Freelance Groom

[GabrielleStar]

I am just at after some opinions and advice from people regarding my ideas/future plans.

I am an experienced groom/rider with around 8 years experience, and ive studied a foundation degree at Moreton Morrell. I have a variety of skills, worked on a variety of yard(professional and private) a good riding ability and can back/school youngsters. I have my own horse who I backed myself and have just started competing her BD this summer.

After leaving college i got a job at NFU mutual and have worked there for the last 2 years. Although i know i have a career there if i want it - but i really dont! Every time i feel i unhappy about my job i go back to what i love doing which is working with horses.

Im currently in the process of buying a house so need to stay in full time employment for my mortgage.

I want to make a transition from being fully employed to being a self employed as a freelance groom. I was going to advertise as a part time groom eve/weekends to start to build a client base with a view to going full time later.

Do you think there is much demand for freelance grooms, what are your experiences of them.

Anyone that is already freelancing, what advice would you offer? How do you work out your rates?

Any other comments would be appreciated. I live in Warwickshire near Moreton Morrell

Many thanks

 

[Bethie]

In my experience, people mostly want freelancers to do the jobs that they can't as they are in work - so turning out/fetching in, mucking out, etc. during the daytime Monday to Friday (and usually within a specific time slot). I think you'll find it hard to get regular evening work, though there may be people who need help for instance either at shows or to do the horses left at home while they are competing at the weekend at the minute. Work also tends to fluctuate seasonally so more busy during the winter, especially if you are any good at clipping too. By the very nature, freelance also means that you can lose work with no notice whatsoever if the client decides they don't need you any more, so you need to be able to cope financially if you are without work for a period.

Working out rates, you need to get to know what the going rate for your area is, and check that against your insurance costs (you'll need care, custody and control as a minimum), tax has to come out of it, paying an accountant if you aren't confident to do your accounts and tax return yourself, diesel, wear and tear on your car... to make sure you are going to at least break even.

 

[Mari]

Full time employment needed to pay mortgage / freelance groom! Sorry, the way I see it the 2 don't go together! Might be different in your area though.