Working for Showing People...

[SnowPhony]

I've been offered some part time work with some serious showing people local to me. They are friends of OH family and compete mostly in Hunter classes at county shows and are hoping to take one of there horses to HOYS where they may be requiring a groom.

Now I have worked at hunting, eventing and showjumping yards in the past but never a showing yard. Any tips on how to make a good first impression when I meet the wife next week? I have met the husband and he seems lovely but the wife if the main horsey person and I'd like to impress as well as reassure her that I'm the right person to be left in charge of thier horses!

 

[Lucy_Nottingham]

ermmm ensure full grooming kit, plaiting bands and sewing kit in black, white and chestnutty colours.......
make sure you've researched what is required for the hunter class (so smart turn out, spot on plaiting, some people like putting sharks teeth on the bum, so learn to do that!)
and be prepared to run around like a headless chicken!

GOOD LUCK!

 

[SnowPhony]

I presume it's going to be much the same as hunting turnout for shows which I'm fairly spot on with as the huntsman I worked for had extremely high standards.

What about the general day to day stuff and what should I wear to meet the lady?

 

[Lucy_Nottingham]

ermm well i am assuming that you will be acting as groom etc at shows, and generally at lower standard shows you can wear pretty much anything, if she competes at higher standards (for example at hickstead or royal show) the groom is supposed to look smart as well (like smart trousers and shirt and sometimes jacket as well, so almost like an inhand showing turn out!)
So I would wear smart trousers and either a slightly casual shirt or smart tshirt! so you look respectable and smart (so aware of your responsibilities and appearance) but not trying too hard......

ye show hunter turn out is similar to how a huntsman would want to present themselves! (although obv this lady may have her own tweeks, but you'll learn that as you go!)

 

[Kenzo]

Just be yourself

 

[SnowPhony]

Probably a good idea Kenzo....If I went along pretending to be something I'm not then the mask is sure to slip one day and they are likely to get a shock! Haha. They sound like lovely people from what OH mum and dad have told me, so I'm sure I am worrying about nothing!

 

[Lucy_Nottingham]

well if they dont like you for you, then I don't think working for them would be a good idea anyway!

So just show yourself to the best of your abilities, and enjoy it!

GOOD LUCK!

 

[crazydaisy]

can you make a good brew - most important

make sure your up and out early to feed and water and keep things tidy

make sure pampered pony doesnt have any stable stains

and is ready on time for his working-in slot

wear comfy footwear and normal stable workwear as you wont be going in the ring at hoys to be groom

enjoy it have a good time oh and dont be tempted to go and watch the other classes when your supposed to be on duty

 

[itsme123]

Go onto a showing website and learn the correct turnout for all hunter classes, ridden horse etc. Know your stuff.

I think the key to being a show groom is being prepared, always having spares of stuff and lots of safety pins, needle and thread, wipes etc. Someone who shows they can think and plan ahead and who is happy to be up at 3am plaiting and boxing. Someone who knows they have to have the lorry prepared the night before and knows what snuggy jams are for

Oh and someone who doesnt bat an eyelid at walking round holding a lungeing whip in one hand and a bottle of baby oil in the other.