subject: Groom (Stablehand) [print this page] Like all of us, horses need steady care and consideration to thrive and reach their fullest potential.
Being a groom is definitely not a glamour job, but it teaches the basics of horse care and paves the way for advancement to other positions. Grooms are responsible for the care, feeding, and watering of horses, and they sometimes administer medicine or vitamins to the animals or assist in foaling. They handle the horses as they enter and exit the stalls, and they must keep the stables clean, dry, safe, and comfortable at all timesand, yes, that includes mucking out stalls on a regular basis. Grooms should also routinely check horses for any signs of injury, soreness, or lameness and report any problems to the barn or stable manager.
Those starting out as grooms should have basic knowledge of horse physiology and behavior to ensure detection of any potential problems. Diligence is an important characteristic, as all maintenance duties must be performed on a stringently consistent basis. Good stamina is required, as work is physically demanding and hours are long and often include weekends and holidays. Some groom positions include housing and the opportunity to earn extra income doing other jobs on-site or off. Wages for grooms vary depending on range of experience and type of facility, but sample earnings in Australia average anywhere from $250 to $500 per week.
Pros
Close daily contact with horses
Excellent means of advancing to position of barn foreman, assistant trainer, trainer, or (if physical size requirements met) apprentice jockey
