Corro and HorseGrooms know that behind every great horse is a wonderful caregiver. That’s why each month, Corro and HorseGrooms 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 Taking Western Lessons to the International Show Ring. An Interview with Kaleb Vandervort
How did your journey with horses begin?
I actually grew up riding at a small Western barn in Texas, where I grew up when I was only six. I took weekly lessons all through high school, and loved every second of it. However, things changed when I went to college as I ended up joining my school’s polo team. It gave me the opportunity to ride five times per week for a small fee each semester.
At the same time, I was working for the Division I equestrian team, and was part of the ranch horse team. That’s actually where I first got into grooming as well. We had about 75 horses to care for, so most of what I’ve learned about the job has been through hands-on experience. Needless to say, my riding background is a bit all over the place – but it definitely gave me a really well-rounded foundation.
What has your grooming career looked like since college?
After college, I took a big leap and got a job working for a top international show jumper. Going from my mostly western riding background to standing on the side of a top-level warm-up ring was quite the experience. I quickly learned the fundamentals such as how to properly fold blankets and manage horses in a high-performance barn. I’m so grateful for my time there, it was a great first grooming job.
My next job was at a hunter sales barn in Ocala, Florida. I was essentially a working student, and really got the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the hunter world. How to braid, manage show turnout, putting in fake tails, and the overall structure of hunter and equitation classes was all new to me. I learned so much during my time in Ocala, and it was where I discovered that I was meant to groom in the hunter/jumper world.
Currently, I’m working my first season in Wellington, Florida and have been doing freelance work. It didn’t start out that way, but I’m happy it’s evolved into that as it’s given me great opportunities to experience different programs and environments
What does a typical day look like for you?
On an average day, I do pretty standard barn chores. Of course, every morning starts with a coffee before heading out to the barn to do stalls and turnout. Currently myself and a coworker are in charge of seven horses, so it’s definitely a shared effort. I also do quite a bit of work keeping things organized such as coordinating schedules, tracking farrier and vet appointments, and ensuring everything is running smoothly.
My favorite part of my day is watching rides from the side of the ring. There’s something about standing so close to the horses while they’re jumping so high – you can actually feel the ground shake when they land on the other side of a fence. The first time I experienced that, I just knew that’s where I was meant to be.
Overall, I really enjoy taking care of the horses after their rides. I didn’t get to experience that one-on-one time with them earlier in my career, so it’s really nice to have that chance now. Grooming and taking care of the horses after they’ve put in a great ride feels like giving back to them, it’s my way of saying thank you.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about grooming, what would it be?
I would tell myself: you know less than you think you do.
When I was younger, I thought I had a pretty good handle on things, but every new job introduced me to someone who knew so much more. It really humbled me and made me realize how important it is to stay open and keep learning.
There’s always more to learn in this industry, and the sooner you embrace that, the better off you’ll be.
Do you have any go-to grooming tips or tricks?
I actually have a whole section in my notes app on my phone called ‘Groom Smarts’ where I write down tips that I learn or come up with. One of my favorites is to use Head & Shoulders shampoo to bathe a horse before you clip them.
It sounds a bit unconventional, but it gives their coat a bit of texture and lift to help the hair stand up. That helps the clippers get a cleaner cut as opposed to using a traditional horse shampoo which makes the coat sleek and shiny – which is great, just not ideal for clipping.
Something to keep in mind if you do try this trick – wash out the soap very thoroughly! If any trace of the shampoo is left behind, it can irritate the horse’s skin, so be sure to rinse well after washing.
Is there a behind-the-scenes moment from your career you’re particularly proud of?
I was the groom for a horse who won the Junior Hunter Finals a few years ago. He was quite the quirky horse, as the best ones always are, and his personality was a bit unpredictable. I spent a lot of time connecting with him, checking in on him at night, and gaining his trust.
When all the pieces came together and he won the Finals, it was a wildly emotional moment. Standing ringside with my boss as they went over the last jump, we both started tearing up. It was just so special.
What keeps the job fun and engaging for you?
I like to find small ways to break up the routine and keep things fun. One thing I do is set up self-timer photos or videos throughout the day – whether it’s a jumping shot or something with the horses and my coworkers. It’s a fun way to capture moments and keep things light.
Outside of the barn, I enjoy cooking and crocheting, and I actually make horse bonnets. It’s a nice creative outlet that still keeps me connected to the horses, but in a more relaxed way.
And of course, spending time with other grooms and riders helps too. Having people who understand the day-to-day ups and downs makes all the difference.
What’s one of your favorite products from Corro?
I love browsing the store in Wellington, especially after HorseGrooms events. One of my favorite staples that they carry is the Tiger Tongue sponge. It’s incredibly effective, and works like magic at getting the horse super clean.
Another staple are the Haas plastic curry combs. Unlike a rubber curry, the plastic ones are sturdy and can be used to clean bristle brushes, and are perfect at lifting the dirt up to the surface of the horse’s coat.
How has HorseGrooms helped you in your career?
The community that I’ve been introduced to through HorseGrooms has been the biggest thing for me. It can feel intimidating to go to an event and meet new people for the first time, but it’s 100% worth it. Getting the opportunity to meet other grooms, share experiences, and learn from one another is invaluable.
At every event, there’s always something new to learn and use in my day-to-day life as a groom. Having a space to continue to learn and grow no matter your experience level, is such a great opportunity. Having a support system while working in this industry is so incredibly important.
Photos courtesy of Julie Ahn Media
Hey, Pssst…. Would You Like To Be Featured Too And Receive a $100 Corro Gift Card? Become a HorseGrooms Insider!
Would you also like to be featured on this website and receive a $100 Corro gift card? Become a HorseGrooms Insider! As an Insider, you could be selected as our next Corro HorseGroom of the Month, share your story with the community, and be recognized for your work behind the scenes.
Beyond that, Insiders get access to exclusive educational resources, monthly live Q&As with top grooms and industry experts, replays of all sessions, and direct access to HorseGrooms Mentors. You’ll also be part of a supportive community through the Insiders Chat, with additional perks like huge discounts and free resources designed to help you learn, grow, and feel more connected in your work with horses.
Learn more about HorseGrooms Insiders here: https://horsegrooms.com/horsegrooms-insiders-where-grooms-go-to-grow/ and here: https://horsegrooms.com/insiders.
Discount Code for Your Insiders Membership
You can try Insiders with a 7-day free trial to see if it’s the right fit for you and we have a 10% discount code (CORRO10) for you to make it even more interesting.
Straight to the signup page for Insiders: https://community.horsegrooms.com/checkout/insider. Don’t forget to use the code CORRO10 for 10% off!
Corro is an e-commerce platform dedicated to making it easier for equestrians, especially grooms, to get the supplies they need. Founded by horse owners, Corro offers a curated selection of top-quality horse care products, tack and barn essentials, including grooming tools, shampoos and everyday must-haves. With transparent pricing, fast shipping, autoship options and superior customer service, Corro provides a seamless and reliable shopping experience. Many of Corro’s team members have worked as professional grooms, so they understand the demands of the job and are committed to supporting the people behind the scenes. Visit corroshop.com to stock up on the essentials that keep horses looking and feeling their best.
