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 Life From a New Jersey Farm to FEI Show Days. An Interview with Gracie Allen
How did your journey with horses begin?
Horses have never been just a hobby for me, they’ve been constant throughout my entire life. I grew up on my family’s lesson and boarding farm in New Jersey, so I’ve been immersed in barn life since day one. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been riding, helping with barn chores, and have had hands-on experience with a wide variety of horses.
Although our farm mostly focused on hunter jumpers, my dad also has a western background, so I’ve had a range of experiences when it comes to disciplines. Growing up around horses truly cemented the fact that I wanted to try to make it my career.
I started grooming professionally at just 17 years old, and spent my first winter season in Wellington while finishing up my senior year of high school online. That’s where I gained first-hand experience on what it takes to take care of high-performance horses.
Currently, I ride professionally myself, and take care of my own horses with help from my mom. As a jumper, I take pride in being so involved in every aspect of my horses’ care. It gives me the opportunity to connect with my horses on a deeper, individual level, which I believe truly impacts our performance in the ring.
What does a typical show day look like for you?
It depends on the show, but we usually start early by feeding the horses, mucking their stalls, and other typical barn chores. The schedule then revolves around class times, often balancing both national and FEI horses.
While most of the FEI classes usually start later in the day, we still arrive early to make sure the horses are fed on time, and we can get to work with their morning care. While I perform each aspect of my horses’ care, my mom works with me on the road as well as at home. Being able to take full care of the horses gives you a better understanding of how they feel and perform under saddle.
How do you balance both riding and grooming?
It may sound intense, but it’s a system that works well for me. Being directly responsible for my horse’s care creates a strong bond between me and them, which carries over into the show ring.
Another big piece is time management. Planning ahead and allowing extra time for tasks help maintain a calm environment, which I find is crucial for both myself and my horses. I find meditation helps relax my own mind, and that steady energy translates to the horses as well.
Photo courtesy of Laila Klinsmann
What advice would you give to someone wanting a career with horses?
I would say one of the most important things is having the right people around you. You have to work hard, be reliable, and show that you can be consistent and responsible.
At the same time, it’s important to find people who appreciate your effort and create a supportive environment. This industry can be very demanding, with long days and a lot of travel, so being part of a team that values you makes a big difference.
Do you have any grooming tips or tricks?
I try to keep things simple. I truly think less is more when it comes to horse care.
I prioritize letting the horses be horses by giving them as much time to move as possible. Whether that’s turnout time, hand walking, or even putting them on the walker, keeping them mentally relaxed and moving is a key component of my program. Especially at shows, where turnout isn’t always available, it’s important to make that extra effort.
Like I said earlier as well, time management is a big deal. Giving yourself extra time helps maintain a calm, organized environment, which is really important for both you and the horses.
What do you do to keep the job fun and engaging?
I try to find quiet moments with the horses throughout the day. Even when things are busy, taking a few minutes at night to check on them, or taking the time to hand graze to just be around them, helps me reset.
It’s easy to get caught up in constantly doing tasks, but I think it’s important to have moments where you’re just spending time with the horses and not expecting anything from them. It helps maintain that connection and makes the long days feel more balanced. Those small moments make a big difference and are a big part of why I enjoy what I do.
What are some of your favorite products from Corro?
I’ve been to several of the HorseGrooms MeetUps at the Corro store in Wellington, and actually got a goodie bag with some great staples at one of the events. I love browsing the shelves which seem to be stocked with anything you could possibly need.
One of my favorite collections of products is from Lucky Braids. Their All-in-One Horse Shampoo works like magic, and the owner is so incredibly kind as well. She came to our farm once and gave us braiding tips for one of my horses that’s head shy. She’s always willing to chat if you need any help – it’s such a great brand.
What have you enjoyed about the Horse Grooms MeetUps?
The MeetUps have been a great learning experience. Being able to hear from knowledgeable professionals and ask questions in an open setting is really valuable.
I’ve attended several sessions, including demonstrations and discussions on topics like saddle fitting, and each one has offered something new. It’s also a great way to connect with others in the industry and continue learning. Overall, it’s a great community that has taught me so much and I’m grateful to be a part of.
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.
