the Stud Manager and Owner of this medium-sized Thoroughbred Stud. Foaling experience useful of course but doesn’t need to be extensive. The yard is home to a teaser stallion and approximately 70 thoroughbred horses of all ages. No groundworks are required as someone is employed to do all paddock maintenance, keep the Stud fencing in order etc. No sitting up is required. General: The Stud does a lot of sales preparation and consigns to all the major Yearling and Breeding Stock Sales in England and to some sales abroad. The Stud has permanent boarding broodmares and rears youngstock through until their Sales Preparation or they go into training. The Stud offers rest and recuperation for horses that need a break or are recovering from injury. The Stud offers pretraining. Good facilities amongst 130 acres with restricted and All-Weather turnout available, a 2.5 furlong railed circular all-weather gallop, two covered Claydon horse walkers and a Polytrack Lunge ring & of course, foaling boxes equipped with CCTV For more details and/or to apply, Pls call Caroline and The Grooms List team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruiment.com

© Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd and The Grooms List, 2025. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd and www.thegroomslist.co.uk with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Equine Careers | Equine Grooms | Equine Jobs | Equestrian Jobseekers

How many times have our articles been read?

  • 2,944,043

Information

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd
PO Box 89
SHEFFORD
SG17 9AY

info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
0203 006 5730

Registered company number 10657796good site
Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd is registered with the UK Information Commissioner as a data controller with registered number ZA250621

ENDORSED BY

Admin Quick Search

Search Employers

Search Jobs

Search Candidates