Horse Groom

Head Groom – Elite Show Jumping Barn

Location: Wellington, Florida

Position: Full-Time, Year-Round

Discipline: International Show Jumping / FEI Competition

Full Job Description

Private international show jumping barn in Wellington, Florida, is seeking an exceptional, highly experienced Head Groom to oversee the daily care and management of a select group of high-level show jumping horses competing through the FEI level

We prioritize:

* Kind, patient and respectful handling at all times

* Absolutely no abusive or unnecessarily aggressive treatment

* Proper rest and recovery

* Daily turnout whenever conditions allow

* Positive experiences at home and at competitions

* Individualized care based on each horse’s personality and needs

* Early recognition of physical discomfort, stress or behavioral changes

* Excellent communication among the groom, rider, trainer and veterinarians

Primary Responsibilities

Daily Horse Care

* Perform thorough morning and evening horse checks

* Check paddocks and fencing before turnout

* Prepare and distribute feed, hay, supplements and medications accurately

* Maintain consistent feeding, turnout and care schedules

* Groom horses to an exceptional professional standard

* Bathe, clip and maintain manes and tails

* Apply blankets, fly sheets, boots and other equipment appropriately

* Wrap and bandage legs correctly

* Clean, inspect and maintain tack and equipment

* Monitor legs, feet, temperature, appetite, manure, hydration and general behavior

* Identify and report even subtle changes in a horse’s physical or mental condition

* Assist with night checks when required

Veterinary and Performance Care

* Provide general first aid within the scope of experience

* Administer oral medications and dewormers as directed

* Administer IM or IV medications only when legally permitted, properly trained and directed by the veterinarian

* Coordinate with veterinarians, farriers, therapists and other equine professionals

* Prepare horses for veterinary and farrier appointments

* Maintain detailed and accurate records for each horse, including:

* Medications and supplements

* Veterinary treatments

* Vaccinations and deworming

* Farrier schedules

* Temperatures and health observations

* Competition and recovery notes

Competition and Travel Responsibilities

* Prepare horses to travel safely and comfortably

* Pack and organize all competition equipment, feed, medications and supplies

* Groom at national and international competitions

* Present horses to an exceptional standard for training, competition and veterinary inspections

* Manage horse care before and after competition, including warm-up preparation, recovery and monitoring

* Perform or coordinate night checks while traveling

* Maintain the same level of organization and horse welfare in unfamiliar or high-pressure environments

* Work closely and professionally with the rider, trainer, veterinarian and show staff

Head Groom and Barn Management

* Lead by example and help maintain a professional, respectful working environment

* Supervise and train additional grooms when necessary

* Organize daily schedules, days off and horse-care assignments

* Ensure instructions are followed consistently by the entire team

* Maintain feed, medication, bedding and barn-supply inventory

* Communicate clearly regarding each horse’s condition and daily care

* Keep the barn, tack room, feed room, grooming areas and equipment organized

Mandatory Requirements

* Minimum of 3–5 years of professional grooming experience in a high-level competition barn

* Proven experience caring for FEI show jumping horses

* Experience grooming at major national or international competitions

* Strong knowledge of performance-horse care, leg management, bandaging, feeding, recovery and basic first aid

* Verifiable employment history and professional references

* Legally authorized to work in the United States

* Valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation

* Clean background and driving record

* Experience safely driving a truck and a three-horse gooseneck trailer

* Ability to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays according to the horses’ schedules

* Ability and willingness to travel for competitions

Strongly Preferred

* Direct experience at FEI

* Valid passport and ability to travel internationally

* Experience with FEI horse documentation, veterinary inspections and medication regulations

* Experience managing other grooms or running a professional show barn

* Spanish proficiency is a plus

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is:

* Kind and patient with horses

* Extremely observant and detail-oriented

* Honest, reliable and discreet

* Organized and proactive

* Calm in high-pressure situations

* Professional with riders, trainers, veterinarians and other staff

* Consistent whether working independently or under supervision

* Open to communication and constructive feedback

* Proud of maintaining world-class standards

* Interested in becoming a trusted, long-term member of the team

Compensation and Benefits

* Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications

* Paid vacation time

* Year-round, full-time employment

* Professional and supportive working environment

* Opportunity to travel to top-level competitions

How to Apply

Please submit:

* A current résumé detailing your professional grooming experience

* The competition level and disciplines in which you have worked

* At least two verifiable professional references

* Your current location

* Confirmation of authorization to work in the United States

* Confirmation of truck and gooseneck-trailer driving experience

* Earliest available start date

* Salary expectations

Work Location: In person