The Racing Groom is an integral part of the team in a racehorse yard.
Whilst most of the roles are working directly with horses, a Racing Groom can also be involved in other tasks such as driving the horse box, being part of the ground staff or office support team.
Racing yards have some fantastic facilities – the equivalent of five star hotel accommodation – and if you work with racehorses you might get to know two to three horses, making sure they are healthy and in good condition.
Daily tasks can include mucking out, grooming and feeding, taking horses out for grazing and riding out, cleaning tack (eg saddles, stirrups, bridles) and sweeping the yard as well as reporting any changes in the horses to the trainer.
Racing Grooms are occasionally required to take the horses to race meetings – leading them to the paddock and winners’ enclosure, saddling up, caring for them after the race and showing them to the trainer and owners.
Most importantly, as a Racing Groom, you will need to be happy working in all sorts of weather and at all times of day – from early mornings to late evenings.
It’s a great opportunity to learn the ropes and enjoy some fantastic experiences.
To become an Racing Groom you will be need the National Certificate in Horse Care (Racing route).