Scarlett Denny is the head groom for international dressage rider Sarah Millis. Twenty-six year old Scarlett was born in Kent and now lives and works in West Sussex where she helps run Sarah’s busy yard of 24 horses which is both a mix of her own and competition training liveries. Scarlett also travels and grooms at shows for Sarah and occasionally her clients as well.
When did horses come into your life, and how did that journey lead you to become a groom?
at a local competition with one of my favourite horses 5yo Lola, owned by myself, Sarah and David
I was lucky enough to grow up with horses at home since my mum, Chloe Denny, was a Grand Prix dressage rider in her former years. Growing up, the one piece of advice that my mum gave me regarding my career was that I should go and do whatever I wanted, whether that be a bin collector or astronaut, as long as it made me happy. However, she said “just do not work with horses”. This being because she knew firsthand how gruelling it can be and not to mention the industry was very different when she was riding. I started riding from a very young age and continued to as a hobby throughout my teenage years, whilst also working at local livery yards at the weekends. Looking back on it now, the livery yards that shaped my love for horses and the sport, are a whole other world away from the place I work now. Once I finished my A levels, I went to university but shortly dropped out as I realised that academia was not for me. I needed a job and much to my Mum’s dismay, the only thing that made me happy was being around horses, so I got an apprenticeship at St Giles Stud in Dorset. The exposure to the dressage world that I had whilst at St Giles Stud, taught me an enormous amount, as well as sparking my enthusiasm for a career in the equestrian industry. From here, I went on to work for a few different riders, including doing some freelancing and eventually found myself at Sarah’s yard, which is where I felt most at home.
What does your role as a groom involve?
spending some time at home with Sarah’s horses Impressive VDC and Le Zorro
One of the things that I love about my role is that it’s really varied. I travel to competitions with Sarah and occasionally clients as well, whether that be day shows or stay away shows abroad. I then also work alongside Sarah to organise the day to day running of the yard which involves things such as, coordinating the day, hay and feed orders, farrier appointments and communicating with clients. Then there is the more hands-on aspect of my role. This involves getting stuck in with all the daily care of the horses, tacking up, clipping lunging and riding.
What makes what you do special?
I’d have to say being a part of a rider’s journey. What we do as grooms is imperative to the outcome of a horse and rider combination. So, to witness and experience their progression and success knowing that you’ve made a difference is truly very special.
Tasks that you least like doing?
Loading the tack locker onto the lorry isn’t one of my favourite tasks, especially when it’s late at night or early in the morning coming back from a show, as it requires a fair bit of muscle to get it onboard. I have been prone to take a tumble whilst doing this in the past!
Most memorable moments?
Scarlett at the yard stealing a ride on Sarah’s Grand Prix horse Impressive VDC (aka Eddie)
Last year as a whole was pretty memorable, as we had so many achievements. I felt extremely proud to be the head girl on a yard of which Sarah had trained three riders who reached European championships. We had junior rider, Isla Sully, para rider, Nicola Naylor and U25 rider Lilah Gibbs, all competed and earned medals at European Championships. I was lucky enough to travel as competition groom with my good friend and co-worker Lilah Gibbs, who competed in the July 2025 U25 European championship in Germany. Being immersed in the atmosphere and sport at level was very inspiring.
Hardest parts about being a groom?
Scarlett grooming for co worker Lilah Gibbs at the U25 European championships July 2025 Germany
The early starts, late nights and English weather can get tiresome. However, I tend to find that when you’re completely engrossed in the job you’re doing and working towards a goal, you quickly forget about what time it is or what the weather is like. The part that I find the hardest is that the fate of the horses that you care for and love is out of your control, be it they get sick, injured, or sold. It always hard saying goodbye.
What advice could you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
You have to just completely throw yourself into it; be a sponge, absorb everything and don’t be afraid to put yourself forward and create your own opportunities. If you know it’s going to be a busy day, then turn up early, stay late and ask lots of questions. You will get out of it what you put in. Also, the repetitive nature of the job can have a tendency to become mundane, so make sure that you are working for and with people who inspire and motivate you.
What does it mean to you to work as part of the support team?
Scarlett in the backing process of Lola with the help of Sarah on the ground
There have been so many times over the past year or so where I have been through my own personal struggles and have thought to myself at the end of a long day, how do people do this when they are predominantly on their own? There is a particular way of life in the team whereby we all share the same goal so the motivation and head down and crack on attitude is infectious. No matter how you are feeling that day or what else you may have going on, you just get swept up by the buzz of the yard. My role involves being Sarah’s eyes and ears on the yard, so although Dressage is mainly an individual sport, the success of Sarah is always a team success.
Have there been any unexpected parts of being a groom?
I knew going into my role that of course you become attached to certain horses and care deeply about their wellbeing and want your riders to be successful. But I did not envision at the start, how emotionally invested I would become. I often find it hard to switch off from the job. For example, I always find myself on my days off thinking about the yard and the horses, or up late at night making to-lists, wondering about the next competition, or trying to find ways in which we can do things better.
Horse that holds a special place in your heart?
Scarlett, Sarah Millis and Nicola Naylor at the yard (Millstones) with Nicola’s horses
There are several horses that spring to mind when I read this question. Firstly, I’d have to save Toddington Reet Petite, otherwise known as Lola, a 5yo mare owned by Sarah, David (Sarah’s partner), and myself. I helped to back her as a youngster and I can’t quite explain it, but there is just something that is so endearing about her personality. However, in terms of my career, I’d have to say Sarah and David’s own Grand Prix horse Impressive VDC. I groomed at my first home and abroad internationals with him, and it was such an educational and eye-opening experience. He holds a very special place in my heart from going through those experiences with him.
Future aspirations?
Overall, I really want to try and immerse myself in the equestrian industry as much as possible and gain as much knowledge as I can. I’d really like to obtain my HGV license and gain more experience grooming at international shows. We also have a lot of exciting prospects coming up on the yard, in terms of both horses and expansion. I’m excited to play a key role in Sarah’s journey and the success that comes with this. On a more personal note, I’d like to continue to develop my own riding skills and hope one day to be able to ride at Grand Prix level myself. As I gain more riding experience and build my knowledge, I plan on getting my coaching qualifications, as I find teaching and helping others really satisfying and fulfilling.
Your Top Tip
Always try and be three steps ahead of your rider so they can solely focus on riding. Be forward thinking and never wait to be asked to do something. For example, at a show, always have your timings planned out and aim to have everything as ready as possible, i.e. the mounting block out, sugar ready and show side bag packed, so that your rider can just turn up and step on the horse.
Product you can’t live without?
As much as I think we all spend too much time on our phones I would have to contradict myself and say my phone. Sarah and I message every morning before starting on the yard and most evenings about the horses, reminders, appointments, concerns, and the order of the running of the day. By being able to send a message or photo of something, it saves so much time rather than having to stop what you are doing and going and finding one another.