Working with horses is a lifestyle choice and this is particularly prevalent in a groom’s career. Career opportunities are diverse, from working for professional riders or becoming a groom in a stud yard, to riding schools or managing an extensive equestrian business. Each groom will find a niche which suits them.
A professional in this career will require broad equestrian knowledge and practical ability, including the management and handling of horses, equine health, anatomy, physiology, feeding, fitness, saddlery, shoeing, stable design, grassland management and the highest level of turnout.
Who is this pathway for?
- Anyone who enjoys caring for and managing the welfare of horses
- Anyone aspiring to manage an established equestrian business
- Entry level and experienced grooms looking to advance a career in grooming, stable and business management
- Anyone looking to become a Performance Coach in Complete Horsemanship BHSI – the only career path to progress to the BHS Fellowship
Career pathway:
Groom pathway
Next Steps - Performance Coach & Fellow
The Performance Show Jumping Coach BHSI certificate endorses you as an ambassador for the BHS at home and overseas, showing commitment to the continued development and leading standards of equitation and coaching with the welfare of the horse central to your coaching philosophy.
The BHS Fellowship is the ultimate aspiration for any coach and is recognised as the highest equestrian qualification in the world.

Watch
Meet Phoebe - a Stage 2 Foundation Groom
Potential careers
- Foundation groom
- Groom
- Senior groom (Head Groom)
- Riding centre manager
- Stud manager
- Equine yard manager in various disciplines
- Stable manager
- Equestrian business manager
The BHS Groom with Riding Pathway
Many grooms will be expected to be able to ride. The BHS Groom with Riding Pathway provides the practical riding skills and knowledge to support a rider or groom that has responsibility to care for, produce, train and exercise horses.
Get in touch
If you have any questions, please complete our enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly. Alternatively you can call us on 02476 840508.