A Stud Groom, also known as a stud hand, is responsible for handling young horses and can be an entry route into a career in the horse breeding industry.
Managing a stud requires many specialist procedures but also includes all the typical daily duties of someone on the stable yard including feeding and haying, exercising, cleaning and maintaining stables, paddocks and equipment as well as assisting farriers and vets.
Specific stud groom responsibilities include holding broodmares in the covering shed, stallion handling, covering ‘foaling-watch’ during the day and night as well as yearling preparation for sale.
The role of Stud Groom can be extremely rewarding and exciting. It also plays an important role in laying the foundations for the future of young horses and requires considerable physical work and dedication.
Stud Hands must be confident, competent and perform instructions without question until they are fully trained in the role.