Zoe Boyce is a twenty-nine-year-old professional groom originally from the UK but now residing in Southern Highlands, New South Wales Australia. Zoe has been in Australia for six years working with professional dressage horses at McKinnon sport horses. Previously based in New Zealand for two years working with eventing horses, Zoe has just started her own freelance business for elite equine care, grooming and pet minding.
Zoe’s main role at McKinnon sport horses was to make sure the horses had good health, care, and fit for the day ahead. When describing a groom’s duties she say’s “Amongst making them look pretty and smelling nice, we grooms are the ones who are first to notice any off behaviour, lumps, bumps, swellings, cuts etc.. it gets to the point you know there peeing routines.,toiletry habits, and the quirks of each individual horse”.
In her new adventure of being self-employed Zoe say’s “I’m hoping to offer my expertise to the community. Offering professional show grooming, clinics, feed visits, pet care.”
Take us on the journey from your first horse experience to now
Zoe Boyce with Estupendo at the Australian Championships 2023
I’ve always loved and ridden horses from a very young age. I was always told to avoid working with horses. “No money in horses “so I was told, and I originally planned to keep it as a hobby. I went down the creative path and planned to become a costume designer for films and theatre. It wasn’t until I got offered in to the best universities to study and was looking at accommodation and my number one question was “where is the closest stables?” That I realised my biggest deal breaker was I had to be near horses and most universities being in London this was going to be tricky and expensive. My parents deep down knew I was going to take this path but they wanted me to make these decisions. They have always been supportive in whatever path I’ve chosen and I’m super lucky to have that. They just have always said to aim high. And that I did. My career started off being a working pupil for Lucinda Frederick’s back in the UK. From there I set up an apprenticeship to gain a qualification and be able to fund the fuel in my car to get groceries. Once my apprenticeship was finished I then swapped to straight dressage. Spending a year and half working for Hannah Biggs and a dressage judge. I then decided to take the longest flight possible to the other side of the world to swap back to Eventing in New Zealand, working for Clarke Johnstone and Christen Lane. Two years flew by and I then landed myself in Australia and have been here ever since.
What does your role involve?
Zoe and Buddy
The main role as a groom is to ensure horses are happy and healthy. The role and responsibilities are so big it’s almost hard to list. It’s anything from spotting an unwell colicky horse to travelling to international competitions. There is so much variety and it’s a major part as to why I love being a groom. You learn so much.
What makes what you do special?
Building a bond with horses over time they learn to trust you and you learn so much about them. You overcome situations together and learn how to deal with scenarios. Good and bad.
What task do you least like doing?
Studding, back when I worked with eventers studding horses was back breaking work. I don’t know how farriers’ shoe multiple horses a day. Big respect!
What are some of the proudest moments?
Zoe with McKinnon Sport Horses QS Sierra
I’ve had many proud moments. From being long listed for the Olympics to watching a horse recover and compete again after lifesaving surgery. Grooming has so many highs and even watching horses develop from foals into ridden horses and going to their first show it’s all such an achievement. The McKinnons are both very talented riders and the winning streaks and podium finishes are almost certain at each show. That in itself is always a proud moment. Being part of a successful team. Caring for the horses so they can perform their best. I’m an emotional person and you can usually find me welling up after a good test especially the high pressure bigger comps like cdi and nationals. Helping deliver my first foal was also incredible. It’s not often you get to witness new life in the world.
What are the hardest parts?
The hardest part about being a groom is it’s not just a job it’s a lifestyle. There is no off switch. If a horse is sick, you are there at all hours of the day and night. It can be long days and emergencies happen. Turning down invitations and prioritising horses. It can be tough and lonely. Grooms don’t get the recognition they deserve and, in most barns, the pay they deserve either.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Zoe and her lease horse Woodisde Bellarious (Buddy)
For those wanting to become a groom it’s a very rewarding job. You must focus on the small goals and wins but still have the big goals to aim for. Make sure you know your workers’ rights and what you are entitled tp. You can go above and beyond but make sure it’s appreciated. Always plan ahead. Don’t go to bed with a big to do list especially with a competition the next day. Listen to your body. If you are getting run down and burnt out, don’t work through injury without seeing someone to help. It can make things worse in the long run. Always communicate with your employer about concerns and expectations. Remember everyone is entitled to a holiday/ break don’t feel guilty about booking a week off.
What does it mean to you to work in a team?
There is always a sense of pride when working in a team. It’s the small 1% on everyone’s behalf that makes the team reach their goals. Everyone has their individual goals that usually align with each other and if everyone aims high the outcome is usually spectacular.
What have been some unexpected parts of being a groom?
The hardest part about being a groom is when people don’t realise how much you do behind the scenes. I’ve been fortunate to work for lovely people and owners. I’ve even had owners donate their prize money to me as a thank you to the care I’ve given their horse. Many people congratulate the rider but not many acknowledge the groom. The person who’s been up at all hours caring for the individual needs of each horse. What was unexpected was the level of burnout. You have to really listen to your body especially if you are a perfectionist like I am. My number one aim is to make sure those horses are happy and healthy and that can mean working some serious hours.
What are your future aspirations?
Zoe’s plaits using Hairy Pony wax
My biggest career goal is to groom at the Olympics or a World Equestrian Games. I was so close last year to achieving my goal at the Paris Olympics but it just wasn’t meant to be. I’ll still have those big goals but my main goals at the moment are to succeed is running my small business, train my horse up the levels in dressage and make amazing memories and have fun.
Must have products?
I’m a groom ambassador for Hairy Pony. An Australian company that focuses on using natural environmentally friendly products. I absolutely adore their range but if I had to pick my top three would be their natural and purple shampoo, plaiting taming wax and their plaiting apron.
Top Tip
My top tip. Time management. Always allow yourself enough time to complete a task. Multi- tasking is essential whilst being a groom. For example, whilst waiting for a horse to come back. Skip out a stable, clean a bridle, hang out washing. There’s always something that can be done. Avoid leaving everything last minute as you never know what event could happen. Injury, breakdown, equipment issues.
Essentials that you pack for travelling to a competition?
- hairy pony shampoo
- Hairy pony brushes ( all the range)
- Hairy pony Plaiting apron
- Spares of everything. Boots, bandages, cloths, halters, leads, bridles etc You never know when something might break or be dropped in mud.
- Electrolytes
- Horse and human first aid kit
- Hay and feed
My full packing list is huge, and I always tick off once it’s gone into the truck.