Groomer

Roles and responsibilities

This position involves daily grooming, stable maintenance, and assisting with feeding and health monitoring. The Groom will also be responsible for preparing horses for surgery and appointments, ensuring they are handled safely and calmly. This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about horses and have the physical stamina and attention to detail necessary to maintain a clean and organized environment.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities

Operational

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Daily care and grooming of horses.

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Cleaning and maintaining stables, equipment, and facilities.

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Assisting with feeding, watering, and monitoring the health of horses.

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Preparing horses for surgery and appointments.

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Handling horses for veterinary treatments and farrier visits.

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Reporting any changes in horse behavior or health to the supervisor.

Other Related Assignments

● Complete duties as requested by direct line manager

Required Education

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Highschool

Required Years of Experience

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Previous experience working with horses is preferred but not always required.

Required Skills and Competencies

Soft Skills: - Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills

Competencies:

- Proficiency in English and Arabic

- Basic knowledge of horse care.

- Ability to handle horses calmly and safely.

- Strong physical fitness for manual tasks.

- Good communication skills.

- Reliable and punctual.
Grooming Horses:
Cleaning and Brushing: Groom horses by brushing their coats, combing their manes and tails, and cleaning their hooves. This helps keep the horses clean, comfortable, and in good health by promoting good circulation and preventing matting.
Bathing: Bathe horses regularly to keep their coats shiny and healthy. This involves using the proper techniques and products to prevent skin irritation or infection.
Cleaning and Maintaining Tack: Clean saddles, bridles, and other equipment after use to ensure that it is in good condition and ready for the next use. This includes checking for wear and tear and ensuring everything is safe for use.
Feeding and Watering:
Meal Preparation: Prepare and provide the proper feed for horses based on their dietary needs. This may involve mixing hay, grains, and supplements in the correct amounts.
Feeding and Hydration: Ensure horses have constant access to fresh water and are fed at the proper times.
Monitoring Diet: Work with trainers, veterinarians, or owners to monitor the horses' weight and adjust feeding routines as needed.
Exercise and Fitness:
Exercise Routines: Assist in exercising horses, which may involve lunging (training on a long lead), walking, or helping the horse warm up or cool down before and after riding or training sessions.
Keeping Horses Active: Ensure that horses are getting enough physical activity and playtime, particularly those in training or competition preparation.

Desired candidate profile

Record Keeping:
Tracking Health and Care: Keep detailed records of each horse’s health, exercise routines, feeding schedules, and any treatments or injuries. This information is useful for veterinarians and owners to ensure continuity of care.
Competition Performance: Track horses’ performance at events or in training, making note of any changes in behavior, performance, or condition that could require attention.
General Barn Duties:
Maintaining Equipment: Ensure that all stable equipment, such as grooming tools, feed, and tack, is properly stored and well-maintained.
Facility Maintenance: Help with maintaining the overall facilities where the horses are housed, such as ensuring fences, gates, and barns are in good working order.
Key Skills and Attributes for an Equine Groom:
Knowledge of Horse Care: An in-depth understanding of equine anatomy, behavior, and general care practices is essential to perform the role effectively.
Physical Stamina and Strength: The job can be physically demanding, as it involves lifting heavy equipment, grooming, and managing large animals.
Attention to Detail: A keen eye for spotting health issues, changes in behavior, or the condition of the horses' equipment is crucial.
Patience and Calmness: Working with horses requires patience, as they can be unpredictable. A calm demeanor helps keep the horses at ease and ensures safe handling.
Animal Handling Skills: Ability to safely and confidently handle horses, including knowing how to manage a horse in different situations.
Teamwork: Equine grooms often work with other staff, trainers, and veterinarians, so the ability to collaborate effectively is important.
Communication Skills: Being able to communicate clearly with the horse’s owners, trainers, and veterinarians is important for ensuring proper care and identifying any issues early on.
Problem-Solving Abilities: Grooms must be able to assess situations quickly, such as recognizing signs of illness or injury, and taking appropriate action.