The Groom's Academy provides students with additional, hands-on experience working alongside competition riders. Each groom is paired with a member of the Equine Academy, creating a partnership that benefits both the rider and the groom.
What's involved?
Historically, the role of the groom has varied depending on the partnership, but has included supporting with weekly yard duties, supporting riders at training sessions and competitions, gallops, exercise and general day-to-day responsibilities.
The Groom's academy is student-led, meaning there is no fixed training programme. However, skills development has previously focused on practical areas such as plaiting, clipping and general horse care.
Trips and visits linked to the Groom's Academy have included:
- Talks from industry professionals (including Alan Davies, previous groom to Carl Hester)
- Guest speakers, including from the British Grooms Association
- Visits to equine hospitals, competition yards and rehabilitation facilities
- Yard visits, including those specialising in starting racehorses
- Stud visits
Why join the Groom's Academy?
The Groom's Academy supports the development of key soft skills, including communication, commitment, workload management and building professional relationships.
The scheme also helps students build strong connections with the equine industry and key professionals. It provides:
- Mutual benefits
- Employability opportunities
- Competition experience
- Real life exposure and extra training
- Personal development and leadership
I was a part of the Groom’s Academy for my full two years at Hartpury and made strong contacts who opened many doors for me. We received talks from high-level riders and grooms, with opportunities to ask questions, gain insight, and learn what the industry is really like. The field trips were another great way to make connections and see different yards. You get to partner up with an elite academy member, go to shows with them, and work as part of their team day-to-day on the yard. You’re not just watching – you’re involved in everything.
The Groom’s Academy gave me a real insight into what it’s like at the higher level. You’re not just going to normal shows – you’re going to top shows, including 5* level events. You learn what a groom really needs to do day-to-day – the standards are high, and the academy prepares you for that. I now go to the Sunshine Tour every year with 10-15 horses, grooming for a rider competing at 5* level.
Jasmine Price - Hartpury College student and Groom's Academy member
I was a part of the Groom’s Academy for my full two years at Hartpury and made strong contacts who opened many doors for me. We received talks from high-level riders and grooms, with opportunities to ask questions, gain insight, and learn what the industry is really like. The field trips were another great way to make connections and see different yards. You get to partner up with an elite academy member, go to shows with them, and work as part of their team day-to-day on the yard. You’re not just watching – you’re involved in everything.
The Groom’s Academy gave me a real insight into what it’s like at the higher level. You’re not just going to normal shows – you’re going to top shows, including 5* level events. You learn what a groom really needs to do day-to-day – the standards are high, and the academy prepares you for that. I now go to the Sunshine Tour every year with 10-15 horses, grooming for a rider competing at 5* level.
Jasmine Price - Hartpury College student and Groom's Academy member
As a rider who was paired with a groom, I felt it provided valuable opportunities to improve, with useful experience that grooms may not otherwise get. It doesn’t require a lot of additional work but is certainly worth it for the introductory experience if you’ve never groomed before, and for the prospect of learning and gaining experience around special horses.
Mimi Dean - Hartpury College student
As a rider who was paired with a groom, I felt it provided valuable opportunities to improve, with useful experience that grooms may not otherwise get. It doesn’t require a lot of additional work but is certainly worth it for the introductory experience if you’ve never groomed before, and for the prospect of learning and gaining experience around special horses.
Mimi Dean - Hartpury College student
Who is the Groom's Academy for?
With a recognised national shortage of grooms, the scheme is aimed at students who are specifically interested in pursuing a career as a professional groom.
How to become a member of the Groom's Academy
Applications and interview process take place around October half term, with placements confirmed by early December. There are typically 8-10 places per year, and students can take part in either Year 1 or Year 2 of their course.
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