A groom concerned by the worldwide equestrian staffing crisis is hoping to determine what needs to change for the industry to be sustainable.
Susanna Liis Ole has worked for professional riders in various countries. She is also a fourth-year equine studies and business management student at the University of Applied Sciences Van Hall Larenstein in the Netherlands, and is conducting research on the topic for her thesis.
She told H&H the staffing issues seen in the UK are widespread.
“I’ve worked as a professional groom for five years, in Germany, here, Belgium – and it’s the same everywhere,” she said. “People are trying very hard to find good staff but there aren’t many.
“I’ve had about 70 responses so far, from different countries also including the US and they’re all saying the same; it’s a general problem for the whole industry.”
Susanna started as a freelancer, mainly working for showjumpers, and has also been employed by top riders. At all the yards, she said, recruiting and retaining staff was an issue.
“People are always asking me if I know of anyone, or can recommend anyone,” she said. “It’s definitely a hot topic, and a serious issue,…
