Freelance groom/rider rate

[Teaboy]

How much would you expect to pay a highly experienced groom/rider per hour or day? Capable of easily stepping into sole charge for holiday cover for instance. Groomed for elite event rider at 5* competitions. Ridden to advanced both eventing and dressage and work rider on race yard so very capable with fitness work. Lorry driver so could do competition grooming.
I’m wondering if it’s worth going self employed again to have more flexibility with my time to allow myself more time to produce my own horses but I’m not sure if financially it’s worth it and also whether there’s any real demand in the East Midlands area?

Any opinions are very welcome.

 

[Red-1]

I would pay a different rate for the grooming and riding. The riding would pay more, for me. I would pay similar to teaching for the riding.

 

[My equine life]

I’m paid £10 an hour as a 19 yo polo groom. I paid about £15 an hour for a girl to ride my horse whilst I was away. However I think this would be more with the more experience you have. I’d say grooming is pretty standard but I’m not sure how old you are. But for the riding I would be expecting about £20-25 for a ride.

 

[claracanter]

East Midlands has lots of horses and people looking for grooms.

 

[MagicMelon]

Wouldn't you perhaps be better getting into teaching instead? I always think the vast majority of good grooms and riders look seriously under-paid personally!