The road from horse-crazy kid to serving as a groom at the Olympics is a long one, but FEI grooms Denise Moriarty and Meghan Button share their advice on how to begin your journey behind the scenes.
It goes without saying that work ethic is among the most desirable traits when assessing your suitability to pursue a career as a groom. Button, who has been Erynn Ballard’s groom for eight years, explains that communication skills and the ability to work well in a team are equally important. “You need to have time management skills, but I also really can’t say enough about work ethic,” she says. “Ideally, you should be a self-starter; there is always something to do and there is no job too small or outside of your job description.” She also stresses the importance of honesty. “Owning up to mistakes and keeping the lines of communication open is absolutely crucial, because every trusting relationship depends on honesty.”
Grooming professionally is more of a lifestyle than a career. Long hours do not necessarily beget a large paycheque; however, what is lacking in bank account balance may come in the form of experiences, perks, and fulfilment from the job itself. Moriarty, who has been Kent Farrington’s groom for six years, says that in addition to the education gained by being surrounded by the best of the best, you get to live your passion. “Passion for the job is the reason most of us do it at this level. Building a bond of trust and respect not only with the horses, but your rider as well, is very rewarding. A big perk is getting to travel the world and getting paid to do it, as is seeing new places and meeting new people – some who will become lifelong friends.”