| We have heard so many stories from peoples past | | | | Your horse might not be the only horse the groom is |
| experiences with horse sitters and grooms, some of | | | | looking after that week therefore if not written down |
| which are bad, some scary and some down right | | | | information could get forgotten or mixed up. You |
| horrifying. We hope that we can give you a few | | | | should include emergency contact details, such as your |
| pointers in what to look for when recruiting a horse | | | | equine vet, farrier, horse dentist and a family or friend's |
| sitter or a groom to ensure you have peace of mind | | | | details in case you are not contactable. An organised |
| while you are away. | | | | and professional groom will have information sheets |
| Look for someone with experience and | | | | ready to be completed. |
| qualifications to back it up. Check your freelance | | | | Check the freelance groom to have their own |
| groom has experience with horses other than their | | | | insurance. This should be a minimum of Public Liability. |
| own, (or those they usually ride at the riding stables). If | | | | Ask to see the certificate. You may also want |
| you have a cheeky or lively horse, you need to be | | | | someone who is CRB checked, especially if they have |
| sure your horse sitter can handle them. | | | | access to your house. |
| Meet the person. Arrange for the horse sitter to | | | | Inform your vet you are going away and leave |
| come and meet both you and your horse before you | | | | them the name of your horse sitter. |
| have them do any work. This will allow you to assess | | | | Get references from previous clients. |
| their suitability and see how they conduct themselves | | | | Pay competitive rates. You want someone who |
| around horses. Ask them questions and be aware of | | | | feels that their time is valued and who isn't trying to get |
| what they ask you. Capable horse sitters and grooms | | | | done quickly to move on to the next horse. You get |
| will need to know lots of information about your horse | | | | what you pay for. |
| and the yard in order to do their job correctly. If your | | | | We hope that by following these pointers you will be |
| not telling them and they are not asking questions | | | | able to find peace of mind in the knowledge your |
| alarm bells should be ringing. | | | | horse is being cared for by someone professional. |
| Make a detailed list of what your horse needs. | | | | |