Georgia Morgan is Head Groom at Sapphire Stables working under Niki Clarke of Dressage Unlimited. Based in Hamilton, Montana in the summer and Wellington, Florida in the winter, Niki competes nationally and internationally with her string of horses. Prior to working for Niki, Georgia was assistant yard manager for Gareth Hughes.
Can you share your journey from your first horse moment to now
Georgia with Classic Goldstrike at Wellington CDI feature
I’ve always been around horses but didn’t really think I’d ended up working with them. I always wanted to be a vet growing up! I went to university at Hartpury where I studied Equine Business Management. Again, I hadn’t intended on studying that at university. I applied through clearing process in August then moved to Hartpury a couple of weeks later! My first job out of education was actually working at Hartpury in the Equine department on the yard as a yard technician where we would oversee the care of the college loan horses which are used by both the college and university students. During the summer months Hartpury hold international events which we would help with which I absolutely loved! After 5 years at Hartpury, I then moved to work at Hughes Dressage as assistant yard manager. I would help with the day to day care of the horses and running of the yard and taking Gareth, Rebecca and Ruby to local shows. I later became predominately Rubys groom where I would take her to lessons at Carls and shows. I absolutely loved going to the CDI’s as it was a little break from the day to day routine of the yard and we’d have a great time away! The horses seem to enjoy it as they get that one to one attention and you spend most of your time with them. I think this is then when I really got the bug for doing top level grooming. I saw an advert on Eurodressage for the current job I am in. I applied but with no expectations as knew it would be lot of work employing someone from the U.K. I wasn’t going to be disheartened either if I didn’t get the job as wasn’t looking for a new job but it sounded interesting and I have always wanted to go back working abroad after being in Australia working.
What does your role involve?
Georgia, Niki and Komsi Komsa after passing trot up at gobal dressage festival
Whilst in Montana the job involves the day to daycare of the horses with all normal yard duties, mucking out, turning out grooming and performing therapies on the horses. whilst in Florida we are there for competition season so it is still the general day to day care of the horses but on a more intense level as there is so much bacteria in Florida. Every single little scratch, rub, skin irritation needs to be dealt with straight away! It also involves getting the horses all ready to show. We show every week in Florida, with several horses competing each day over several days!
What makes what you do special?
Working alongside these incredible animals is pretty special. Watching them change overtime and progress in their career, knowing that you have been behind the scenes helping them achieve that is special in itself
Least favourite tasks?
Georgia and Niki taking Komsi Komsa and Sir Amour for there Wednesday hack up the mountains on the ranch in Montana.
I can’t think of anything I dislike doing. I enjoy clipping but the feeling after is probably the worst!
Your highlights?
Whilst in the U.K – wellington CDI with Ruby – 1st and 3rd with Brioso and Classic Goldstrike in the Junior Team Test. Whilst in America with Niki – Komsi Komsa competing in his first CDI3*. Also going to the 2024 Junior European Championships in Belgium was quite an unforgettable experience
Hardest parts of being a groom?
It can be long days, especially during show season, there are no set hours for the day so don’t expect to be working 9 – 5. Plans can always change as well as horses will be horses! The horses always come first so that sometimes means that you will miss out on occasions which I find people who aren’t in the industry don’t really understand.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Georgia with Ruby and Classic Goldstrike at Wellington CDI where Ruby was 1st and 3rd on Brioso and Classic Goldstrike in the Junior Team Test
Be prepared! I like to overpack especially whites in case they get dirty before you’ve put them on the horse! spare tack in case something breaks, the list is endless. Don’t be afraid to ask, I’ve found that grooms are there to help each other out and just believe in yourself!
What challenges have you faced moving abroad?
Probably the biggest challenge of moving to America was obtaining the visa! It took 7 months so a lot longer than planned! Because of the type of visa, I’m on it was quite a lengthy process with a lot of paperwork involved! I would say the main difference of being over here for me is the terminology used for things. I’d sometimes have to ask them to show me or describe to me what I need, or I would just use google!
What does it mean to you to work in the support team?
I love working alongside Niki. She is so hands on and we just tag team the day. If I’m stuck or unsure about anything I know I can ask her, and she’ll help out and vice versa.
What have been some unexpected parts of the job?
Gin Tonic plaited ready to compete at World Equestrian Centre Ocala.
I wouldn’t say there have been any unexpected parts of the job. Like I said before horses will be horses so plans will change all the time
Do you get competition nerves?
I don’t really get competition nerves, but I do get a bit stressed before as worried I haven’t packed everything! I triple check I have packed everything but will still be stressed until we have got to the venue and unpacked. Once the horse is all plaited and tacked up and the rider gets on the stress goes away.
What are your must have grooming products?
Georgia, Niki and Nugget at the prize giving for the CDI 3 Adequan Global Dressage Festival
My go to products for show prep are NAF Plait it up and NAF So Silky. I actually had one of the grooms whilst in Florida ask what I was using for plaiting as she said she liked the way the finish product looked. She tried some and loved it, so I ordered her some! I also love the So Silky serum. The number of comments we have at the shows saying how shiny the horses tail looked. You could really see the difference in the warmup next to the other horses. It’s the little things that count! The only problem with the NAF products is you can’t buy them over here. I’ve had to find companies in the UK which will ship over here. To then make the cost of delivery worthwhile I just buy in bulk too. As you can imagine having 6 horses competing throughout the season I go through quite a lot of products!
Where would you like to see yourself in the future?
I can’t say I really have any goals; I just take each day as it goes and thoroughly enjoy working alongside incredible horses and riders in this top-level sport.