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
There are no specific entry requirements to become a studgroom/stablegroom; however, a driver's licence is an advantage.
Secondary education
School Certificate or NCEA equivalent maths and biology are useful.
Training on the job
Many skills learned on the job can lead to a National Certificate in Equine (Stablegroom) or National Certificate in Equine (Thoroughbred Breeding). Studgrooms/stablegrooms will often be promoted by their stable for the New Zealand Equine Training Scheme, which can lead to a certificate after two years.
Useful experience
Experience with horses or other animals, and experience working with others as part of a team is useful.
Related courses
Equine Trades
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