How to become a groom

The groom plays an important part in both the horse's wellbeing and the performance of the horse and rider partnership. This is a specialist with a real passion for horses, for racing and for everything to do with riding. Their presence is needed at all times to keep horses healthy. They treat them, look after them and take care of the equipment. So how do you become a groom? That's what this article is about.

What exactly does a groom do?

In any racing yard you will find at least one groom. Their job is to make sure that the horse due to be ridden in competition is in perfect condition. They are responsible for looking after the horse's stable and for its care. The groom works closely with the vet and makes sure all the horse's equipment is properly maintained.

The groom also has to relax the horse. They need to reassure it and prepare it for travelling. They load the horse into the lorry and usually drive it to the racecourse. They are expected to prepare their horse both physically and mentally.

The groom then watches the race and takes the horse back as soon as it is over, in order to give it the best possible care before returning it to its stable.

The groom works closely with the rider and acts as the link between rider and horse. So on a day-to-day basis it is the groom who looks after the horse's stable, gives it the best care, feeds it, prepares it in agreement with the rider, maintains the equipment, drives the trailer to the racecourse, turns the horse out smartly after its race, and so on.

What qualities does a groom need?

A groom needs to be in excellent physical condition. As the rider's real right-hand person, the groom does a job driven by passion that remains very demanding. For such a job, the groom must be highly available. Above all, a groom must love horses.

It helps to have been a rider yourself, so that you can fully understand what the jockey going into competition expects. A groom should know the best places to buy riding equipment, such as La Sellerie Française. They need to be quick-thinking and very organised. They must be able to live at a hundred miles an hour as soon as a competition comes round. They also need to get on well with everyone working in the other equine professions.

What training prepares you for a career as a groom?

A number of qualifications, most of them awarded within the agricultural education system, provide the knowledge and know-how needed to work as a groom. There is, for example, the "groom international" course run by the French Horse and Riding Institute (IFCE).

There is also the agricultural vocational aptitude certificate for stable staff, the CAP Agricole Palefrenier soigneur. You can also apply for groom positions if you hold the Brevet Professionnel Responsable d'Entreprise Hippique.