Working pupil prospects...

[annapolly]

Hey all, I'm leaving school in a year and I have decided that I want to be a groom.
It's not cos I'm stupid, or uninformed; it's cos I know that there's a lack of them in the modern competitive world, and I'm sure it's what I want to do.
Anyway, long story short, does anyone have any hints/tips/ideas about how to get into the business? I have some BHS and ABRS levels and have ridden for 9 years and ridden for a couple of owners for two years. I am aware that a placement as a working pupil is an option, but how can I get such a placement and what will I have to put on a CV or suchlike? Also, would it be better to contact people (showjumpers etc) for a placement, respond to miscellaneous adverts or contact establishments (ie quainton/billy studs)?

Apologies for the mega-long post

 

[lpenaluna]

www.yardandgroom.com is good. And Nags and Nannies. Theres a few out there. Or if theres somewhere you want to go just contact them outright. I did this, and spent 9 months in NZ working for olympic show jumper. Then worked for them in America, and went to another yard in Ireland which I go back to.

You can usually get training for more BHS exams and go to competitions.

Good luck!

 

[Scotland]

Hello there, I have employed a series of grooms in the past and despite offering high rates of pay, accommodation, travel, holidays etc it has been really hard to find the right person with experience, positive attitude and ability to work hard. Having a good reference from a yard with a good reputation means a lot to me now. As having recruited grooms from adverts I have posted in magazines, on show grounds etc have brought up so many random enquiries it has been hard to choose...and I have ended up making multiple bad choices! Next time I am looking I will definitely go on a reference. College/exam experience is nice, but from my perspective, someone who knows what it is really like working all week with horses is invaluable. Good luck!

 

[ajn1610]

I found my Working Pupil position by contacting the Rider direct, make sure you have a fixed arrangement about what you get in return for your work. I got fleeced, my own fault should have left really.