Team behind the rider: Raquel Ginoris

Raquel Ginoris is an international groom from Spain. Originally from Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Raquel is currently based in Cádiz. Over the years, she has worked as a yard manager and show groom for several riders, including full-time with Jose A. García Mena. Now Raquel is excited to be starting a new chapter as a freelance groom, a role that will allow her to travel more, meet new teams, and continue growing in her career.

 

Take us on your journey to becoming a groom

Since I was a child, I have always felt a strong connection to animals. Although no one in my family had any ties to horses, I knew I wanted to learn how to ride. I started riding lessons when I was eight, but soon had to stop due to medical reasons—my paediatrician discovered a spinal deviation caused by early physical development, and I spent several years in rehab, doing physiotherapy and switching horse riding for swimming.

At fifteen, once my back had stabilised, I returned to horses. I spent afternoons and weekends helping at the local riding school in exchange for lessons, while continuing my high school studies.Initially, I planned to study photography after school, but the more time I spent around horses, the more I realized this was what I really wanted to do.

Unfortunately, in Spain (and especially in the Canary Islands) there are very few formal training options for equestrian careers. At the time, the best way to learn was by working directly for riders, and that’s how I trained: by doing the job. Even now, the few equestrian programs that exist mostly focus on riders rather than grooming or other specialties.

After finishing school, I left Tenerife to continue developing as a groom. I tried out several places and eventually settled in Bilbao, where I became a yard manager and show groom for a dressage team. There, I also gained more riding experience and helped train some clients’ horses. In 2023, I closed that chapter and moved to Cádiz to work with Jose A. García Mena. Recently, I’ve decided to start a new adventure as a freelance groom to keep learning, traveling, and discovering new ways of working.

 

What does your role involve? 

It really depends on who you’re working for and the responsibilities you’re given at the time, as each rider works differently. My role can include anything from feeding and daily care of the horses, to travelling for competitions, veterinary care, groundwork, riding, admin tasks, etc. The list of duties for a groom is endless, but to sum it up: my main goal is to take care of everything the horse needs, and to take weight off the rider’s shoulders.

 

 What makes what you do special?

Without a doubt, it’s the bond you create with the horses. They have such a unique energy, it’s hard to describe, but they make the daily effort incredibly rewarding. When you work with the same horses over time and see them grow, develop, and achieve their goals, there is a deep sense of pride in knowing you were part of that journey. You cared for them, supported them, and loved them through every step. That connection between groom and horse is ours alone, and it’s truly special.

 

Tasks that you least like doing?

Like any job, there are things you enjoy more than others. For me, it’s when the vet has to perform certain procedures out in the barn, like castrating a stallion or treating a serious wound. As the groom, I’m always there to assist, which I don’t mind because I learn a lot, but I have to admit that anything involving blood isn’t  really my thing. Over the years I have learned to be present and helpful without it affecting me, but in the beginning it was definitely a challenge.

 

What have been some memorable moments?

One of the most memorable moments in my career was in January 2023, when I had the opportunity to spend a trial week with Jessica von Bredow-Werndl’s team. Being there for a few days allowed me to observe and learn up close how she works and cares for her horses. I passed the trial, and everything pointed towards staying and joining her team. Imagine that, coming from a small island in the Atlantic, suddenly finding myself at the best stable in the world! I never would have imagined it. Unfortunately, I had to return to Spain for personal reasons, but just having lived that experience and proving to myself that I was capable of being there meant everything to me.

 

Your proudest moment?

I don’t think I could choose just one. Rather than a single event, I’d say every decision I made that scared me or made me hesitate, but I went for it anyway. Those are the moments that shaped my path, they brought me closer to my goals and even opened up more opportunities than I ever expected.

 

What are the hardest parts about being a groom?

There are two main things for me. The first, and most emotional one, is the goodbyes. You spend so many hours with the horses, building bonds, and it’s hard when they leave—whether they’re sold, move to a new home, or in sadder cases, when there’s a loss, like a serious colic that ends badly. Even though they’re not “your” horses, you go through a grieving process. I never fully disconnect. Some horses I cared for are now across the world, and I still follow their journeys on Instagram. I even get excited when I see them at shows again. Others are no longer here, but I carry the lessons they gave me wherever I go.

Beyond the emotional side, the next hardest part is balancing work and personal life. This job has no fixed hours, it’s very demanding and involves a lot of travelling and time away from home. It’s not easy to find balance, and you really have to work at not letting it consume all your personal space.

 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

Learn as much as you can before stepping into a rider’s stable. As a groom, you’re not only the rider’s right hand, but also for the vet, the dentist, the physio, the farrier…

If a horse needs any kind of specific care, you will be the one providing it. So the more knowledge you have beforehand, the easier it will be to get started and you won’t feel overwhelmed. Also, trust yourself. You will be the one spending the most time with the horse, which means you will often notice if something’s off before anyone else does. Even if it’s something small, like a slight tremor when grooming, don’t ignore it. Communicate it right away, and don’t be afraid of being wrong.

 

What does it mean to you to work in a team and support the rider? 

It is incredibly rewarding because you know you are part of something big.  Every achievement and success comes with the effort of a whole team behind it. It’s not just about the groom, but many people working side by side to ensure the rider and horse are performing at their best.

 

What have been some unexpected aspects? 

Oh, there are so many things! (haha) As I mentioned before, in Spain there’s hardly any training available for this profession, so you learn a lot on the job. When you dream of being a groom, you imagine brushing horses and making pretty braids, thinking that’s all it takes.  But no one tells you that you will spend most of your time sweeping, that broom will be your best friend!

No one warns you about having to clean the walker or unload pallets of feed where each bag weighs 25 kg. So yes, being fit and taking care of your back is important, especially when you’re traveling with horses.  And I certainly never imagined myself assisting a vet in removing an eye prosthesis from a horse that lost its eye (definitely not a pleasant situation!). Ironically, I had once ruled out becoming a vet just to avoid things like that!  It would have helped to know what kinds of scenarios I’d face, to be better prepared or at least have some guidance.

Now, I try to use my social media to support younger generations coming into this profession, so they can be more prepared than I was. I have even started a personal project offering grooming courses in Spain to help pave the way for future grooms.

 

Where do see yourself in the future?

Honestly, I try not to think too far ahead, because life often has other plans for you. But I do have some goals: I’d love to experience CHIO Aachen, something I haven’t yet had the chance to do. I also dream of attending the World Breeding Dressage Championships in Ermelo. And of course, like many, living an Olympic experience is a big dream. But above all, my biggest dream is to one day have my own horse, not for competition, just to enjoy and care for.

 

What is your Top Tip

1. Don’t pull or shorten your horse’s mane right before a show, always do it 10 days in advance so it is the perfect length for braiding.
2. Clip your horse about a week before the show. If it’s your first time, make it at least ten days in advance in case of allergic reactions, this gives the skin time to recover.
3. Use music while prepping your horse, it will help calm nerves (especially yours!).
4. Always carry extra hairbands, you never know when you will need them.
5. Don’t bathe your horse with shampoo on the day of the show, it can dull the coat. Bathe one or two days before and on show day give a thorough brush with a natural hair brush to bring out the shine.
6. Never apply conditioner just before brushing the tail. Always do it after washing, while the tail is damp, and let it dry until the next day.

 

Are there any products that you can’t live without?

Braid it Up by NAF has become my best friend for braiding.

 

Tips for perfect plaiting?

The most important thing is how you make the actual braid. No updo will look good if you don’t know exactly where and when to tighten the braid, depending on the style. If the braid is well done, everything else becomes easier and looks better. And you must know your horse’s mane well, not every braid suits every horse. Practice at home as much as possible; it will save you time and stress at shows.