HorseGrooms

HorseGrooms is a platform of resources, education, and support dedicated to ambitious grooms everywhere.

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#13
Yesterday · 42 min
013 Never Stop Dreaming: From Mucking Stalls In Ontario to Grooming At the World Championships with Eva Jensen-Wark
What does it take to turn a love of horses into an international grooming career, and how do you keep pursuing your dreams when life takes unexpected turns? In this episode of the HorseGrooms Podcast, Dinette Neuteboom sits down with Eva Jensen-Wark, a Canadian show groom whose journey began with mucking stalls in Ontario in exchange for riding lessons and led her to the World Championships in Aachen. Eva shares how hard work, learning from experienced horse people, and embracing new opportunities helped her build a career in international show jumping. From working in Wellington, Florida, to experiencing the differences between local barns and high-performance stables, she reflects on the lessons that shaped her journey. Eva also discusses the importance of networking and connecting with fellow grooms through the HorseGrooms community. Beyond her career, she opens up about losing her father unexpectedly and how horses, friends, and supportive employers helped her navigate grief while continuing to follow her dreams. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step in your grooming career, Eva's story is a reminder to believe in yourself, stay open to opportunities, and never stop dreaming. Eva's journey from mucking stalls in Ontario to the World Championships Building a grooming career through hard work and opportunity Working in Wellington and experiencing international show jumping Differences between local barns and high-performance stables Networking, mentorship, and the HorseGrooms community Navigating grief with support from horses and people Eva's advice for aspiring grooms Instagram: Eva J. Wark Visit https://horsegrooms.com for horse care education, career advice, and resources for grooms and equestrian professionals. 🌐 Website: horsegrooms.com 📘 Facebook: Facebook 📸 Instagram: Instagram 🎵 TikTok: TikTok ▶️ YouTube: YouTube 🎧 Follow HorseGrooms for interviews with top professional grooms, behind-the-scenes stories from international competitions, horse care education, career advice, and practical tips from experienced horse professionals. In This Episode:Connect with Eva Jensen-WarkExplore HorseGrooms
#12
October 14 · 33 min
012 Meet HorseGrooms Foundation Board Member Grace Speckman: Financial Education, Recognition, and Supporting Grooms
What does it take to build a stronger future for professional grooms, and how can financial education, career development, and recognition help transform the equestrian industry? In this episode of the HorseGrooms Podcast, Dinette Neuteboom sits down with Grace Speckman, financial advisor, lifelong equestrian, and board member of the newly established HorseGrooms Foundation, to discuss how the foundation is building on HorseGrooms’ mission to support and educate grooms around the world. Grace shares her perspective on why grooms deserve greater recognition and support, drawing on nearly 30 years in the horse world and her professional experience helping people manage their wealth. Together, they explore the HorseGrooms Foundation’s goals, including the Financial Corner, financial education tailored to the unique realities of working in the equestrian industry, and the importance of helping both grooms and employers understand the resources available to them. They also discuss practical ways to approach money with more confidence, from managing seasonal income and building an emergency fund to planning for retirement and exploring employee benefits. Looking ahead, Grace and Dinette share their vision for clearer career pathways, professional recognition, and a more supportive industry where grooms can thrive. Whether you're a professional groom, rider, trainer, barn owner, or equestrian employer, this episode offers valuable insight into why investing in the people who care for horses benefits the entire industry. The HorseGrooms Foundation and its mission Financial education through the Financial Corner Budgeting, saving, and planning for retirement Financial resources for equestrian professionals Employee benefits for grooms Career pathways and professional recognition How supporting grooms benefits the entire industry Instagram: Dollars and Horse Cents Grace's free guide, The Thoughtful Equestrian's Guide to Protect, Grow, and Pass on Wealth, is available through her social media links. Visit https://horsegrooms.com/category/foundation to learn more about the HorseGrooms Foundation, explore the Financial Corner, and discover educational resources designed to support grooms and equestrian professionals. Support the Mission: Help HorseGrooms continue building educational resources, financial support programs, and career development opportunities for grooms. Visit https://givebutter.com/general-operating-support-oayryl to support the foundation and make a donation. 🌐 Website: https://horsegrooms.com📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/horsegrooms📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/horse.grooms/🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@horse.grooms/▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HorseGrooms 🎧 Follow HorseGrooms for interviews with the world's top professional grooms, behind-the-scenes stories from international competitions, horse care education, career advice, and practical tips from experienced horse professionals. In This Episode:Connect with Grace SpeckmanExplore HorseGrooms and the Foundation
#11
October 7 · 26 min
011 Nora Bilancioni: “I Loved Grooming. I Just Wish the Profession Had Taken Better Care of Me.”
In this episode of the HorseGrooms Podcast, Dinette Neuteboom sits down with Nora Bilancioni, a former international show jumping groom from Sweden, for one of the most honest conversations yet about life behind the scenes in professional equestrian sport. After spending 12 years working in top stables across Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States, Nora shares the realities of the profession, from unforgettable championship moments to the physical and mental toll that ultimately ended her grooming career. Together, they discuss working conditions, burnout, communication, respect in the workplace, and what needs to change to create a healthier future for professional grooms. Whether you're an aspiring groom, rider, stable owner, or horse enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insight into the people who dedicate their lives to caring for elite horses. Follow Nora on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/norabilancioni/ The following products and brands were discussed during this episode: Dettol Antiseptic Liquid Baby Oil Curry Comb 🌐 Website: https://horsegrooms.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/horsegrooms 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/horse.grooms/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@horse.grooms/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HorseGrooms 🎧 Follow HorseGrooms for interviews with the world's top professional grooms, behind-the-scenes stories from international competitions, horse care education, career advice, and practical tips from experienced horse professionals. Products Mentioned (Amazon Links)
#10
September 30 · 50 min
010 Why Do We Love Horses So Much? Lynn Thomas on the Horse-Human Connection
Lynn Thomas, co founder of Horses for Mental Health, has spent more than 30 years working in mental health and incorporating horses into programs that help people grow, heal, and better understand themselves. In this episode, she shares what makes the horse human connection so powerful and how horses can help people recognize patterns, become more self aware, and experience meaningful moments of connection. Lynn also discusses the unique relationship between grooms and horses, and how the amount of time grooms spend caring for horses creates opportunities for deeper connection and self reflection. She shares stories from her own Mustang, Milkshake, as well as powerful examples from equine assisted mental health programs, and explains why sometimes simply pausing and being with a horse can be one of the most meaningful parts of the day. The conversation also introduces HORSETOBER and the Pass the Braid Challenge, an annual celebration of the horse human connection created by Horses for Mental Health. Lynn explains the meaning behind the braid and encourages horse people to share their stories, celebrate their horses, and help others understand the important role horses continue to play in our lives. • The powerful connection between horses, humans, mental health, and personal growth • What Lynn learned from her Mustang Milkshake about listening to yourself and letting go of the “shoulds” • How grooms can use everyday moments with horses as opportunities for connection, reflection, and self awareness • A guided reflection exercise to help listeners explore what a meaningful horse has taught them about themselves • HORSETOBER, the Pass the Braid Challenge, and the importance of sharing the stories behind our relationships with horses The following organizations, programs, and services were discussed during the interview: • Horses for Mental Health • Equine assisted mental health services • Horsetober • Pass the Braid Challenge • Acres for Life, an equine assisted mental health program in Minnesota • Zoetis, founding sponsor of Horses for Mental Health Horses for Mental Health helps raise awareness and support programs providing mental health and personal growth services incorporating horses. Their website also provides resources for finding equine assisted programs and learning more about how horses are being incorporated into mental health and well being services. Horses for Mental Health https://horsesformentalhealth.org Horsetober https://horsesformentalhealth.org/HORSETOBER Find an Equine Assisted Mental Health Program https://horsesformentalhealth.org/organizations Horses for Mental Health on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/horsesformentalhealth/ Horses for Mental Health on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HorsesForMentalHealth Horses for Mental Health on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@horsesformentalhealth Lynn Thomas is the co founder and president of Horses for Mental Health. She has spent decades working in mental health and equine assisted services and has helped advance the use of horses in mental health and personal growth programs. HORSETOBER takes place October 1 through October 31 and celebrates the horse human connection. Participants are encouraged to spend meaningful time with a horse, create a braid in whatever form feels meaningful, share their horse story, and use #HORSETOBER and #PassTheBraid to help spread the celebration. The braid represents connection, relationships, and the many individual stories that come together to form the horse human community. A braid can be created in a horse's mane or tail, worn in your own hair, made from ribbon or rope, turned into jewelry, or created as another meaningful symbol of a horse or relationship. 🌐 Website https://horsegrooms.com 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/horsegrooms 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/horse.grooms/ 🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@horse.grooms ▶️ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HorseGrooms
#9
September 23 · 49 min
009 Freelancing, Boundaries, and Building a Business: What We Learned from Our Conversation with Lucie Kostecka
Freelance groom Lucie has built a career traveling the world, working for top riders across Europe, the United States, and Canada while helping care for high-performance show jumping horses. In this episode, she shares what it's really like to work as an international freelance groom, from finding clients and setting professional boundaries to navigating visas, invoicing, and life on the road. Lucie also discusses what she's learned from working in elite barns, why teamwork and horse welfare always come first, and how continuous learning has shaped her career. Beyond grooming, she talks about launching EQ, a new marketplace app for buying and selling secondhand horse tack, and why she believes grooms should develop business skills and additional income streams. Whether you're considering freelance grooming, already working in the industry, or simply curious about life behind the scenes in international horse sport, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world experience. In This Episode How to build a successful international freelance grooming career Finding clients, setting rates, and establishing professional boundaries Working in elite barns across Europe, the U.S., and Canada Horse welfare, teamwork, and the habits of successful professional barns Launching the EQ secondhand tack marketplace and building income beyond grooming Products & Services Mentioned The following products and services were discussed during the interview: MagnaWave therapy Horsery StallMonitor EQ secondhand tack marketplace app Connect with Lucie Equine Freelance Services https://equinefreelanceservices.com EQ Marketplace https://eqqu.app Lucie can also be found through her website and social media, where she shares updates about freelance grooming services, MagnaWave therapy, and the EQ marketplace. 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/equinefreelanceservices/ 📘 Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/lucy.freelancer.412045/ Connect with HorseGrooms 🌐 Website https://horsegrooms.com 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/horsegrooms 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/horse.grooms/ 🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@horse.grooms ▶️ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HorseGrooms 🎧 Follow HorseGrooms for interviews with the world's top professional grooms, behind-the-scenes stories from international competitions, horse care education, career advice, and practical tips from experienced professionals across the equestrian industry.
#8
September 16 · 56 min
008 Managing 79 Horses with Kristen Chandler | Systems, Leadership & Exceptional Horse Care
What does it take to successfully manage nearly 80 horses, multiple trainers, international travel, veterinary schedules, farriers, staff, and clients, all while keeping horse welfare at the center of everything? In this episode, HorseGrooms sits down with Kristen Chandler, Barn Manager at Oakland Stables, to discuss the systems, leadership, and horsemanship behind one of the industry's most respected operations. Kristen shares how she built her career from 4-H to managing elite show jumping programs, why communication is the foundation of every successful barn, and the organizational systems that keep dozens of horses and people moving in the same direction every day. Whether you're managing two horses or eighty, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can immediately apply to your own stable. In This Episode Kristen's journey from 4-H to managing elite show jumping operations What it takes to manage nearly 80 horses Building systems that prevent things from falling through the cracks The famous Oakland whiteboard scheduling system Managing veterinarians, farriers, paperwork, and horse shows Why communication is the most important management tool Creating a positive culture where grooms want to stay Daily horse care routines that catch problems early Why turnout is essential for horse happiness Proper grooming routines that make the biggest difference Hiring, training, and retaining great grooms Leadership lessons for barn managers Preventing burnout while managing a large operation Advice for aspiring professional grooms and managers Products & Tools Mentioned Kristen discusses several products and management tools throughout the episode: Horse Care Curry comb Body brush Soft finishing brush Tail detangler Shampoo (used sparingly) Stable Management Whiteboard Dry erase markers Notebook and pen Daily spreadsheets Weekly scheduling spreadsheets WhatsApp Turnout schedule Equipment Horse walker (Florida facility) Connect with Kristen & Oakland Stables Oakland Stables Kristen recommends reaching out through Oakland Stables on Instagram. Send them a DM for questions about the operation, employment opportunities, or getting in touch with the team. 📸 Instagram @Oakland Stables Connect with HorseGrooms 🌐 Website https://horsegrooms.com 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/horsegrooms 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/horse.grooms/ 🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@horse.grooms ▶️ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HorseGrooms 🎧 Follow HorseGrooms for interviews with the world's top professional grooms, behind the scenes stories from international competitions, horse care education, and practical tips from industry experts.
#7
September 9 · 41 min
007 What Equestrian Employers Can Do to Build Stronger Teams and Keep Good Grooms - With Ippos Pro Consulting
Natalia Zoi has worked as a professional groom in top European show jumping stables and for top trainers in the harness racing industry in the United States. Throughout her career, she has seen how communication, leadership, and workplace structure can influence not only employees but also the success of an entire equestrian business. While working full-time as a groom, Natalia earned her MBA and surveyed 354 equine professionals about their experiences in the industry. That research, combined with her own experience, led her to launch Ippos Pro Consulting, a company that helps equestrian employers build stronger teams, improve communication, and reduce staff turnover. In this episode of the HorseGrooms Podcast, Natalia explains why employers and employees often want the same things but experience very different pressures. Ippos Pro works with both sides to identify where communication or management may be breaking down and helps businesses put practical systems in place before small problems become bigger ones, or resignations. Natalia also explains what working with Ippos Pro actually looks like, from talking separately with employers and employees to regular check-ins and ongoing support. Much of the process can be done remotely, making this type of support accessible to equestrian businesses in different locations. The conversation explores staff retention, leadership, career development for grooms, and an important idea for our industry: supporting employees and running a successful equestrian business are not competing goals. Stronger teams can mean greater consistency for the horses, better staff retention, and a stronger, more sustainable business. This is an episode for grooms, but especially for riders, trainers, barn owners, and managers who employ them. If you know an equestrian employer who could benefit from this conversation, please share the episode with them. Why employers and employees often want the same things but see the business from different perspectives How Ippos Pro Consulting helps equestrian employers strengthen communication and retain good staff Why regular employee check-ins can address small problems before they become bigger ones What Natalia's survey of 354 equine professionals revealed about working in the horse industry What strong equestrian leaders do differently Why staff turnover is a business issue, not just an employee issue How better structure and communication can create more consistency in horse care Why career development can help good grooms stay engaged and build longer careers What working with Ippos Pro actually looks like and how equestrian employers can get started Ippos Pro Consulting https://ippospro.com/ Email: ippospro@gmail.com Natalia can also be found on Instagram and Facebook at Ippos Pro Consulting, where she shares insights on equine business management, workplace communication, and improving the employee experience within the horse industry. 📘 Facebook Ippos Pro Consulting Ltdhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590291580553 📸 Instagram Ippos Pro Consulting @ippospro 🌐 Website https://horsegrooms.com 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/horsegrooms 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/horse.grooms/ 🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@horse.grooms ▶️ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HorseGrooms 🎧 Follow HorseGrooms for interviews with the world's leading professional grooms, behind-the-scenes stories from international competitions, horse care education, career advice, and practical insights from experienced professionals across the equestrian industry.re In This EpisodeConnect with NataliaConnect with HorseGrooms
#6
September 2 · 57 min
006 Horse Care Has No Borders: Sofia Viola on Spruce Meadows, Ventago, and Grooming Across Cultures
Maria Sofia Viola has built an international career as a professional show jumping groom, caring for elite horses across continents as part of Saudi Olympic rider Abdulrahman Al-Rajhi’s team. Fresh off a major win with Ventago at Spruce Meadows in Canada, she joins The HorseGrooms Podcast to share what goes into preparing a horse for top-level competition and what life looks like behind the scenes when your work takes you around the world. In this episode, Sofia talks about the routines behind Ventago’s Spruce Meadows victory, how she adapts her care to the individual horse, and what she has learned from working and traveling in very different countries and cultures. She also shares her experiences living and working in the Middle East, how climate and local conditions can influence horse care, and why respect and adaptability are so important when working internationally. The conversation also explores one of the special things about horse sport: the way it brings people together. Grooms, riders, and team members from different countries, languages, and backgrounds often work side by side with one shared focus: the horse. Sofia reflects on the friendships she has built through the sport and why horses can create common ground between people who may otherwise have very different lives. Whether you are an aspiring groom, an experienced equestrian professional, or simply interested in international horse sport, this episode offers a practical and personal look at horse care, travel, teamwork, and the people behind the horses. In This Episode Sofia Viola’s journey to becoming an international show jumping groom The horse care and routines behind Ventago’s Spruce Meadows victory How Sofia adapts her care to the individual horse Caring for horses while traveling internationally Life and horse care in the Middle East Adapting to different countries, cultures, climates, and working environments Why respect and adaptability matter when working internationally How horses bring together people from different cultures and backgrounds Why sharing knowledge and supporting fellow grooms benefits the profession Connect with Sofia Viola Instagram @mrsfvl Sofia shares behind-the-scenes moments from international competitions, daily stable life, horse care, and her work with elite show jumping horses. Connect with HorseGrooms 🌐 Website https://horsegrooms.com 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/horsegrooms 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/horse.grooms/ 🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@horse.grooms ▶️ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HorseGrooms 🎧 Follow HorseGrooms for conversations about horse care, the grooming profession, international competition, career development, and the people behind the horses.
#5
August 26 · 57 min
005 How FLAIR® Nasal Strips Help Horses Breathe: Dr. Jim Chiapetta Explains the Science
This episode is sponsored by Achieve Equine. Veterinarian, researcher, entrepreneur, and Achieve Equine founder Jim Chiapetta joins the HorseGrooms Podcast to take a deep dive into one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of the equine athlete: the respiratory system. Jim explains how horses breathe during exercise, why horses are obligate nasal breathers, and how the respiratory system can become a limiting factor in performance. In this episode, Jim explains the science behind FLAIR® Equine Nasal Strips, including how they support the soft tissues of the nasal passages and reduce the effort required to bring air into the lungs. He also discusses proper application, respiratory load, and what research has shown about the use of the Strips during hard work. Jim and Dinette also discuss exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), why a horse does not necessarily need to have a visible nosebleed to have bleeding in the lungs, and the role that exercise intensity and respiratory pressure can play. From the mechanics of a horse taking in roughly 1,500 liters of air per minute during intense exercise to the energy required simply to breathe, this conversation gives grooms a fascinating look at the physiology behind equine performance and why paying attention to breathing matters. How the equine respiratory system works during exercise and why oxygen is essential to every athletic system Why horses are obligate nasal breathers and how the nasal passages respond to the enormous demands of exercise The science behind FLAIR® Equine Nasal Strips, proper application, and how they can reduce respiratory effort Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), nosebleeds, and the pressures placed on the lungs during intense exercise Respiratory load, energy expenditure, and what research has shown about how FLAIR Strips may help horses work more efficiently The following products, equipment, and topics were specifically discussed during the interview: FLAIR® Equine Nasal Strips Achieve Equine Equine boots Leg wraps Lasix Respiratory monitoring and research equipment Jim explains that FLAIR Strips are designed to support the soft tissue behind the nostrils rather than physically pulling the nostrils open. He recommends careful application, including cleaning the nose and positioning the edge of the Strip approximately two finger widths above the nostrils. The conversation also explores the difference between reducing respiratory resistance and increasing oxygen intake. According to Jim, the Strips allow the horse to take in the same amount of oxygen while doing so with less work. Jim also discusses his work developing equine products through Achieve Equine, drawing on his background as a veterinarian and his experience developing human medical devices. FLAIR® is offering HorseGrooms Podcast listeners 20% off FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips. Use code HORSEGROOM20 at checkout to save on your order. This offer is valid for one use per customer. Visit https://flairstrips.com to shop and redeem the offer. Terms and conditions may apply. 🌐 Website https://horsegrooms.com 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/horsegrooms 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/horse.grooms/ 🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@horse.grooms ▶️ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HorseGrooms 🎧 Follow HorseGrooms for interviews with the world's top professional grooms, behind-the-scenes stories from international competitions, horse care education, and practical tips from industry experts. 🌐 Website https://flairstrips.com 💼 LinkedIn — Jim Chiapetta https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimchiapetta/ 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/flairstrips/ 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FLAIRStrips 🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@flairstrips ▶️ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@flairstrips In This EpisodeProducts MentionedExclusive Discount for HorseGrooms Podcast ListenersConnect with HorseGroomsConnect with FLAIR® Equine Nasal Strips
#4
August 19 · 27 min
004 Lou Beudin: Preparing Out of the Blue SCF for the World Championships in Aachen
French groom Lou Beudin has spent the past nine years working alongside Katie Dinan and her team, building her career from local riding schools and national shows to the biggest stages in international show jumping. Now based between New York and Florida, Lou shares what it takes to care for top-level horses, travel internationally, and be part of a successful team. In this episode, Lou takes us behind the scenes of life as a professional groom, from understanding each horse's individual personality and maintaining consistent routines to preparing Out of the Blue SCF for the World Championships in Aachen. She explains why she believes simple, consistent horse care is often the best approach, how she manages recovery after big classes, and what it means to build a strong connection with the horses in her care. Lou also shares honest advice for aspiring grooms, including why you should take opportunities, ask questions, look after yourself during demanding show seasons, and remember that communication and respect are essential to a successful team. In This Episode Lou’s journey from France to a nine-year career with Katie Dinan Building trust and understanding each horse’s individual personality Daily routines at home and maintaining consistency at international shows Preparing Out of the Blue SCF for the World Championships in Aachen Simple, effective horse care: leg care, icing, wrapping, and recovery routines Products Mentioned 🛒 HorseGrooms Amazon Storefront: http://www.amazon.com/shop/horse.grooms The following products and equipment were specifically discussed during the interview: Centurion blanket Centurion foot pad Centurion neck piece Ice boots Magnetic therapy Leg wraps Clay Spa Massage tools Horsery horse monitoring camera system Lou explains that her recovery approach is always tailored to the individual horse, using tools like icing, spa sessions, wrapping, clay, and therapy as needed rather than following a fixed routine. She also highlights the use of the Centurion system after hard work and during shows to support recovery and performance. Connect with HorseGrooms 🌐 Website https://horsegrooms.com 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/horsegrooms 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/horse.grooms/ 🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@horse.grooms ▶️ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HorseGrooms 🎧 Follow HorseGrooms for interviews with the world's top professional grooms, behind-the-scenes stories from international competitions, horse care education, and practical tips from industry experts.
#3
August 13 · 33 min
003 Mental Health in the Horse World: Why Speaking Up Matters - With Sonja Ochadlik
American show jumper Sonya Chadlick opens up about mental health in the equestrian industry following the loss of a fellow horseman and the passing of her sister, Gina. Drawing from her own experiences with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD, Sonya shares an honest conversation about asking for help, breaking the stigma around mental health, and why no one should have to struggle alone. She also discusses the unique pressures faced by riders, grooms, and horse care professionals, the importance of creating supportive workplaces, and how simple acts of kindness, communication, and understanding can make a life-changing difference. Whether you're a groom, rider, trainer, barn manager, or anyone involved in the horse industry, this episode is a powerful reminder that mental health matters just as much as physical health and that reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Sonya's personal journey with depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and finding the right support How losing her sister and the recent loss of fellow horseman Shane inspired her to speak openly about mental health Why vulnerability, communication, and checking in on friends can save lives The unique mental health challenges facing riders, grooms, and horse care professionals Creating healthier workplaces through compassion, adequate rest, fair working conditions, and supportive teams Instagram: @sonyachadlick 🌐 Website https://horsegrooms.com 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/horsegrooms 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/horse.grooms/ 🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@horse.grooms ▶️ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HorseGrooms 🎧 Follow HorseGrooms for interviews with the world's top professional grooms, behind-the-scenes stories from international competitions, horse care education, career advice, and practical tips from experienced professionals across the equestrian industry. Join the monthly newsletter: https://horsegrooms.com/subscribe
#2
August 6 · 1 hr 1 min
002 What Excellence Looks Like Behind the Scenes at the Highest Level With Denise Moriarty
What does it really take to groom at the highest level of international show jumping? In this episode of the HorseGrooms Podcast, Dinette Neuteboom sits down with Denise Moriarty, longtime groom for Olympic show jumper Kent Farrington, for an in-depth conversation about the systems, routines, and horsemanship behind one of the world's top show jumping stables. Originally from Ireland, Denise shares how she built a career that has taken her around the world, why she's remained with Kent Farrington for more than 14 years, and the importance of communication, consistency, and teamwork in producing happy horses and championship performances. From feeding routines and daily barn management to grooming techniques, skincare, travel preparation, therapy equipment, saddle fit, and digital record keeping, Denise offers practical advice that every groom, rider, and horse owner can apply. The following products and brands were discussed during this episode: https://www.amazon.com/shop/horse.grooms Head & Shoulders Shampoo Johnson's Baby Shampoo Nivea Cream Baby Oil Curry Comb EquiFit Horse Socks Beet Pulp Mash Probiotic & Prebiotic Supplements Santa Fe Coat Spray Sports Innovations Magnetic Blanket Response Systems Magnetic Foot Pads HofMag PEMF System 🌐 Website ⁠https://horsegrooms.com⁠ 📘 Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/horsegrooms⁠ 📸 Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/horse.grooms/⁠ 🎵 TikTok ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@horse.grooms⁠ ▶️ YouTube⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@HorseGrooms⁠ 🎧 Follow HorseGrooms for interviews with the world's top professional grooms, behind-the-scenes stories from international competitions, horse care education, and practical tips from industry experts.
#1
August 3 · 19 min
001 Sue Schlegel on Why Great Horse Care Doesn't Have to Be Complicated
For decades, Sue Schlegel has been one of the most respected names in the show jumping world. As a longtime groom for Beezie Madden and John Madden, Sue has cared for some of the sport's greatest horses while helping build one of the most successful teams in international show jumping. In this episode, Sue shares how she got her start in horses, what it's really like working behind the scenes at the highest levels of the sport, and why keeping things simple is often the best approach to horse care. From daily routines and travel management to tack cleaning and career advice, this conversation is packed with practical knowledge for every groom, rider, and horse owner. Whether you're an aspiring professional groom or simply love learning from the best, this episode offers decades of experience from one of the industry's true legends. Sue's journey into professional grooming Working with Beezie Madden and John Madden Daily barn routines and horse management Why simple horse care often works best Travel tips for trucking and international flights Skin care and bathing routines Leg care, icing, wrapping, and recovery Preparing horses for competition Tack cleaning techniques and favorite products Advice for young grooms entering the industry What makes a great professional groom Building long-term relationships in top barns Career highlights and favorite memories The following products were specifically discussed during the interview: Back on Track wraps Ice boots Magnetic blanket GastroGard Belvoir Glycerin Saddle Soap Lexol Leather Conditioner (liquid) Sponge Warm water Water heater (for warming tack-cleaning water) 🌐 Website https://horsegrooms.com 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/horsegrooms 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/horse.grooms/ 🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@horse.grooms ▶️ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HorseGrooms 🎧 Follow HorseGrooms for interviews with the world's top professional grooms, behind-the-scenes stories from international competitions, horse care education, and practical tips from industry experts.
#3
May 28, 2023 · 44 min
003A With Olympic Groom Margo Thomas
Olympic groom Margo Thomas on what her days look like when the team is at home or showing on the road, her approach to leg and skin care, and her advice for aspiring professional horse grooms.
Apr 18, 2023 · 24 min
002A Ringmaster Pedro on attitude and support
Ringmaster Pedro (Cebulka) shares his perspective on giving back to a sport you love and fostering good mental attitudes in ourselves and new grooms. He also talks about how we can create an industry that allows for long, happy, and healthy grooming careers.
Apr 18, 2023 · 40 min
001A Lenore Brown of Wellington International on supporting each other
Lenore Brown, former groom and current Director of Sponsorship for Wellington International, gets honest about the challenges and opportunities faced in the grooming industry, advocating for your well-being and career development, and the unexpected skills you hone while grooming.

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