Horse groom
Look after horses; make sure they are healthy and in good condition for riding, racing or show jumping.
Also known as: stable lass, stable lad, stable hand
About the job
What it's 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.
Hours
You would usually work 40 hours a week, including early mornings, late nights and weekends. Overtime is often available, and you may be able to do part-time work, casual work or work on a freelance basis.
Environment
You would need to be prepared to work in cold, wet and muddy conditions, and you would wear protective clothing and footwear.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
British Grooms Association - Information about becoming a groom
Careers in Racing - Careers website from the British Horseracing Authority
The British Horse Society - About the training and qualifications offered by the Society
Lantra Scotland - Training and skills for the land-based, aquaculture and environmental sector
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- horse care
- high voltage
- project engineering
- electrical engineering
- project management
- irrigation (landscaping and agriculture)
- service standards
- health and safety standards
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- reliable
- attention to detail
- social conscience
- empathising
- creative
- cooperating
- positive attitude
- persevering
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Skills for Work: Rural Skills
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.
A National Progression Award in Horse Care and National Certificate in Horse Care are available through SQA.
A Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Animal Care could also prove useful.
Experience of working with horses is valuable and could give you an advantage and help you find work. Volunteering or looking for temporary work in a stable can be a great way of getting some experience.
Search opportunities on Volunteer.scot.
Being a competent horse-rider will also help.
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