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What is a Stud Groom?
A Thoroughbred Stud Groom is a hands-on horse care worker employed at a breeding farm (stud) to assist with the daily care, handling, and welfare of horses, including mares, foals, yearlings, stallions, and sometimes racehorses spelling or pre-training.
Some of the key responsibilities of a Stud Groom include:
- Daily Horse Care
- Horse Handling
- Foal and Yearling Work (Seasonal)
- Breeding and Foaling Assistance (Depending on experience)
- Stable & Equipment Maintenance
It’s an essential entry-to-mid level role in the Thoroughbred breeding industry.
Steps to becoming a Stud Groom
- Good communication skills
- Ability to follow instructions and report back
- Physically fit and strong
- Passion for working with horses
- Willing to learn on the job (most studs will provide mentoring if new to the industry)
- NZ Certificate in Equine Breeding (Level 3/4) – or willingness to work towards these
BREEDING CAREERS
Gateway courses offering path into breeding industry
The Gateway programme introduces subjects outside of the general school curriculum, including trades, social work and agriculture. NZEET, a private industry-owned establishment, offers the New Zealand Equine Breeding Courses, commencing from a 13-month certificate, up to a professional apprenticeship.
Day in the Life
They're helping to develop our future racing stars, and yearling prep stud hands throughout the country are in full swing preparing for the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sales.
Teaching our young thoroughbreds all about human interaction, and developing them into outstanding physical condition before they enter the sales ring, working throughout the yearling prep season is a fantastic job for young and enthusiastic people. We headed along to Landsdowne Park to learn a bit more about the role and it's suitability for students looking to enter the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry!