5 Reasons to Become a Professional Groom

If there is one thing that is lacking in the equestrian industry: it is professional grooms. Pro grooms perform a variety of tasks in a variety of settings, but their role is paramount to the success of not only the horse, but the rider as well. Unfortunately, there tends to be a lot of negative stigma around becoming a groom. Read along for 5 reasons YOU should become a professional groom!

1. Vital Education - even if this is not a career path for you. In one of my previous full-time jobs, we ran a working student program that brought students over from Sweden to be grooms in our Florida stable. Each and every one of these students were fantastic grooms, but I learned something very interesting from them: none wanted to be professional career grooms! These talented students had come to America to improve their horse care and grooming skills so that they could be even better riding professionals. If you are considering becoming a professional rider, barn manager, trainer or even tack store owner, a year or two of professional grooming will provide you with a fantastic education in the nitty gritty of the industry. 

2. Get Paid to be a Snowbird - Many grooming gigs travel back and forth between southeast Florida and either the northeastern United States, or California (sometimes even Canada and Europe!). Personally, I love the snowbird lifestyle, and staying out of the cold is honestly a dream come true in and of itself. While there is a whole lot of work involved in this particular snowbird lifestyle, there are significant benefits as well. For example: often, housing is paid for, on top of a salary and, typically, benefits on top. What other job pays you to be a snowbird?

3. Travel the Country - and maybe even the world! Since I started show grooming, I have lived in four different states, shown in over ten, and travelled to Europe and Canada! All of my travel expenses and housing were paid for, and I was able to schedule time to see the local sights and experience the culture, at least a small amount. Due to the nature of show grooming, the horses and their team often need to travel from place to place all throughout the summer months, and this allows you to visit and experience all new places.

4. Create Incredible Connections - Show grooms travel with their horse to and from the ring, around the horse show, and around to riding clinics, veterinary offices, and various appointments. That's a lot of time for networking! Even if being a professional groom is not your endgame, being known as a knowledgeable, hardworking horseman/woman is a huge leg up in the industry. I have met dozens of professionals throughout my career: from veterinarians, dentists, Olympians, trainers, body workers, chiropractors, other grooms, riders, and show stewards! They have been an amazing professional network to lean on, utilize as job references, or just visit with as friends!

5. It's Just Plain Fun! - Grooming, at the end of the day, is a job that many people adore. I know I do. There has been no greater joy than taking top care of a special horse, watching them blossom, and even getting to enjoy seeing them flourish in the show ring. When they win is an even bigger joy I get to experience frequently. Whether you are considering grooming as a professional career, or something that you would like to try out for a short period of time, know that while you will work hard, you will have so much fun.