The workload for grooms in the equestrian world is intense. Long hours, physical labor and the emotional responsibility of caring for horses take a toll. This can lead to burnout and other health challenges. It’s important for grooms to know that help is available when they need it. We spoke with Benedict Koopmans, a Dutch mental performance coach in the equestrian industry, to explore how grooms can protect their well-being.
The Questions Benedict Koopmans Answers in HorseGrooms Insiders
- Why is it important to set boundaries in a high-pressure work environment?
- How can grooms better understand the beliefs shaping their work habits?
- How can grooms manage perfectionism and stress?
- How can grooms find balance in their lives?
- How can grooms and employers create healthier working relationships?
- How can grooms build resilience, both mentally and physically?
- What role does the equestrian industry play in creating a healthy mental work environment?
- What techniques can strengthen mental resilience?
- Five practical tips for grooms to stay balanced.
Learn more about Insiders and join to take your grooming to the next level!
The doors to HorseGrooms Insiders officially opened on January 7, 2025. We’re incredibly excited for this next chapter of HorseGrooms and love to see how Insiders can make a difference in your careers and lives. Whether you’re just starting out or already working with top-level horses, Insiders is here to support you on your journey.
I’ve had a passion for breeding show jumping horses for over 30 years. I spent nine years looking after broodmares. After that, I wanted to learn more about the bloodlines of top sport horses and was given the opportunity to work as a groom in a top stable in Germany. It was here that my appreciation for grooms began, back in 2008.
So far, my journey as a groom and journalist has given me wonderful memories. I have had the opportunity to be close to some amazing show jumping horses. I have worked as a groom in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands–long enough to get to know the horses, but not long enough to become a very good groom. I am now better at writing articles. HorseGrooms is a very good initiative to get support with many questions and to strive to become a better groom.
