Corro HorseGroom of the Month December 2025: Alexandra Philpin

Corro and HorseGrooms know that behind every great horse is a wonderful caregiver. That’s why, each month, Corro and HorseGroom select one member of HorseGrooms Insiders to celebrate their dedication to horses and their care. Whether you are a professional groom taking care of six or seven-figure horses or taking care of your own horses at home, at HorseGrooms, we believe that if you care for horses or like to learn about them, you belong here. HorseGrooms Insiders is for everyone who looks after horses, whether you are employed as a groom, manage your own herd, or help a friend on weekends.

HorseGrooms Insiders is an exclusive membership for everyone looking to learn, grow and connect with industry experts. Every Corro HorseGroom of the Month receives a $100 Corro gift card and is featured in a special interview. Go to horsegrooms.com/insiders to learn more.

Behind the Barn Doors: A Groom’s Journey From Donkeys on the Beach to Dressage Barn Manager. An Interview with Alexandra Philpin

How did your journey with horses begin?

I’ve been around horses for as long as I can remember. I grew up in England, and when most kids were playing in the sand at the beach, I was following the donkeys offering rides. I officially started riding at four years old, and by the time I was eleven, I was competing in the junior jumpers. I continued competing until I aged out at sixteen, then moved into eventing for several years before eventually finding my way to dressage.

What has your grooming career looked like?

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working across several disciplines and with many incredible riders, programs, and teams. My grooming career has taken me around the world and shaped the horsewoman I am today.

I served as head groom and barn manager for Karen O’Connor (when she was Lende), which gave me a deep foundation in managing event horses at the highest level. From there, I became the event horse manager and head eventing groom for Missy Ransehousen, and later an international competition groom for para rider Rebecca Hart.

I also worked as head groom and manager for para rider Angela Peavy, as well as barn manager and head groom for Arlene (Tuny) Page. Along the way, I groomed full-time for competition rider Beatrice (Trixi) Marienau, gaining even more experience at the top level of dressage.

My journey also included major championship teams. I served as a USA Team Groom at the 1995 Pan American Games in Argentina for the eventing team, and later at the 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 Paralympic Games. I was also part of the Para Dressage Team at the 2010, 2014, and 2018 World Equestrian Games.

In addition, I’ve worked as an FEI dressage groom across Europe, including the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. Each role taught me something different—about horses, horsemanship, and the importance of a strong, supportive team behind every successful rider.

Who are you working with now, and what does a typical day look like?

Right now, I’m the barn manager at Nashoba Valley Farm, a private dressage barn. My days usually start with putting together the schedule for the horses—ride times, turnout, walker or treadmill sessions. We try to keep the horses out of their stalls as much as possible.

I also handle all the grain prep myself. I’ve learned that a “pound” scoop can vary a lot from person to person, so I keep everything consistent and adjust feeds based on how much work each horse is doing that day.

A lot of my days include lunging horses, helping with vet appointments, watching training sessions, or stepping in to ride or hack out when needed. On top of that, I manage budgeting, invoicing, and accounting communications for the farm. There are many moving parts, but the best moments are always when I get to be hands-on or watch a horse work with a trainer or clinician.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I would tell myself that good horsemanship comes from routine and consistency. Horses really thrive when things happen in a predictable way, so I try to keep their days as steady as possible, even if the riding schedule changes.

I’m also a big believer in old-fashioned grooming. I see a lot of people bathing horses with soap constantly, but too much soap dries out the coat. I stick to thorough curry combing every day and try not to do more than one soapy bath a week.

Is there a particular product from Corro that you swear by?

One of my favorite tools is the Tiger Tongue sponge. After a proper groom, it gives the horses this beautiful shine that I absolutely love. I also tend to use tea tree oil shampoo and liniment gel—especially after I’ve done bodywork. I’m a trained equine massage therapist, so I like using products that help bring down heat and support recovery.

How has HorseGrooms helped you in your career?

I’ve been a member of HorseGrooms pretty much since the platform started. I love that I can get different perspectives whenever I need help with something, and the educational opportunities—like the seminars in Wellington—have been fantastic.

For me, the biggest thing is the sense of support. This industry can be tough, and burnout is very real. I’ve been lucky to work for owners who treated me well, but I know that isn’t the case for everyone. Groups like HorseGrooms really help push the industry toward healthier expectations and better working environments for grooms.