Like any industry, horse sport has its fair share of bad employers (and employees). Working as a groom is unavoidably a physically and emotionally demanding job, even in a good situation, but if you have a bad boss the environment can become really toxic.

January is often a time when we think about new beginnings and opportunities, so if you’re thinking of looking for a new job here are a few red flags to keep an eye out for:

Ask about pay, holidays, contracts

It is important to know that you have a ‘good’ employer who will respect your legal rights- as an absolute minimum. Knowing what you are entitled to (this will be different in different countries) and what you can expect is important. 

Having a contract of employment in place is vital - and all too uncommon still. A contract will protect you (and your employer) by setting out what each party is required to do, and what they are entitled to. If a job doesn't come with a contract this is a big red flag!

You may find that you are expected not to take holidays during busy competition periods; this is to protect the rider and the rest of the team but you must be able to take the time you are entitled to at another point i.e. before and after the season.

(Click the links to find previous blogs about planning holiday time and the importance of rest.)

Consider using a company like Show Grooms International Ltd to help you find a job rather than free adverts 

With social media there are growing numbers of groups where employers and grooms can advertise - for free. You may well find a job on one of these groups but they are unregulated and there will be no one who can advise you.

Using a company such as Show Grooms International Ltd means knowing that the jobs they advertise are checked, the riders are known to be good employers, and they will be able to match you to a job which might suit you.

Is this rider often advertising?

If you regularly see this barn or rider advertising for staff this can be a huge red flag. Good employers tend to keep staff, and if the turnover of grooms is high that could be because something in their system is not working.

How does this person treat their horses?

An employer or rider who treats their horses as machines may well have a similar attitude to staff. If an athlete's ambitions are being fulfilled at the cost of horse and staff welfare it’s not going to be a happy working environment.

Going to a 2* with an employer who treats their horses (and you!) properly will likely be more rewarding than going to the Olympics with someone who doesn’t.

Being a groom can be a really amazing career; for sure it's not a way to get rich, but you get to spend all day with horses, to travel, to be around top sport. 

Finding a job where you will be truly valued for your contribution will go a long way to making this a career you can choose for the long term, not just until you are burnt out.

That means being paid properly, being allowed to take time to rest and recover, and being treated with respect; it's important for you to know your worth, and how you should be treated by employers.

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IGA members can find more advice and support around employment in the Member Zone of our website.

The IGA is working to see the equine industry become a place where grooms can be confident of being fairly and legally employed and rewarded for their work. A key piece of this is educating and supporting grooms about what they should expect from an employer.

If you aren't yet an IGA member click the button below to join for just 15 euros (16US$)

 

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