Keeping Horses At Home - Freelance Grooms

[Fanatical]

For those who keep their horses at home (or anyone else who just happens to know!) is it easy to find a freelance groom to come in and do your horses if you are away/ unwell etc.

Does anyone use freelance grooms regularly, say through the winter for bringing horses in while you're at work?

Finally, how much do freelance grooms charge for their services?

 

[Finlib]

I hae kept my 4 at home for 27 years.
There are agencies that provide live in care .Some adertise in 'Horse and Hound! They live in your house and do everything dogs cats chickens etc. I have someone who does that when I am away on holiday The cost depends on how many animals and what you want them to do .There is generally a standard daily rate and then an add on per animal.
I have now retired but when I worked I found a girl who would fetch in every week day evening change rugs etc.
Check at local DIY yards or check in saddlery or feed merchands or ask other farmers who they use personal recommendation is best!,
Some of the animal care agencies will do horses fetching in etc go on line and look for local ones to you
I actually now work for an agency now doing dog walking feeding cats and will do horses so there are people out there
Make sure they have insurance or if you find a good regular one make sure they are covered on your insurance.
Ask for charges a lot wil depend on how far they need to travel (the cost of diesel needs to be factored in .Would rather not go into cost on an open web site If you want pm me and i could give you an idea of what I would charge,
We have 2 foreign holidays a year and regular weekends away plus full days out and have managed this for 27 years so it can be done
J

 

[Fanatical]

Thank you lib, that's very useful...and a much more detailed reply than I expected!

I will have a scout around!

 

[Rana]

I used to work as a freelance groom, and used one after I gave up working with horses and needed some help.

I used to charge £6-8 per hour, no travel costs, but that was 5 years ago now. The girl I used charged me about £15 a day - very reasonable as I had 3 horses then!

Feed merchants, tack shops, word of mouth are the best ways to find someone. It's easier if you can offer regular work, as then the groom can commit that amount of time to you and your horses. If it's on an "as and when" basis, you might struggle to find someone who's available (if they're any good, they'll have regular jobs and struggle to fit in any extras).

If you can find a good one - look after them! They'll do extra's with your horses and fit you in even when it's a struggle (pay on time, keep a tea or coffee supply, present at Christmas/birthdays etc). It really does make a difference.

 

[pottamus]

I have a lady that comes and looks after my horse and cats whilst I am on holiday...I found her through word of mouth and noticed her around at my neigbours when they were away! She charges £15 per day for 2 vists and £20 per day living in at your house. This is a real bargin and peace of mind as she knows her stuff and has common sense when it comes to horses.