In recent years, a growing number of studies have sought to raise red flags about how workplace challenges specific to the equestrian industry can negatively impact grooms’ mental health.

For example, an independently analyzed survey conducted by the British Grooms Association in late 2024 found that poor working conditions faced by grooms such as overwork, underpayment, lack of time off, and lack of employee rights can lead to severe mental health repercussions. Another informal survey conducted by the information and community resource website ProEquineGrooms.com found that many grooms working in the industry suffer from ongoing mental health challenges throughout their careers.

“Unfortunately, we know that grooms face many challenges to maintaining good mental wellbeing,” International Grooms Association (IGA) coordinator Helen Babington-Smith told HorseSport.com. “The equestrian industry is not yet a place where they can be assured of good, secure or even legal employment situations — which is a huge problem for many grooms who pour their whole selves into their jobs and are not rewarded for it.”

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