So, Saturday is my first day as a groom on the track.
Typically, what does a groom need to do/know? I’ve got tons of experience with english disciplines (h/j/dressage), but I’m sure there are differences (not to mention the time pressure!).
Duties?
Good lord, don’t you think you should have asked your employer that before you took the job? There is no cookie cutter groom job. Every outfit is going to have different needs and different procedures.
[QUOTE=Laurierace;4027304]
Good lord, don’t you think you should have asked your employer that before you took the job? There is no cookie cutter groom job. Every outfit is going to have different needs and different procedures.[/QUOTE]
Easy sister… this will be our first meeting. He asked if I wanted to just meet him or if I wanted to jump in and help out.
I just didn’t know if grooms typically dealt with the horses mostly or if they often did stalls and walking as well. I just want to get an idea of what might be expected or what might be considered standard. I’m open to doing most anything, but I don’t want to be taken advantage of.
Can anyone else elaborate on what I might expect without chastising me?
Thats just it, there is no typical. I have seen grooms have six horses where they did everything. I have seen some have four horses plus have a hot walker. I have seen some that have a stall cleaner but that is rare. Plan on having to do every aspect of the job yourself and consider yourself lucky if you get help.
Here is my advice to you:
When you think your job is done for the day, find 1-2 other things to do before leaving (clean tack, roll bandages, etc.) Always ask a lot of questions. There is nothing more frustrating than a groom who sucks and also never asks questions to improve their performance.
LaurieR is not kidding. Good luck to you. The grooms at my brother in law’s barn handling everything from feeding to stalls to grooming (a tiny tiny part of the job) to tacking (often rank headstrong fit colts) to ponying to hotwalking/bathing to handgrazing to doing up (poultice, standing wraps, run downs, etc.) to pm check to shining up for race day to walking up to the paddock to holding for farrier and everything in between.
On the other hand, I know stables where some workers don’t touch the horses - some do stalls, some hotwalk, exercise jocks tack, trainers do hte grazing, etc.
Hope you’ll report back, but its a huge HUGEEEE step to go from ‘normal’ horse-dom to the racetrack. Nothing will be like you’ve known - including (here’s you a tip) - you’ll want to pick all 4 feet from the same side. Typically from the left. And for god’s sakes make sure to walk on the correct side of the aisle when passing a horse (inside, not outside. You’ll get your teeth kicked in and shouted at, to boot.)
[QUOTE=Hunter’s Rest;4027364]
LaurieR is not kidding. Good luck to you. The grooms at my brother in law’s barn handling everything from feeding to stalls to grooming (a tiny tiny part of the job) to tacking (often rank headstrong fit colts) to ponying to hotwalking/bathing to handgrazing to doing up (poultice, standing wraps, run downs, etc.) to pm check to shining up for race day to walking up to the paddock to holding for farrier and everything in between.
On the other hand, I know stables where some workers don’t touch the horses - some do stalls, some hotwalk, exercise jocks tack, trainers do hte grazing, etc.
Hope you’ll report back, but its a huge HUGEEEE step to go from ‘normal’ horse-dom to the racetrack. Nothing will be like you’ve known - including (here’s you a tip) - you’ll want to pick all 4 feet from the same side. Typically from the left. And for god’s sakes make sure to walk on the correct side of the aisle when passing a horse (inside, not outside. You’ll get your teeth kicked in and shouted at, to boot.)[/QUOTE]
I know it’ll be a HUGE step to go from my normal recreational horse stuff to the track, that’s why I’m asking! 
Thanks for the last two tips – I already do pick from the left, as my horse is an ex track horse and I’m lazy. As for being on the correct side of the aisle, I guess I can’t visualize the scenario?
Anyways, thanks for the help!
My other advice to you which is similar to the above poster is to, in some way, forget what you know about non TB’s. Much of what you know is not applicable to TB’s and I had a groom with extensive horse experience who sucked at grooming. I also have, hopefully for not much longer, a groom who has a freakin Equine degree and she sucks horribly. Just remember, in the beginning, you’ll need to make up for your lack of knowledge with strong work ethic and the DESIRE TO LEARN MORE. If you work there for a week and you don’t have a deisre to learn more, please do the trainer a favor and quit or you’ll just get fired anyway.
Never been a groom at the track, but I groom for a steeplechase trainer (VERY different).
But I will say, that if you can’t take the comments on here from Laurie or HR, you’re not going to last at the track.
And to clarify what HR said about where to stand, she’s basically trying to say is stand to the inside of the walkway. Most track barns have a “walkway” around the outside, and the stalls in the middle. You want to stand on the side of the stalls (in the middle).
And as said, it’s going to be different at each barn. I know several “grooms” and their jobs vary drastically.
Thanks for the clarification on the aisle scenario…
I’m well aware I’ll be a grunt, it’s a business, and it won’t be easy. However, we’re not on the track, we’re online, and I was just asking a question. That doesn’t require being so curt or condescending.
For your sake, I hope you see it from Laurie’s standpoint. I think she was just concerned. The questions you are asking about a job you are to begin were very concerning.
It’s like coming on a legal message board and saying you are going to be starting as a first year associate at a law firm on Monday, what do lawyers do?
With all due respect, if you think the posters in this thread are being curt and condescending, you won’t last a week on the racetrack.
One thing to remember - in the morning the track is busy, and there is a need to get your work done expeditiously (sp?) yet completely. The track closes at a certain time (ours at 10:50) so there is just a short window of opportunity to get the horses to the track for exercise then cooled out - they call it the “Racetrack Hustle.”
If you see a stall that the horse is not in it at that moment and it needs cleaned, jump in and clean it. If you see wraps that need rolled, roll them. Don’t hang things (especially leather goods) within reach of horse’s mouths whenever possible. Forget that you know a lot about horses and have a lot of riding experience - as of today everyone at the track knows more than you about racehorses. Not saying you cant or wont learn, just reminding you where you are starting at. Keep your ego under wraps, and watch how things are done.
If you are starting as a hotwalker, you can expect to catch the horse when it comes back with a rider from the track - the rider will remove the tack and you put the halter and shank on. Make sure there is a freshly scrubbed bucket with clean water for the horse to drink - and get the halter, shank and cooler ready. Then you will give the horse a turn or two around the barn, see how it’s drinking. If it’s not guzzling water it will get a bath, then scraped and coolered and walked. If its guzzling water let it have 8-10 swallows (trainers discretion) at a time then walk another turn. You always rinse any shedrow dirt off their legs and feet before they go back in the stall. The stall should be freshly cleaned and have fresh hay and fresh water.
Before or after the trackers go there will be “cold” horses, horses that just walk that day. Find out how long your trainer wants them to be walked then do it to the letter. If someone tells you a horse needs a lipchain on, put it on. Dont argue with them about a lip chain being cruel - things like that are done for safety of the horse, not to be mean to it and it is not inhumane. Don’t waste time in between horses - find out who the next one is and walk it. Find out if your trainer is like me and wants the horses to be brushed and the straw out of the tail before they walk or go to the track. Find out who the grooms are, how many horses each has and which horses belong to which groom. Find out if your trainer is anal like me and insists on 4 bandages when one goes to the track. Every trainer has their own way of doing the smallest things - find out the trainer’s preference, don’t criticize it or try to tell him why your way is better (I say this from past experience with working students, not because I think you will do these things).
I will try to think some more and add more later. The main thing is keep the ego in check, watch and listen. 
OH, I’m so envious, I miss the track so much.
Like everyone has said, it varies GREATLY from barn to barn. To give you a generic idea however, here it goes.
A “typical” day if there is such a thing:
Feed (grain)
check training schedule to see who goes to the track, what they’re doing and when they’re going, and who walks that day
pull wraps, check legs
depending on the schedule you’ll either want to get a walker out or get your first one tacked or ready for the pony
when your horse goes out, clean stall, fill haynet, scrub buckets
catch horse when it comes back from the track - help pull tack, bathe and get it walked
repeat until all of your horses have been out
if you have down time spend it re- rolling wraps, sweeping, raking, cleaning tack or whatever else needs doing
Groom each horse, wrap/treat legs as needed
once all the horse are in and cared for feed lunch
rake shedrow, clean up wash rack and walking area
Like eveyone said, it’s different from barn to barn but this is a general schedule compiled from working from multiple trainers.
I am going to make a guess that you are a caucasian female, forgive me if I"m wrong.
The three best pieces of advice I can give are to 1) keep your mind open and your mouth shut 2) learn to speak spanish at least the basics 3) work as hard or harder than any of the other grooms in the barn. These three things will get you far in earning respect from your co-workers which makes life SO much better.
Good luck, I wouldn’t have missed the years I spent as a groom for anything.
Well this brings back memories!
When I was 17 I took a grooming job for the leading trainer, was given 4 horses to rub right off the bat and I ran two the following night in back to back races (I had never been on the backside before). :eek:
The best advice I was ever given was to watch someone experienced and ask alot of questions without being a PITA.
Your duties will depend on who you go to work for, typically a bigger outfit will have grooms and hotwalkers, and enough of both.
The grooms job usually is to muck stalls, groom and tack horses, run bandges, give baths, feed or drop tubs in, scrub and hang water buckets, fill haynets, and groom and do horses up, etc.
Our grooms were also responsible for taking temps in the morning and writing them on a chart, and having the bandages removed first thing so we could check legs before training. Also doing laundry, saddle towels and blankets, cleaning halters, brushes, etc.
Most barns will have grooms return in the afternoon to feed, pick stalls and graze horses (at least mine did.)
Another bit of advice, listen to your boss, only do horses up with what they tell you to, even if it sounds a little different than what you would do yourself. Same with medications, always double check dosage amounts and times given if that is part of your duties.
Good luck to you, my grooming job lasted 2 whole weeks as I really wanted to be a rider, it was great experience and what I’ve learned over the years from watching good grooms far surpassed anything I’d ever learned in my former years riding show horses!
school
Most racetracks offer some sort of “groom school” nowdays. Don’t be afraid to ask or inquire to the Race Office or HBPA, somebody will know if they do or don’t. It’s a good way to learn the ropes, cause they are quite different even with a “horsie” background. If so they usually place you with a reputable outfit, which can be very helpful. As everyone has said every barn is different or the trainer does things “their” way. That is the utmost of importance to most, that’s what they are paying you for…blah…blah…I’m sure you’ll hear it. Grooming is a hard job usually 7 days a week, and very hard manual labour, with very early hours. But if you like it you’ll love it in the end, just perservere(sp…??) What state are you located in?
I am going to back up a couple steps to some things that are VERY different in the non-racing world…(not being snarky with the following, but honest advice). I am NOT implying that you don’t know these things - you might be the next Eddie Sweat - but each person comes in with different baggage.
Keep your head up. Some of these horses are nice, some are SHARP, and some can be downright dirty. Either step completely out of the shedrow, or move over so the groom or hot walker can bypass you easily.
Never use a nylon shank. Either that, or get some heavy gloves.
Watch for biters. Some horses can react overnight to hormone treatments - the sweet little filly who was nuzzling you for peppermints yesterday can turn into Jaws overnight.
When picking feet, most horses are taught to do it all from the near side.
Learn how the trainer wants you to put on a shank…each trainer has a preference.
Don’t be shy about asking questions…anything from how to put a horse into an ice tub to how to hang a hay net.
Learn a rhythm. Depending on how many you rub, you will learn the fine art of timing…if you have time to knock off a stall quickly while your first set is out, if you need to get in earlier to dump and scrub buckets, or if you can do them horse by horse. You can ask a hot walker to take another turn if you need another second to level out a stall or set up bath water. You’ll get into a “groove”, but it might take a week.
ALWAYS close the webbing or gate behind you…a loose horse on the farm is way, way different from a loose one on the track.
Don’t give a horse too much shank for safety - it is so easy for a horse to get ahead of you and cowkick or knock into you if they start to play - these can be good-feeling horses.
Find each horse’s personality…who’s grumpy, who loves scritches, who’s ticklish. You are one of the most important things in their life, and their well-being is your entire purpose.
The first time you paddock a horse, get someone experienced to show you the ropes. Again, a mellow horse backside can be VERY pumped up on race day.
Hope that helps.
Dee
For God’s sake, I hope you know how to bandage! If not, you will learn fast.
Don’t be afraid to watch the others -a lot have been doing it for 30+ years and will have some great tips and tricks that you never would have dreamed of.
Learn the slang and racetrack jargon. Here is a website you might find useful:
http://www.ildado.com/horse_racing_glossary.html
Keep your horses gleaming and happy. They makes them feel good, and you can take pride in your job. Happy horsie keeps the trainer and owners happy and on ocassion you may find you are the lucky recipeint of some greenbacks when the owners come round.
Mostly what everyone else said. But don’t take what Laurie said personally. She does mean it- ask your employer what you’ll be expected to do.
I have 6 horses plus a pony. One groom and one hotwalker. And me, exercise rider, groom, hotwalker, fill in… etc. the only thing I don’t usually have to do is clean a stall (simply because I’m usually walking a hot horse or riding one at the time that the stall is being done). My groom comes in early, scrubs water buckets, pulls back the stalls and takes out pee spots, then gives medication. once that is done, he pulls all of the tack out of the tack room, gets wraps ready, and pulls bandages off horses. When I get there the horses that are just walking are already walked and put away. So then he starts tacking horses up, giving me a leg up, and off we go. Horse after horse till we’re done. That’s one thing no one mentioned. You may need to leg up a rider- it’s very different from the show world. They put one leg bent, you grab just above their ankle, they jump and you throw. No multiple bounces, just a jump and throw. Some of the riders will be super light jockey weight, and some heavier. We have one girl that does two bounces, but she always reminds the groom before she gets her leg up. I am horrible at getting legged up so you could run into people like me too.
Just don’t sit around- I am constantly running around as someone said we have a limited time to train. And usually by 11:30 am (track closes at 10:30) my track is a ghost town. And i can’t stand when one of my workers is doing nothing. If i’m running like crazy, I hope they are too! Not that I’m bad to work for, if I’m sitting, by all means, that probably means there is nothing to do at the time. There is always something to do at the track that’s for sure.
Good luck. Let us know how it goes.
If you are walking hots, warn the others behind you when you stop to offer your horse water. I’ve always heard it as, “Hold back” but that could vary depending on where you are.
Ditto on paying attention to the horses. Never get complacent around them. They don’t mean to hurt you, but they are feeling good…sometimes really good…and they let it out. Keep them close to you when walking too. You lose control of the head and you lose control of the horse.
Don’t walk to close to the horse in front of you. Great way to lose teeth.
When I was rubbing horses, I usually had 4, once 5. The rhythm went like this:
Arrive (jobs started from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m.)
Feed, pull tubs, take temps, grab tack for the first one out. Saddle up while tied to the wall, start picking stall a little bit while waiting for the rider. Rider arrives, bridle up, leg up send him.
Do the same next one up (although in a big outfit, your horses can be spread out over the entire a.m.)
Finish the stall, make sure bath water is there and ready (often hotwalkers do the setup, but you may have to), catch the returning horse, strip tack, send off w/hotwalker, bathe when ready.
If the track you are at has grass, hand graze as ordered.
Get them all out and cooled out, then the doing up begins. Often there was hosing or tubbing involved. Sometimes laser treatments. Bandage up with whatever trainer told you. Clean up your area, rack everything up neatly, make sure halters are off and hung on the doors, water buckets all filled, maybe pick stalls once more. Most outfts feed lunch to their horses about now.
By now it’s just before noon. If no one was running, the day was yours…until feeding.
For years I got into a wicked habit of sleeping for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Hard habit to break!
So that’s all pretty basic, just a rehash of what every one else has told you.
What hasn’t been mentioned is earning respect at the track. City based tracks are tougher than country ones. And all of them can be very different from H/J barns (although there is a fair amount of B/S there too)
But do expect some people to give the greenhorn a rasher of shit. They may try to pull stupid gags on you. FYI, there is no key to the quarterpole, nor can you get a bucket of steam or a right handed saddle.
Take it with grace, but don’t act weak around them. (ie crying or letting someone really get under your skin, or allowing people to bully you) Hopefully where you are going is decent, but it can be rough. Human nature.
Good luck. You will probably be tired tomorrow night.
