Each month, HorseGrooms and Corro proudly honor one outstanding groom from our HorseGrooms Insiders community — highlighting the dedication, expertise and heart that define our profession.
This month, we’re thrilled to feature Kirsty Bond as the Corro HorseGroom of the Month for March! In addition to receiving a $100 Corro gift card, Bond is being recognized with a special spotlight on our platforms. This interview was done before Bond’s rider, British jumper rider Ben Maher, finished second in the FEI World Cup Final in Basel, Switzerland, with Point Break.
From behind-the-scenes routines to career-defining moments, Bond shares her story, her favorite grooming essentials, and the lessons that have shaped her journey. It’s a must-read for anyone who believes great horsemanship starts in the barn.
Behind the Scenes with a Top Groom: A Conversation with Kirsty Bond
By Angela Rauwolf from Rauwolf Marketing
Horses have always been a part of my life. My mom and grandma had horses, so I was around them from a young age, but funnily enough, I was actually a little scared at first! That quickly changed, and by the time I was 7, I was riding regularly. I had a few ponies and competed in the pony jumpers in England, but my real passion for horse care and grooming developed when I became a working student for the British chef d’equipe Di Lampard. There, I groomed, rode and took lessons, gaining invaluable experience.
At 19, I had my first opportunity to work in Wellington, Florida, for Laura Kraut. It was an intense introduction to high-level competition, but it prepared me for what was to come. About 10 years ago, I started working for Ben Maher, and today, I’m his stable manager, responsible for every aspect of the horses’ care, staff and daily operations. Lately, I’ve been attending more shows, so my role is evolving once again.
Career Highlights: Grooming at the Highest Level
One of the most pivotal moments in my career was when I worked for McLain Ward in 2015, taking care of HH Azur. Together, we traveled to the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, FEI World Cup Finals and other major events. Grooming at the Olympics is a dream for anyone in this industry, and experiencing it firsthand was incredible. Of course, the horses don’t know they’re at the Olympics — they just follow their routine — but the energy and stakes are unmatched. I’ll never forget when Azur went double clear in the team competition, helping us secure a medal.
Another highlight was the 2017 FEI World Cup Final in Omaha, Nebraska. Azur won every single day, and the pressure leading into that final round was immense. Watching her win in front of a home crowd was unforgettable. More recently, in Geneva, Point Break placed third in the Top 10 Final at just 10 years old. Seeing these horses develop into top competitors is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.
The Art of Grooming: Preparing for Peak Performance
A big part of my job is making sure our horses are ready to perform at their best when it matters most. Ben and I plan everything backwards from big events, ensuring the horses have the right balance of rest and competition. Some need more rounds to stay sharp, while others do better with a lighter schedule. It’s all about knowing each horse and adjusting accordingly.
One of my favorites is Jazz (Enjeu de Grisien). In the stable, he’s sweet and easygoing — Ben’s son even rides him around! But the moment he steps into the ring, he’s all business. Some horses take longer to figure out their job, but once Jazz understood what was expected of him, he became a star. That transformation is what makes grooming so fulfilling.
The Changing Landscape of Grooming
When I first started grooming, there wasn’t much recognition for our work. You just got on with it, and that was that. Now, there are organizations and awards acknowledging the role of grooms in the industry, and it’s great to see the profession getting the respect it deserves.
For anyone starting in this career, my best advice is to work hard, ask questions and always be open to learning. Every barn has a different way of doing things, and there’s no single “right” way — you can always pick up new techniques and tricks along the way.
My Must-Have Grooming Gear
Over the years, I’ve developed a list of essentials I always keep on hand:
- A good sweeping broom (a witch’s broom — the bamboo ones are the best!)
- Treat balls like Uniballs or Jimmy Balls to keep horses entertained at shows
- Polos
- Mints (the horses love after competing)
- Epsom salt hoof packing (a must-have, though it’s only available in America and Canada, so we always stock up before heading back to Europe!)
I also love adding a bit of festive cheer to the stables, like Geneva and London. I’ll put up Christmas stockings and tinsel — nothing too over the top, but just enough to make things feel special. Ben keeps things simple, but those little touches bring a bit of fun to the team.
Final Thoughts: The Unsung Heroes of the Sport
Grooms are the backbone of the sport. Riders may be in the spotlight, but behind every great performance is a team working tirelessly to keep everything running smoothly. It’s a demanding job, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Want to be eligible to be chosen as the Corro HorseGroom of the Month? Join HorseGrooms Insiders to access mentorship, exclusive resources and monthly giveaways like this one.
Featured photo courtesy of Helen Cruden.
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.
