Thinking of getting a groom!!

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Morrigan_Lady

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www.teamterrellshowjumping.co.uk
As Im struggeling a little at the mo, Im thinking about advertising for a groom!
All Im looking for is for someone to muck my 2 out each day and poo pick and come to comps with me when I need some help. Poss also a little bit of riding.
Ideally, Id like a sharer, but I havent had any interest from my adverts.
So, IF I do decide to advertise for a groom, what sort of money should I be offering?
Should I pay an hourly rate? I dont really fancy this though, coz I wont be there I dont want to get shafted! So a set amount each week would be better I think.
If I thought Id get any interest, Id even consider someone looking for some lessons in returen for a bit of work.
 
You will need to pay minimum wage and have all sorts of safety policies etc put in place not to mention a first aid kit, fire extinguishers, toilet facilities and rest facilities and insurance etc.
 
I would put an advert out asking for help in return for rides? I'm sure there would be plenty of people willing to help you out. I currently help out with 5 horses, 3 are stabled, and have the opportunity to ride/hunt/compete. The situation is fantastic, far better than my experiences with sharing!! I'd think there would definitely be people out there willing to help... so don't give up yet
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Have you tried asking local riding schools if they know someone who might be interisted in a share?
They may well have a decent rider there that cant have their own
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As far as I know. Maybe look into it a bit further just to make sure. The last thing you want is somebody sueing you. Unfortunately, it is a blame nation we live in.

Even if you have somebody help you informally, you could be leaving yourself wide open to problems.
 
You don't need to offer toilet facilities. LOL !!!!

Freelance people would have their own insurance, so you would not need to worry about anything, exactly the same as when a freelance instructor comes to your yard to give you and your horse a lesson.
Around where i live there are always lots of ads in the tack and feed shops which have been put up by freelance grooms looking for work, and if you have an instructor, they often know of such local people.

Look on the BGA British Grooms Association website. Also, you'll be able to find out what sort of prices they're charging.



If you employ someone yourself officially, the paperwork, H&S requirements and insurance would be far more bother than doing the mucking out yourself!

Or, if you put word around that you're looking for some help through people you know, you might be able to offer a 'friend' cash in hand (if you know what I mean).
 
one of my best friends is a freelance and she just charges per horse like you would for extra services at a livery yard. Sorts out her own Tax NI etc as she is self employed. And is fully insured with your horses + CRB checked
 
I`m sure there is someone out there that could "help" you out, its just finding them, just a shame you arent close enough to me as I would love to do a bit of yard work while the kids are at school in the mornings. Agree with sky about, putting the word around that you're looking for some help through people you know, and offering a 'friend' cash in hand.
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Is there anyone on your yard that might like the extra cash?
I know if I were to muck 2 out and field poo picking, depending on distance travelled, I would like to earn about £10 per session, I was getting £5. for above 15 years ago!
 
At least minimum wage, plus travelling time and food if they're accompanying you to shows. Good grooms are hard to come by and even harder to keep
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Have you advertised for a share with no contribution to costs required?? If you are offering riding in return for help, I would have thought you'd find someone. Perhaps you just need to put word out a bit more.

If you do decide on a groom, make sure that you are clear on the legal position, you can engage a self employed person to do work with very little extra administration but if they are an employee you will need to comply with lots of legislation and have employers liability insurance.

If you get a freelance, check their insurance and check that yours is in order too. Make it very clear that they are freelance.
 
I would go down the "work for riding" route, it's what I have done for years and I have had 2 fantastic students from a local uni who have enough time, ability and commitment, they have both been really great
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If you were to pay someone freelance for their services, then yes, they should have relevant insurance etc. But then you will prob be paying in excess of minimum wage.

If you want to employ someone to be your groom, yes you would need to pay minimum wage and have all facilities, H&S etc as mentioned above.

Work for riding sounds the best option....
 
Hi, After employing 5 different members of staff I now go it alone! You will get screwed one way or another however you pay etc. It is a complete nightmare in my opinion. I would make sure you take on someone who is 'freelance' to get away from ins, tax, H&S etc. They need to invoice you at an agreed amount obviously and it is their responsibility to declare it to the tax man.
Good luck and I hope that I never need to employ anyone again!!!
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