Horses are a lot of work! Riding, grooming, care and maintenance of horses is time-consuming, but it is a lifestyle many people cherish. Many horse owners and equestrians need assistance, especially if a group or an entire barn are traveling to large competitions. A horse groomer is an excellent way to make some extra income.
As a horse groomer, you should have some prior experience with overall horse care and maintenance. Grooms are generally paid minimum wage. This may not be a lucrative full-time job, but rather an excellent source of additional income.[social_warfare buttons=”Pinterest,Facebook,Twitter,Total”]
Large barns and horse shows often post ads for additional help needed during show season or for particularly large or important shows such as national shows or Congress. Be sure to check Facebook and breed show websites or simply make business cards to offer additional help with mucking or grooming and give them out at horse shows.
What Will Horse Grooming Include?
Grooms are often supervised positions, unless you are a head groom and supervise other stable hands or grooms. A head groom will still report to a barn manager or the owner in regards to scheduling, chores, and horse care. Be prepared to work quickly and efficiently!
Groom duties can include:
Feeding and watering- Grooming and tacking/untacking horses
- Braiding and unbraiding for competitions
- Mucking stalls multiple times per day
- Cleaning tack
- Clearing the barn aisle and organizing equipment
- Treating wounds or administering first aid
- Holding the horse for the vet or farrier
- Warming up or cooling down a horse – lunging, riding, walking, etc.
It can be as simple as feeding and mucking for a large show barn that needs help in the mornings or helping tack horses for their classes or for practice sessions. Grooms can offer many different skills and can work part-time, especially during the show season.
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Grooms are generally a non-riding position, but that depends on the size of the barn and what the manager needs.
Grooms can work in shifts or they can work all day. Be prepared to work hard during competitions, and be sure to discuss up-front the number of hours and days needed for your services.
Horse grooms usually work outside. This can be in extreme hot or cold temperatures so be sure to dress in layers and appropriately.
Depending on the circumstances, managers can provide housing and meals for grooms. Occasionally, horse board or a free or lower-cost stall for the groom’s own personal horse can be negotiated. These terms are more likely for very large national shows or full-time grooms living on the premises.
Do I have to Have a Degree or Certification?
There is not a formal education required for grooms, but there are some programs offered around the country to boost your credibility.
One of these is called the Groom Elite Program, which is offered at over 15 different racetracks throughout the U.S. This is a 40-hour course of both classroom and hands-on training. Once completed, you will receive a certification you can add to your credentials.
As a horse groomer, dress appropriately and professionally. Some barns may ask you to wear a shirt with their logo on it at competitions. Check the weather and dress accordingly and wear a good pair or work boots. Polo shirts are a classic, easy article of clothing to find, and they look nice tucked in with a belt.
A Rewarding Side Hustle in the Equestrian World
Being a horse groom can be the source of a solid side hustle! Grooming experience and skills can be easily transferred to other breeds, shows, and disciplines because the work is generally the same. Learning different styles of tack and disciplines would be even more beneficial.
The demand for grooms has not reduced.
As equestrian competitions and stables around the country continue to grow, the need for additional help will increase. Share on X
Offering your grooming services at a show or a nearby barn or stable can provide you with an additional, part-time income.