Twenty-three year old Emma Brookes based in Oxfordshire, works as groom for Louise and Robert Bell.
When did horses come into your life, and how did that journey lead you to become a groom?
Emma with Into the Blue at Wellington CDI3* 2024
I started riding at a riding school when I was four and kind of just went from there! I got a pony on loan when I was thirteen, which then turned into an opportunity to have a lovely dressage school master from my good friend Sophie for around six years, I think! I did go to a college in North Wales to do an equine management course but only stayed there a year as I really wanted a job to fund getting my own horse.
My grandad sadly passed away and left me a small amount of money which bought me my lovely 5-year-old Louis, I worked at a pharmacy full time to fund having him alongside also doing some show grooming for a lady who was at the same yard. I sadly lost Louis when he was just 6. But life has a funny way of working out, and I had the opportunity to buy my current horse Jambo. Six months later Spencer Wilton said to go and see Louise about a job. I met Louise and Robert three days later and moved here a week later and have been here for nearly four years now.
What does your role as a groom involve?
Emma with Louise and Into the Blue at Royal Windsor 2024
Everything! I look after the horses at home and at the shows, help Louise with entries and anything really either of them need. It can be long old days, but I do really love it.
What makes what you do special?
All the opportunities I’ve had since being here, with grooming and with my own horse Jambo. I love being at the shows and watching what happens at home turn into success.
Tasks that you least like doing?
Sweeping the walker is my least favourite but I suppose there’s worst things to have to do.
Most memorable moments?
Somerford Nationals 2024 with Grandio & Into the Blue
I think the most memorable was definitely going to royal Windsor in 2024, it was probably my first experience of a CDI and we were invited to meet HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and Sophie. Also watching Duggy – Peaky Blinder do the young horse classes, seeing him from just backed to winning a 7-year-old class was pretty special.
Hardest parts about being a groom?
There’s a lot of long hours that people don’t see, feeding and getting horses ready in the middle of the night but I do love all that. The hardest part is probably losing horses, especially the special ones. It never gets easier and you really do notice when they’re gone when you’ve spent so much time with them and love them like your own.
What advice could you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Emma with Louise, Robert and Into the blue at Royal Windsor
To work hard, it’s always noticed. But also, to make sure your kindness isn’t taken for granted. Respect goes both ways. You have to take the good with the bad, if you do something wrong you have to not take it with a chip on your shoulder.
What does it mean to you to work as part of the support team?
It’s such a team effort here, we all muck out and help each other. A lot of the time it’s only me, Robert and Louise on the yard and there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes jobs that nobody probably thinks about! But also, being able to watch all the hard work pay off when the horses are going well is just the nicest part of the job.
Have there been any unexpected parts of being a groom?
I suppose from having my own horse I probably did realise what went into it, maybe just not the major attention to detail you have to have. But once you get it you’ve got it.
Horse that holds a special place in your heart?
Emma and Jambo VZ
“I wouldn’t be where I am now without him”
Definitely my Jambo, I just couldn’t imagine life without him now and I wouldn’t be where I am now without him.
Future aspirations?
To be honest I try not to think ahead too much! But I would love to go abroad to some shows. Would also love to be able to get my Jambo to PSG and I’m quite excited about having my 2-year-old for the future.
Your Top Tip
Prevention is always better than cure, obviously accidents do happen, but we do our best to avoid them.
Products you can’t live without?
Smart grooming plaiting mousse – these manes need some serious taming. Also a hammer! These horses love to spook their shoes off!
What advice can you offer for planning ahead when going to a competition?
Definitely make sure you know where things are, there’s nothing worse than thinking you know then going to get it to pack and it not being there!