If you are lucky enough to be traveling for freelance grooming, I can advise you on a few things that might help to make it more comfortable for you.
Filling Up Your Suitcase
Bring enough trousers, shorts, t-shirts for everyday and a couple of nice shirts for team dinners. Bring a selection of shoes that are comfortable and lightweight. Bring light padded jackets that roll up tight in your baggage. If it might rain a lot, ask your boss to put in extra spare coats for you. Choose fabrics that are light and easy to pack that dry well. Bring a wooly hat or a sun hat. I always have a hat; it can be a lifesaver on frosty mornings or hot days, especially if you are outside all day. Bring your own thermos cup for drinks and snacks that you can eat that first day you arrive. My favorite snack of the moment are sesame bars; I’ve got 20 of them ready for China (for the Asian Games), so I know I’ll be eating something relatively healthy and familiar.
Choosing the Right Food for You on the Road
If you are like me and you are sensitive to changes in food, bring what you know works for you, or ask your boss to provide you with certain foods that you like. Horse show food can be really hit or miss, and the more I travel, the more I have problems with the food–hence I bring my own special supply.
Between grooming supplies, snacks, and designated travel clothes, Alison McIvor has her packing list narrowed down to a science – and she’s letting you in on it.
Click and read her fourth installment of the HorseGrooms’ Guide to Freelancing in full on the HorseGrooms Community. Set up a free profile in the HorseGrooms Community, and you’ll gain exclusive access to special resources, opportunities, courses and more. Sign up and view the article exclusively on Community.
I’m absolutely delighted to be contributing to HorseGrooms and be part of their team.
I’ve been grooming horses up to the five-star and Olympic level for over 40 years, so I guess I’m a veteran with lots of experience taking care of countless horses worldwide. In 2013, I started Show Grooms International Ltd. as a specialist equine recruitment company with the goals of pairing top stables with the best grooms and filling any other ancillary positions. Since, it has amassed a collection of distinguished clients and incredible job opportunities across the world.
When I started grooming at age 14, I read old stable management books full of know-how from the 19th century! Whilst technology has changed vastly in 200 years, horses haven’t–and really their basic needs are the same.
HorseGrooms gives everyone, including me, a chance to learn, share and inspire with diverse topics. I’m definitely looking forward to being part of a new age platform sharing ancient and modern ideas.
