[believer]

I want to be a groom at shows next year. I would do everything. I would clip, braid, bathe, brush, clean tack, tack up, do the hoof polish, scrub the white(!), etc... Now, I don't know if anyone would hire me because I would only be between 12-15(don't want to say exact age). Do you think anyone would hire me?

Thanks so much!

[Xiphias]

The best place to start would be at the barn where you ride, show them that you can braid, and turn out a horse properly for a show....Cathy

[Photochick]

I agree that would be a good place to start. However, be prepared for show jitters that may cause the horse owner to be blunt and short with you. A person that is normally sweet and encouraging, could turn into a dragon at the show. Also, when you work with the rider, make sure you know exactly what they want you to do. Make a list ahead of time - which is basically your job description. That will help keep the lines of communication open. I've seen riders reduce their groom to tears - so be aware. The more prepared you are ahead of time, the better. I also recommend a groomers apron. Easier than dragging a tray or basket around.

[TheBlackHorse]

Definately start at your own barn first, grooming for people about to go to shows. After that, maybe you could find a show groom and offer to be an assistant. Eventually you'll be able to do it independently, once you prove to people that you can groom professionally. Good Luck

[faroutfax]

Depends how much you charge I only go to local competitions but it sure would be nice to have a groom for the day

[Kicks]

Unless you have been turning out your own horse properly for "A" shows for several years, you probably don't have the expertise (knowledge/ability) to get someone to pay you. Plus there is the liability of having a child handling others horse(s).

If you have an instructor then ask her/him if you can help getting horses ready for shows and doing groom duties at shows, ask any friends who might be showing if you can help them. Volunteer, volunteeer, volunteer and with time and experience you might make a show groom.

Good Luck!

[equinelover]

If I were competing professionally I would prefer to have an experienced groom who can take some of the pressure off me and someone who knows my horse (his/her moods, whims, etc).
If you're just starting I would recommend you try to be an assistant to an experienced groom who's willing to teach you the ins and outs.

[FlyHigh]

I used to groom at shows when i was younger (middle/high school age) But it was for the barn I rode at or during 4-H states for friends. I didn't get paid, I just did it because i liked it. I didn't do much braiding however, we had a woman at the barn that did top A level braiding so she used to do like everyones school horses. I did all the touch ups and shipping wraps, helped in loading and tacking and helped the riders out at the shows do touch ups of their horses and them. i carried towels and cleaned boots and hooves and horse's noses before they entered the ring etc. It was fun, I love shows. If you don't care if you get paid and just want to do it for fun then I think you will have a good chance of getting to go along.

[Fox Glove]

I think it is wonderful that you have the ambition to do this

The Black Horse had excellent advice, perhaps you could shadow an established show groom around, assist her an in return learn some tricks!

Where there is a will , there is a way, the net is filled with sites that can help you, and you have your own horse to practice on!

Horse show groom tips

Horse Care - Grooming

http://www.equusite.com/articles/bas...Grooming.shtml

Show Grooming Tips

And I am sure there is loads of great advice right here on HgS.

Never let anyone tell you, you can not do anything with horses.
You just find a way, and go get 'em!

Paula

[taydajumper93]

My sister is my groom, her pay is spending the day and warming up Roxy (she doesn't complain ) But I braid (she can't braid worth a h!ck!), she takes Roxy's stuff off, grooms, shines, tacks up, puts Polos on, and warms her up. If takes a HUGE load off of me and my mom, we sign in, make sure our time is right, etc.