Groom (Show and Racing)

A Groom works directly with the show or race horse to provide all of the basic care for the horse during its training and competition. A Groom must be a willing to work long hours and work with a wide variety of horse personalities. A Groom must be able to handle all types of horses, groom, wash, wrap legs, tack and untack, feed and water, and provide physical therapy, first aid, and nursing care if needed. A show Groom must be able to braid, band or perform other specialty grooming prior to a show. A race Groom must wrap and tack or harness a horse for racing. After exercise or turnout, they must be able to bathe and blanket the horse along with being able to cool out and massage a horse. Grooms should be able to ride a horse proficiently enough to warm it up or cool it down before or after a show. Grooms must know each of their horses well. They are generally the first to notice changes or problems and are often a most trusted consultant to the trainer. Its groom is the person to which a show or race horse forms its strongest bond. Therefore, a Groom often accompanies his/her horse owner and racer to shows or races. Most Grooms are also responsible for the upkeep of the barn when they are home from a show or race. Upkeep includes cleaning stalls, insuring that tack fits the horses properly, is clean and in good repair, as well as general maintenance of the barn.

Physical strength, stamina and good health are required. Knowledge of horses is essential in becoming an accomplished groom. A good strong background in horses in 4-H or FFA is also very beneficial. While a two- or four- year degree in Equine Science is beneficial, most grooms start out of high school and learn their trade on-the-job. Some courses beneficial to the job include first aid for the horse, training and handling classes, along with form and function classes. Professional racetrack grooms are required to have a groom's license in the state in which racing is conducted. This license only requires filling out paperwork, and sending in a fee to become licensed. Currently there is no license required to become a show groom.

The average income of a show or race groom is low. Benefits are not offered. A professional groom will often put in long hours; these can often be 50 to 60 hours per week, during a show or race meet. An average income is only $15,000 per year. Most Grooms to high quality racehorses will receive a small percentage of the horse's winnings, which could significantly increase the earnings in a good year. Although the salary is low, housing is often provided, along with an opportunity to learn, visit new places and meet some of the top people in their field.