Twenty-eight-year-old Natalie Lutz works for Raphael Netz as a home and competition groom. Originally from Switzerland and now based in Germany, Natalie combines dedication, skill, and a passion for horses in a role that takes her from the stable yard to the international competition arena.
When did horses come into your life, and what led you to become a groom?
Natalie with Raphael and Camelot at Munich 2026 after finishing in second place in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Spécial
I have been obsessed with horses since I was little and started to ride when I was six years old. I never imagined working with horses and planned to work in an office for forever. But after I finished my apprenticeship, I went to Canada to do a Ranch Stay. I lived with a family that owns a farm and helped them with all daily tasks, but they also took me along to family events or vacations – like they would with any family member. And I still remember how happy I was at 6am and all I was doing was mucking out stalls for a few months.
Back in Switzerland I worked as an Accountant and I did like it, but it’s just something really different. It took me a while to find the courage to try to find a job as a groom. Because that’s not the job I learned to do, I honestly never thought I had a chance. But thanks to Instagram I somehow found my way into the grooming world. I have worked for a Dressage and also a Jumping stable, where I learned a lot of valuable things before I took a job in Aubenhausen to work for Raphael Netz. We worked really well as a team, so I didn’t have a doubt to leave Aubenhausen with him when he founded his own Company, Netz Equestrian.
What does your role as a groom involve?
With cheeky boy Camelot in Rotterdam. “He’s always up for a bit of fun” says Natalie
At home, I prepare the horses for riding, put them on the fields and in the walker, I also work them on the lunge, the treadmill or the aquatrainer and I coordinate with the vet for vaccinations, the Osteopath and the Dentist. For the Competitions I basically do everything horse related except for the paperwork, that’s Raphael’s part.
What makes what you do special?
The horses. They are my passion and I have been obsessed with them for so long. I don’t even know why or how it started because my parents never had anything to do with them. They just give so much back to me. And to now be able to contribute something so they can deliver at the highest level means a lot to me.
Tasks that you least like doing?
Natalie and Raphael celebrate with a high-five on the way to the prize giving at Aachen 2024, where Camelot placed fifth in the 4* Grand Prix Spécial
Something I really dislike doing is to look for lost shoes on the fields. In my experience if I don’t find it within the first five minutes, the shoes don’t want to be found. I don’t know what the horses do or where they throw them, but sometimes they just vanish and that’s really frustrating. Same goes for boots and bell boots.
Proudest moments?
I am fortunate enough to name a few; my first Championship, the World Cup Finale in Riadh in 2024, this year we were in the World Cup Finale in Texas, we were in Aachen, we also were first reserve for the Olympics in Paris (it was a bummer it didn’t work out because of paperwork issue, but still…) and the most recent event was winning the bronze Medal in the German Championship for the freestyle with Camelot. There have been many and I hope to add many more in the future
Hardest parts about being a groom?
Final preparations before the Nations Cup in Rotterdam 2023
Working in all kinds of weather conditions. The job itself is tough on the body, but if you add a heat wave or freezing temperatures it makes it harder in my opinion. Also, in the winter when you first have to shovel the snow and make the paths not slippery, so you can get the horses out of their boxes at all, it’s an added work out
Have there been any unexpected parts of being a groom?
Long and hard days are something you’d expect starting this job. But what surprised me was the emotional and mental part. Any sport is always emotional but adding to that, that you’re working with animals, with horses makes it even more emotional. There can be an event or show which you were looking forward to but then needs to be cancelled because the horse is not feeling well. Which is a disappointment of course but to me what makes it so much worse is to know it can’t happen because the horse is suffering. It’s honestly hard for me to see them in pain and struggling. We all do this for them and just want them to be happy. So, the highs are very high but there are also very low lows.
What does it mean to you to work as part of the support team?
Natalie with Camelot at the 2024 World Cup in Stuttgart where Raphael and Camelot placed fourth in Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle
Teamwork is everything in this sport, you need to get along to work well together. Horses are sensitive beings and need a good environment in the stables, they would pick up any tense or bad moods. So, I am lucky to say that I have the best team, we get along super well and have built some strong friendships outside of work.
The same goes for Raphael and me. We have been working together for nearly four years now and are a well-coordinated team, but also good friends. Considering how many days a year we spend together on competitions, this is really a bonus and makes it a fun trip.
Horse that holds a special place in your heart?
The most special horse for me is Great Escape Camelot. He arrived one month after I started to work for Raphi in 2022. From then to now, we built quite a strong bond through everything we experienced together. I had so many firsts with him and he made it easy for me to find my way as a competition groom as he is super with everything. And Camelot just has the best personality and mindset.
Where would you like to see yourself in the future?
Natalie with one her of favourite six year-olds Fabergé, in freezing January 2025
I hope to continue what I do now, go to many more amazing competitions and one big goal for sure is to one day go to the Olympic Games. I also look forward to hopefully see the younger horses do a 5* test in a few years, to have been a part of their journey would be special to me.
What advice could you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Grooming is a lot of learning-by-doing, so don’t let your inexperience stop you. Hard working people who are motivated and willing to learn are always wanted, so don’t give up finding a stable who wants to teach you
Your Top Tip
Never give up, believe in yourself and you never stop learning new things
Product that you can’t live without?
The most important product for me is simply a mane and tail spray, it makes brushing the tail so much easier and without pulling on their hairs so much. I cannot live without it