Stud Groom/Stable Groom
Tasks & duties
Stud grooms/stable grooms may do some or all of the following:
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feed the horses
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exercise the horses
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ride horses for racing track practice
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rub down and brush the horses
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check the horses for illnesses
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give the horses necessary medicines
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assist pregnant mares to deliver foals
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care for foals
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prepare horses for sale
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travel to race meetings with horses
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muck out (clean) horse boxes, stables, yards and horse floats
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look after saddles and harness gear
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load storage bins with straw and feed
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help to mend fences and rails around the stable yards
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carry out general farming duties
Stud grooms are usually involved in farming duties, while stable grooms are usually part of a racing stable.
Skills & knowledge
Stud grooms/stable grooms need to have:
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horse-handling skills, including ability to handle unbroken and partly broken-in horses
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knowledge of horses and their behaviour
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understanding of horse health and nutrition
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knowledge of how to use and care for equipment
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communication and listening skills
They may also need to have knowledge of pasture management, and motorbike and tractor-driving skills are also an advantage.
Entry requirements
To become a stablehand you usually have to complete a traineeship in Racing (Stablehand). Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.
Secondary education
School Certificate equivalent maths and biology are useful.
Training on the job
Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Racing Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.
Useful experience
Experience with horses or other animals, and experience working with others as part of a team is useful.
Related courses
Equine Trades
For more information, please refer to myfuture.
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