Corentin Tual Defies the Odds to Become a Top Groom

France’s Corentin Tual’s prestigious position as Barn Manager and Head Groom to Lillie Keenan was not a role he was born into. In fact, his journey into the sport began almost by accident, when a childhood friend became interested in riding and Tual decided to give it a try.

“I saw something and then I tried and I loved it,” Tual said. “Yeah, it was kind of by accident.”

Now 31, Tual has gone from a non-equestrian family background to working at the very top of international showjumping, proving that dedication, curiosity, and a genuine love for horses can open doors that once seemed firmly closed.

From Non-Horse Family to High Performance Sport

Growing up without horses in his family, Tual did not follow a traditional path into the industry. What started as curiosity quickly turned into commitment. Over time, he realised that working with horses was not just something he enjoyed, but something he wanted to pursue seriously.

His career took a decisive turn almost a decade ago when he moved to the United States, originally with the goal of learning English. What he found instead was an opportunity to immerse himself in high performance showjumping.

“I think this is the moment when things got very serious,” he said of arriving in Florida in 2018. “I wanted to travel to learn English, and then this is where I end up.”

Building Experience on Both Sides of the Atlantic

Tual’s resume reflects years of learning in top showjumping barns in both Europe and the United States. Each position added experience, perspective, and responsibility, gradually shaping his approach to grooming and horse management.

After settling in the U.S. six years ago, he joined Lillie Keenan’s program, where he now works alongside three other grooms to care for a string of nine horses.

“We all do everything,” Tual explained. “I like to see all of the horses. That way, when I’m on the road, it’s easier to manage them.”

Teamwork and Shared Responsibility

Despite his title as Barn Manager and Head Groom, Tual emphasizes teamwork above hierarchy. Everyone in the barn shares responsibilities, and every horse is familiar to every groom.

This collective approach not only supports consistency but also ensures that the horses receive attentive care, even when schedules change or the team is traveling.

Caring for Experienced Top Horses

Two of the most seasoned horses in Keenan’s string are Fasther and Argan de Beliard, both 16 years old and central to the team’s success. Fasther recently claimed victory in the $215,000 NetJets Grand Prix at Saturday Night Lights, a moment that highlighted the value of experience and careful preparation.

“With the older ones, it takes a little longer,” Tual said. “Lots of stretching, laser, magnetic therapy. We take our time.”

He tailors routines to each horse, recognizing that age, mileage, and personality all play a role in how a horse feels and performs.

Routine, Focus, and Knowing the Job

Tual believes experienced horses understand the importance of big moments. According to him, they can sense when an event matters and adjust their focus accordingly.

“When they’re 16 years old, they know exactly what they have to do,” he said. Fasther’s preparation before Saturday Night Lights reflected that awareness. “When you braid him, he’s not moving. He’s very focused. He drinks, he eats a little bit, and then he rests. He knows what’s going on.”

That awareness carried through to the lap of honor, where the veteran gelding surged forward with unexpected enthusiasm.

“I wonder what he would have done if he had come second,” Tual said, laughing. “Because I had a horse once who knew the difference. If he was winning, you could do anything you wanted to him after the class. If he was second, you couldn’t touch him.”

Big Goals and Olympic Ambitions

Looking ahead, the team’s goals extend far beyond weekly competition. Major championships and long-term ambitions are very much part of the plan, including the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.

“This is not just a hobby,” Tual said. “We are taking care of horses and we want to go to the Olympics. We have sports goals.”

Emotional Investment Beyond the Routine

While routine and professionalism are essential, Tual is clear that emotion plays an important role in his work. He takes genuine joy in seeing the horses succeed and believes they feel it too.

“I’m really happy when they succeed,” he said. “I feel they’re very happy about it too.”

That emotional connection extends beyond the barn. Despite growing up without horses, Tual’s mother, Claudine, has become an enthusiastic supporter of the sport.

“She follows the rider and she’s got a couple of favorites,” Tual said. “She used to be afraid of horses, and now she’s a real fan.”

A Message for the Next Generation

Tual’s story is one of persistence, growth, and belief. He knows the path is demanding and does not shy away from that reality when offering advice to others.

“You really have got to be committed and you really got to love horses,” he said. “That’s very important. Because if you don’t, there’s no chance you’re going to be able to do it. But if you really want to do this, you just have to do it.”

Against the odds, Corentin Tual did just that, and built a career at the very top of the sport by showing up every day with focus, respect, and dedication to the horses in his care.

Feature Photo: Ashley Neuhof Photography

About the Partnership Between HorseGrooms and Wellington International

This groom interview is part of an ongoing series by HorseGrooms, featured throughout the Wellington season in the official publications of Wellington International, the WEF Weekly Wire, and the AGDF Times. By highlighting the grooms behind elite competition, Wellington International supports HorseGrooms’ mission to give greater visibility to the people whose daily care, horsemanship, and dedication underpin top-level equestrian sport.

HorseGrooms collaborates with events, horse show organizations, brands, and professionals worldwide to share practical knowledge and real stories from the people who care for horses every day, from local barns to top-level competition venues.

For support options and to learn more, go to www.horsegrooms.com/get-involved

Sarah Eakin 🇬🇧

Sarah Eakin has a long history of sports reporting and covering equestrian disciplines – particularly show jumping, polo, racing and dressage – for a range of international publications as writer and editor-in-chief. In 2024, Sarah launched Paper Horse – an online magazine with an eclectic mix of stories from the horse world at www.paperhorsemedia.com. Paper Horse is an official Media Partner of Wellington International. Sarah was born in England and came to the US in 1996 as Sidelines’ Polo Editor; at the time she was chief polo writer at the Horse and Hound and Polo Correspondent to The Daily Telegraph. She married US professional polo player Gary Eakin and stayed Stateside traveling throughout North America while covering equestrian events. She is also an author; Wed, White and Blue, her first novel is on Amazon.