
Thinking about becoming a freelance horse groom, or already working as one? In this episode of The HorseGrooms Podcast, Czech freelance groom and entrepreneur Lucie Kostecka shares practical advice on contracts, daily rates, boundaries, working internationally, horse care, and building a business alongside a grooming career. Discover the biggest takeaways from the episode, listen to the full conversation, and explore additional HorseGrooms resources for freelance grooms.

Thinking about becoming a freelance horse groom, or already working as one? In this episode of The HorseGrooms Podcast, Czech freelance groom and entrepreneur Lucie Kostecka shares practical advice on contracts, daily rates, boundaries, working internationally, horse care, and building a business alongside a grooming career. Discover the biggest takeaways from the episode, listen to the full conversation, and explore additional HorseGrooms resources for freelance grooms.
Thinking about becoming a freelance horse groom, or already working as one? In this episode of The HorseGrooms Podcast, Czech freelance groom and entrepreneur Lucie Kostecka shares practical advice on contracts, daily rates, boundaries, working internationally, horse care, and building a business alongside a grooming career. Discover the biggest takeaways from the episode, listen to the full conversation, and explore additional HorseGrooms resources for freelance grooms.

What does it take to manage nearly 80 horses, multiple trainers, and a large team while maintaining exceptional horse care? In this episode of the HorseGrooms Podcast, Oakland Stables Barn Manager Kristen Chandler shares how communication, thoughtful systems, and strong horsemanship keep one of North America’s largest show jumping operations running smoothly. From whiteboards and spreadsheets to turnout schedules and team culture, Kristen offers practical lessons every horse care professional can apply.
What does it take to manage nearly 80 horses, multiple trainers, and a large team while maintaining exceptional horse care? In this episode of the HorseGrooms Podcast, Oakland Stables Barn Manager Kristen Chandler shares how communication, thoughtful systems, and strong horsemanship keep one of North America’s largest show jumping operations running smoothly. From whiteboards and spreadsheets to turnout schedules and team culture, Kristen offers practical lessons every horse care professional can apply.

Good communication and strong people management are just as important in a barn as they are in any other workplace. In this episode of the HorseGrooms Podcast, professional groom Natalia Zoi explains why she founded Ippos Pro Consulting to bring HR-style support to equestrian businesses, helping employers and employees communicate more openly, address problems earlier, improve workplace systems, and build stronger teams. By acting as a neutral link between both sides, Ippos Pro can help employers understand what their teams need while giving employees a confidential way to share feedback. In an industry where finding and keeping experienced grooms is increasingly difficult, better communication, leadership, and employee management can support staff retention, stronger businesses, and more consistent care for the horses.
Good communication and strong people management are just as important in a barn as they are in any other workplace. In this episode of the HorseGrooms Podcast, professional groom Natalia Zoi explains why she founded Ippos Pro Consulting to bring HR-style support to equestrian businesses, helping employers and employees communicate more openly, address problems earlier, improve workplace systems, and build stronger teams. By acting as a neutral link between both sides, Ippos Pro can help employers understand what their teams need while giving employees a confidential way to share feedback. In an industry where finding and keeping experienced grooms is increasingly difficult, better communication, leadership, and employee management can support staff retention, stronger businesses, and more consistent care for the horses.

Italian show groom Sofia Viola cares for horses across continents as part of Saudi Olympic rider Abdulrahman Al-Rajhi’s team. In this episode of The HorseGrooms Podcast, she shares the routines behind Ventago’s Spruce Meadows victory, her approach to caring for individual horses, life and horse care in the Middle East, and why horses have an extraordinary way of bringing people from different cultures together.
Italian show groom Sofia Viola cares for horses across continents as part of Saudi Olympic rider Abdulrahman Al-Rajhi’s team. In this episode of The HorseGrooms Podcast, she shares the routines behind Ventago’s Spruce Meadows victory, her approach to caring for individual horses, life and horse care in the Middle East, and why horses have an extraordinary way of bringing people from different cultures together.

Most horse people have seen FLAIR® Equine Nasal Strips. The adhesive Strips are placed across a horse’s nose and are used by riders and grooms in several disciplines. But what do they actually do? How can a Strip placed on the outside of the nose make breathing easier for a horse? In this episode of The HorseGrooms Podcast, Dr. Jim Chiapetta explains the science behind equine breathing and the development of FLAIR Nasal Strips. He also discusses exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, the signs of breathing problems that grooms should never ignore, and a new tendon boot Achieve Equine is developing to reduce heat buildup around the horse’s legs. And there’s a discount code for everyone who’d like to try the Strips.
Most horse people have seen FLAIR® Equine Nasal Strips. The adhesive Strips are placed across a horse’s nose and are used by riders and grooms in several disciplines. But what do they actually do? How can a Strip placed on the outside of the nose make breathing easier for a horse? In this episode of The HorseGrooms Podcast, Dr. Jim Chiapetta explains the science behind equine breathing and the development of FLAIR Nasal Strips. He also discusses exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, the signs of breathing problems that grooms should never ignore, and a new tendon boot Achieve Equine is developing to reduce heat buildup around the horse’s legs. And there’s a discount code for everyone who’d like to try the Strips.

French groom Lou Beudin traveled to the United States for what was supposed to be a three-month opportunity. Nine years later, she is Katie Dinan’s longtime groom and, at the time of this recording, was preparing Out of the Blue SCF, better known as Bridie, for the 2026 FEI Jumping World Championship in Aachen. In this episode of the HorseGrooms Podcast, Lou shares her journey from a local riding school in France to the world stage, the daily routines and simple approach to leg care that help Bridie feel her best, and why communication, respect, and proper support for grooms benefit the horses and the entire operation.
French groom Lou Beudin traveled to the United States for what was supposed to be a three-month opportunity. Nine years later, she is Katie Dinan’s longtime groom and, at the time of this recording, was preparing Out of the Blue SCF, better known as Bridie, for the 2026 FEI Jumping World Championship in Aachen. In this episode of the HorseGrooms Podcast, Lou shares her journey from a local riding school in France to the world stage, the daily routines and simple approach to leg care that help Bridie feel her best, and why communication, respect, and proper support for grooms benefit the horses and the entire operation.

After reading Sonja Ochadlik’s deeply personal Instagram post, HorseGrooms invited her onto the HorseGrooms Podcast to continue an important conversation about mental health in the horse world. Sonja shares why asking for help should feel as normal as seeking care for a physical injury, and what friends, employers, and equestrian teams can do to help people feel less alone.
After reading Sonja Ochadlik’s deeply personal Instagram post, HorseGrooms invited her onto the HorseGrooms Podcast to continue an important conversation about mental health in the horse world. Sonja shares why asking for help should feel as normal as seeking care for a physical injury, and what friends, employers, and equestrian teams can do to help people feel less alone.

What does excellence actually look like behind the scenes at one of the world’s top show jumping stables? In this episode of the HorseGrooms Podcast, Denise Moriarty shares how 14 years with current World No. 1 Kent Farrington have taught her that great horse care is built on communication, consistency, and attention to detail. From documenting every competition round and weighing horses weekly to monitoring subtle changes and working closely with riders, veterinarians, and farriers, Denise explains how thoughtful systems help horses perform at their best. Although she works at the highest level of the sport, the lessons she shares are practical ideas that every horse care professional can apply.
What does excellence actually look like behind the scenes at one of the world’s top show jumping stables? In this episode of the HorseGrooms Podcast, Denise Moriarty shares how 14 years with current World No. 1 Kent Farrington have taught her that great horse care is built on communication, consistency, and attention to detail. From documenting every competition round and weighing horses weekly to monitoring subtle changes and working closely with riders, veterinarians, and farriers, Denise explains how thoughtful systems help horses perform at their best. Although she works at the highest level of the sport, the lessons she shares are practical ideas that every horse care professional can apply.

For more than three decades, Sue Schlegel has cared for some of the world’s top show jumpers alongside John and Beezie Madden. In this article, based on her conversation on The HorseGrooms Podcast – Presented by Horcery, Sue shares the horse care philosophy that has guided her remarkable career. From daily management and traveling horses to tack cleaning, why good grooms stay with great employers, staff retention, and the importance of observation, her practical advice reminds us that great horse care is often built on consistency rather than complexity.
For more than three decades, Sue Schlegel has cared for some of the world’s top show jumpers alongside John and Beezie Madden. In this article, based on her conversation on The HorseGrooms Podcast – Presented by Horcery, Sue shares the horse care philosophy that has guided her remarkable career. From daily management and traveling horses to tack cleaning, why good grooms stay with great employers, staff retention, and the importance of observation, her practical advice reminds us that great horse care is often built on consistency rather than complexity.

The HorseGrooms Podcast returns on August 1 with practical conversations about horse care, horsemanship, and the people behind the horses. From championship grooms and barn managers to veterinarians, entrepreneurs, and industry experts, each episode is designed to educate, inspire, and strengthen the global grooming community. Meet our first guests, discover our partnership with Horcery, and learn how you can listen, stay updated, or become a podcast sponsor.
The HorseGrooms Podcast returns on August 1 with practical conversations about horse care, horsemanship, and the people behind the horses. From championship grooms and barn managers to veterinarians, entrepreneurs, and industry experts, each episode is designed to educate, inspire, and strengthen the global grooming community. Meet our first guests, discover our partnership with Horcery, and learn how you can listen, stay updated, or become a podcast sponsor.

The former groom and current Director of Sponsorship for Wellington International discusses the positives of the horse industry and the power of reinvention.
The former groom and current Director of Sponsorship for Wellington International discusses the positives of the horse industry and the power of reinvention.
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