Corro HorseGroom of the Month June 2026: Joanne Tyrrell

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: From Playing High-Goal Polo to Grooming in the States. An Interview with Joanne Tyrrell 

How did your journey with horses begin?

Horses have always been a part of who I am. My family wasn’t involved with horses at all, we lived in an urban area, but they completely indulged my obsession. Looking back, I probably bankrupted them with riding lessons, but they made it happen.

I was lucky enough to have my own horse growing up, and every free moment outside of school was spent at the farm. It was the 1970s, so it was a very different environment than today. We were essentially a group of kids and horses running around with very little supervision, but I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything.

There were hunt horses, point-to-point horses, horses of every kind, and I was exposed to so many different disciplines from an early age. Horses have always been in my blood.

How did your career in the horse industry evolve?

I always considered myself a capable rider, but my passion never really involved competing. What I loved was producing horses, helping them become the best version of themselves, and watching talented riders bring out their full potential.

After finishing school, I started working with family hunters before moving into steeplechasing with a well-known trainer in England. That eventually led me into polo, and I spent the next twenty years immersed in high-goal polo. I was incredibly fortunate to work for one of the world’s top polo players at a young age. We traveled all over the world, won nearly every major tournament in England, and I had the opportunity to ride some truly exceptional horses.

Eventually, that career brought me to Wellington, Florida for the winter polo season. After years of living out of suitcases and traveling constantly, I realized I wanted to settle down somewhere. Wellington had horses, work, and sunshine, so I’ve called it home for the past twenty-five years.

Along the way, I also spent nearly a decade working at an equine veterinary hospital, where I learned how to administer anesthesia, assisted with surgeries, and gained a completely different perspective on horse care. Working in surgery taught me so much because I wasn’t just caring for horses externally anymore, I was literally seeing how they worked from the inside out.

What does your current role look like?

I currently freelance throughout the winter in Wellington, helping with everything from grooming to body clipping. During the summers, I work with an event rider in Upperville, Virginia. It’s a much smaller operation than some of the large show barns I’ve worked in over the years, and at this stage in my career, I really appreciate that balance.

I’ve reached a point where I know my limits, and I’ve learned that there’s nothing wrong with choosing a schedule that allows you to continue enjoying the work you love.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Most mornings start around 7 a.m. I’ll feed the horses, clean stalls, and get everything ready before the horses are ridden. Once they’re turned out, I perform all of the typical daily chores that keep a barn running smoothly.

When we’re home, the schedule is fairly relaxed. Either myself or my boss is always nearby because event horses have a talent for finding creative ways to get themselves into trouble.

During the summer we’ll head to jumper shows and horse trials throughout Virginia, then come back home and settle into the routine again. Compared to some of the FEI grooming jobs I’ve had over the years, these days are a little quieter, and I’m perfectly happy with that. 

Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self?

Never stop learning.

Every horse teaches you something. Every person you work alongside teaches you something. Sometimes you learn exactly what to do, and sometimes you learn what not to do, but either way, you’re learning.

Throughout my career I’ve taken massage courses, bridle fitting courses, and anything else that would help me better understand horses. I’m especially passionate about horse welfare and how our understanding of biomechanics, training, and management continues to evolve. The more we learn, the better lives we can provide for the horses we ask to perform. 

What’s one lesson you’ve learned that every groom should know?

Attention to detail is everything.

The smallest things are often what separate a good groom from a great one. Whether it’s the way you clean tack, prepare a horse, or organize your workspace, those little details add up.

I’m also a huge believer in organization. My philosophy has always been, “there’s a place for everything, and everything in its place.”

Taking thirty extra seconds to hang up a bridle correctly or put equipment away properly saves you far more time later in the day, and makes everyone’s job easier. 

What are some of your favorite grooming products from Corro?

I’m probably a little old-fashioned compared to some people. I believe good nutrition is one of the biggest contributors to a beautiful coat, and ground flax has always been one of my favorites for creating a healthy shine.

One grooming tool I always reach for is a good, sturdy curry comb. It’s one of the most effective ways to loosen dirt, stimulate the skin, and bring natural oils to the surface before you ever pick up another brush. A solid grooming routine starts with good currying.

For finishing touches before heading into the ring, I actually use inexpensive microfiber car-washing mitts instead of specialty grooming mitts. They lift dust beautifully, cost less, and work just as well. Sometimes the simplest grooming tools, and a little attention to detail, are still the best ones.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Winning major polo tournaments will always be special because those victories were true team efforts. Everyone, from the riders to every single groom, played an important role in those successes.

More recently, though, one award stands out. A few years ago I received the Best Turned Out Award at a three-star event in Lexington, Virginia. I didn’t even know the award existed, which made it even more meaningful.

It was judged by the Ground Jury after watching us throughout the entire competition week. Knowing that experienced horsemen noticed the attention to detail that goes into preparing a horse meant a great deal to me.

How do you stay motivated after so many years in the industry?

Honestly, the horses are still what motivate me. I still love being around them every day and helping present them at their absolute best.

Outside of work, life is pretty simple. My two Jack Russell Terriers go almost everywhere with me, and while I’m in Virginia we spend our evenings walking miles around the beautiful countryside. Sometimes the best way to recharge is simply enjoying where you are.

How has the HorseGrooms community impacted your career?

I think HorseGrooms is doing something incredibly important for our industry. For years, grooms have been the backbone of the horse world, but we haven’t always been recognized or treated as the professionals we are. HorseGrooms is helping change that by bringing people together, creating educational opportunities, and encouraging continued learning.

I’ve attended clinics HorseGrooms has hosted on topics like bridle fitting and enjoy anything related to nutrition or horse welfare. Those opportunities help all of us continue improving.

There’s still progress to be made, but I love seeing a community that’s working to elevate the profession and remind people just how valuable skilled grooms truly are.

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!