Horse groom
Career outlook for horse groom
UK Salary Ranges
Entry-level
£12,000
£12,000
Experienced
£18,000
£18,000
Currently employed in Scotland
6,400
Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would look after horses; feed them, clean their stables and make sure they stay healthy.
You’d help to keep them in good physical condition for riding, racing or show jumping.
You would:
- Put out food and water for horses
- Clean equipment such as saddles and bridles
- Clean, brush and sometimes clip horses' coats
- Muck out stables
- Replace their bedding
- Watch out for changes in the condition of horses and report problems
- Treat minor wounds, change dressings and give certain medications
- Follow instructions from vets when treatment is needed
You might also be responsible for exercising the horses each day so you will need to be a competent rider.
If you work with show jumpers or race horses, you would prepare them for events and may go with them to the show or race.
In studs and breeding yards you would work with stallions, mares and foals, and may help vets to deliver foals.
In riding schools you may greet customers, lead riders out on foot, and accompany them on horseback.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
54%
Part-time
23%
Self employed
23%
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- Persevering
- Positive attitude
- Cooperating
- Creative
- Empathising
- Social conscience
- Attention to detail
- Reliable
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Qualifications
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this job but a good general education (SCQF level 4/5) may be required by some employers.
You may also wish to undertake a further course to increase your skills and knowledge.
You normally need up to four subjects at Standard grade or National 4 or 5 for entry to the National Certificate and one to two Highers, National Certificate in horse care or relevant experience for the HNC or HND.
You may be able to get into this job through an Equine Modern Apprenticeship scheme.
The Northern Racing College at Doncaster and the British Racing School at Newmarket offers pre-apprenticeship training which includes work experience. If you successfully complete one of these courses you can be considered for entry onto an Apprenticeship.
Useful subjects
English
Helpful to have
A National Progression Award in Horse Care (SCQF level 4/6) and National Certificate in Horse Care (SCQF level 5) are available through SQA.
A Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Animal Care (SCQF level 5/6) could also prove useful.
Experience of working with horses is valuable and could give you an advantage and help you find work.
Being a competent horse-rider will also help.
Volunteering or looking for temporary work in a stable can be a great way of getting some experience