Would you use a freelance groom?

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Horsehairdresser

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I already clip, trim and do some holiday care for local people and have been thinking about adding competition grooming to my list of services. I have been an eventing groom in the past and really enjoyed it.

I wondered if you would use a freelance groom would you take them to the comp with or leave them to sort out the rest of the yard?

and what sort of price would you /do you pay for a day at a comp.

Do you employ a freelance groom if so what work do they do for you?

Any help would be great as i want to offer a service people want at sensible fair price.
 
I did read it but not sure I can help as my lot have never paid a freelance or any other type of groom to go to a competition with them - not in that league.
Their main problem is getting someone to do the other horses on the yard while they are away but that would be just mucking out, maybe riding some, putting them out/in, rugs etc and I don't know how much they would pay I'm afraid.
 
I have used a freelance groom for 3 day events on several occasions, it is by no means unusual. Pay is not amazing (can't remember how much and it would be out of date :p) people do it more for the fun and experience IMO, but at least all exoenses are met so that's a bonus.

Only thing I'd say is that I've only used people personally recommended to me with lots of experience, as a 3 day is too stressful an occasion to be trying to show someone the ropes, especially if you are paying them. So I'd try and get some eye-catching experience under your belt for your CV - a fantastic HHOer did this and came to Burgie a few years ago with me and chatter1, we all had a great time, no money changed hands (other than over the bar) and I'd like to think we all got something out of it :) :) :)
 
You don't seem to have had any replies, so here is my experience. If I need someone to come with me tend to pay normal 'at home' rates for an experienced groom who I know well. Usually 40 for a half day, more like 80 - 100 for a full day. Help includes helping to tack up, grab numbers etc. Do fences, hold whilst course walking - eyes on the ground as well. Help to do off load up and finish up back at yard.
 
yes - I would pay. I was thinking about this the other day funnily enough - I am about to start my first season eventing and have to be completely self-sufficent as OH will be looking after the kids. Of course I know i can do it on my own but for me, it would be worth paying someone to help and share the good and bad times. I know that I can probably call on friends to help but they have their own lives to lead and so i would actually prefer paying someone than rely on friends goodwill. What puts me off is not knowing what I would be getting so I am planning to get some word of mouth recommendations first....
hope that helps...
 
I use a freelance groom to help me with my retired horse and his companion who live at my parents house. She is fantastic - ultra reliable, efficient and leaves the place looking immaculate. She charges me £15 for evening stables for 2 horses (muck out, feed, hay, bring in, wash legs, rug change etc) however if she was closer it would be £10 as she has a 30 mile round trip to do it. I struggled to find someone that was available when I need them hence why I am willing to pay this much!

I think you would find a lot of people like me who work long hours and need help - it actually took me ages to find someone and I was unable to find anyone local who could do the horses regularly for me despite advertising everywhere. I also use someone freelance to clip and if needed would use someone to lunge/exercise. I haven't used a groom for competitions as I am not reallly of the standard to do so and usually persuade a relative or friend to help!
 
I would use one, I will be starting to go to shows by myself soon so would love to give someone some money that will come and help so that I am not alone and don't have to leave the horse alone.
If the price was okay and they were competant I would use them regularly.
 
I would use one but only someone recommended to me and they would cover the yard at home. £100 a day is a huge amount though and not what I've paid in the past. At that rate I'd call in favours from friends and family so take care not to price yourself out of the market, assuming you are considering setting up in business. The others have given good advice about the benefits of grooming at events or experience but much depends on how much of that you have already. Good luck :)
 
I do use one I have not taken her to a show yet but would expect day £100 for a full day when I do and I would expect to provide food for her.
She has been coming to the yard for about 3 months filling in bits and pieces very compentant has HGV class 1 I took her to a clinic last week when my groom needed to finish work early and one of the horses is very bad at standing in the lorry so I could not go alone.
When I came out after my last session not only had she got the Lorry destroying beast to stand nicely she had cleaned the living of the lorry after she had finished the tack I was well impressed.
I will definatly use her over the summer as my groom has a child likes to be at home at the weekend and it means the lorry destroyer can finally get out and about she has just started freelancing and I think she will be very busy once word gets around.
 
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As the owner of a private small yard, YES i would be more than happy to use a freelance groom.
In fact im desperately searching for someone to help do my horses on Friday as i have to take my lovely Spanish boy for a CT scan.
Anyone know of someone in the stafford area?
 
Thank you every1 for your advise.

I believe that have the experience as was an event groom for a few years and have groom at 3 star level and have groomed at Blenhim (sorry about the spelling)

Quite a few people in the local area know me as i used to work in the local tack shop, I already do holiday care and have been with quite a few people to help out at shows!

I agree that £100 seems a lot of money as Im just adding this service to the list. But i thin that i will start pricing each job as it comes in as Im based in the South West (Plymouth) a lot of events are a couple of hours drive away but im very happy to travel.

Thank you again for all you advise any more thought on this subjest would be great!
 
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There are quite a few freelance grooms that hire themselves out for competition work. Have you thought about joining the British Grooms Association, you can add your details to the freelance register and i know it is used by peolpe trying to find freelance workers.

Your experience should reflect how much you want to be paid, i do not think £80 per day is a huge amount, especially when you put it down to an hourly rate.

Best of luck
:)
 
Im am just about to the join the british Groom assoication and Im also sorting out my insurnace to cover that kind of work!!

I was thinking about £70-£80 per day and seeing how that worked.
Please spread the work if you know of anyone looking in the south west area!
 
Allover said:
There are quite a few freelance grooms that hire themselves out for competition work. Have you thought about joining the British Grooms Association, you can add your details to the freelance register and i know it is used by peolpe trying to find freelance workers.

Your experience should reflect how much you want to be paid, i do not think £80 per day is a huge amount, especially when you put it down to an hourly rate.

Best of luck
:)
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Excellent idea, I'd say :) I hadn't noticed that you told us you have eventing experience already - I'd dredge up any old contacts you have and let them know you are available. Given where you are, I assume you have already contacted the Wiegersmas? Theirs is such a huge set-up now I imagine knowing there is a potential solution to event grooming crises down the road would be very attractive to them ;)
 
dressagecrazy said:
As the owner of a private small yard, YES i would be more than happy to use a freelance groom.
In fact im desperately searching for someone to help do my horses on Friday as i have to take my lovely Spanish boy for a CT scan.
Anyone know of someone in the stafford area?
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Normally I would, but I have an exam on friday, if you need any other help, depending on where you are, feel free to drop me a PM.
 
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