How to be international

International grooms are skilled and dedicated to both the horses in their care and the rider.

There are no rules about how old or young an international groom is, however it is common place that those grooms working at FEI five star level tend to have a lot of experience.

There are seven sports under the FEI - dressage, para-dressage, eventing, show jumping, driving, endurance and vaulting. 

As expected, the majority of international grooms work within the three Olympic disciplines. 

The IGA welcomes members from grooms who work in all seven sports. 

Facts about being an international groom

There are some general facts about being an international groom. Of course, not every position is the same, but you should be aware that it is very likely if you aim to work at the top level, particularly in jumping: 

• You will travel a lot, so expect to be away from your home more than being in it!
• Your job will probably come first, always. 
• You will get used to living in hotels, hostels and other forms of grooms’ accommodation. 
• The food on showgrounds might be fantastic and might not! 
• You will learn to have exceptional stamina, the hours will be long, it is impossible for them not to be.

How to become international

If you plan to work internationally and you are just starting out, you must be prepared to begin working in a junior position to gain the eventual perfect job for yourself. 

It is unlikely that you will start your first ever role in a yard and become the main travelling international groom; it takes time and experience to gain these much sought after positions.