An Interview with Kati Gentilozzi
A Groom’s Journey From Working Student to Wellington Professional. An Interview with Kati Gentilozzi
How did your journey with horses begin?
You know those young girls who are crazy obsessed with horses? Well that was me, and I simply never grew out of that phase. I don’t really know why it started because my family isn’t really ‘horsey’ at all besides one aunt in Virginia. I just loved horses right from the start and begged for lessons until my parents finally caved and let me work at the barn to pay off lessons. Knowing I wanted a career around horses, I went all in and got a degree in equine science. I didn’t fully understand the plethora of options I had, and grooming wasn’t even on my radar at the time. I didn’t come from a background where showing at a high level was accessible, so discovering grooming as a career has been such a cool and unexpected step. It’s become so much more than I ever imagined.
What kickstarted your career as a professional groom?
I started grooming for a dressage rider in Kentucky, where I was hired as both a barn manager and groom. At the time, I understood the barn manager side of things, but grooming, especially at the competition level, was a whole new world to me.
That job brought me to Wellington for the 2019–2020 season, and it completely changed my perspective. I got to see the full scope of what grooming really means at that level. Even though I didn’t have much dressage experience at the time, my boss encouraged me to watch her training rides and walked me through everything she was doing, helping me build my understanding of the discipline. I learned not just about horse care, but also about tack, wrapping, and all the discipline-specific details that go into dressage.
From there, I transitioned into the position I’m in now working for Kyle McIver, an adult amateur dressage rider. We’re based in Wellington at a private farm, where it’s just the two of us, no boarders or outside clients. It’s a really quiet, focused environment.
What does a typical day look like for you working for Kyle McIver?
A typical day is very collaborative. My boss is incredibly hands-on, she starts early by feeding, turning out, and doing stalls. I come in between 5 and 6 a.m. and take over with setting hay, cleaning buckets, dragging the ring, and prepping the barn for the day. From there, it’s all about getting the horses ready before her rides - I always joke that I’m a ‘glorified horse car wash.’ It's a lot of tacking, untacking, cleaning, and making sure each horse is ready to go and then comfortable afterward. Once the rides are done, the day shifts into barn maintenance; laundry, clipping (especially in the Florida heat), organizing, and keeping everything running smoothly. Since her daughter rides as well, there’s also some driving back and forth to lessons. It’s a full day, but it’s very rewarding.
How does that routine change when you’re at a show?
One of the nice things about dressage shows is that you have set ride times, which makes planning much easier than in the hunter ring. We can work backward from the ride time to plan everything from when to arrive, when to tack up, and when to leave the farm. On show days, we keep things as normal as possible for the horses. They still get turnout, time to relax, and plenty of downtime. We’ll bathe them in the morning, check them over for issues, and then braid when it’s time to start getting ready. Being based in Wellington is a huge advantage, we’re only about 10 minutes from the main showgrounds. It allows us to keep the experience low-stress for the horses. We can get there, ride, and be back home before they even have time to get anxious. Keeping things simple and consistent is really important to us.
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
I would tell myself to spend more time just watching and learning from the people around me. Stay in the barn, ask questions, and absorb everything. When I was younger, I thought becoming a riding instructor was the only path for me. I didn’t realize how many different opportunities exist in this industry. If I had taken more time to observe and explore, I might have discovered those options sooner. So I would tell my younger self to be a sponge; put yourself out there, stay curious, and take in as much knowledge as you can.
Do you have any go-to grooming tips?
Honestly, I don’t think I do anything particularly revolutionary. For me, it really just comes down to the basics. We have mostly gray horses, so I spend a lot of time trying to keep them clean. People always ask what we use to keep them so white, but the truth is, it’s just consistent grooming. Currying is the most effective thing you can do, more than any shampoo or product. It’s a good reminder that so much of horsemanship comes back to the fundamentals. There’s no shortcut for good, thorough daily care.
What products from Corro would you recommend to others out there?
The Corro store in Wellington is actually in the same area as my gym, so it’s easy to pop in whenever I need something last minute or want to restock essentials. Especially during the busy season, having a reliable spot that close makes a huge difference. The products we reach for most often are from Lucky Braids, they’re kind of a staple for us. They really help us get those clean, polished dressage braids that hold up well throughout the day, which is so important at shows when you want everything looking as tidy and professional as possible.
Another go-to is the EQyss Micro-Tek Equine Shampoo. As I mentioned before, we have a lot of gray horses in our barn, so skin issues are pretty inevitable. That shampoo has been really helpful for managing things like irritation or sensitivity, especially in the Florida climate where heat and humidity can make skin problems flare up more easily. It’s one of those products we like to always have on hand just in case.
How has the HorseGrooms community helped you in your career?
HorseGrooms has been a really important resource for me. Since I work in a private barn, I don’t naturally have a built-in community of other grooms. Through HorseGrooms, I’ve been able to meet people, make friends, and connect with others who understand this job. The educational events have also been incredible. I’ve learned new skills, and gained confidence to try new things in the barn. I also really appreciate the focus on topics like mental health, which are so important in this industry. More than anything, it’s given me a sense of connection and support. It can be a tough job, and having that community makes a big difference.
Is there a behind-the-scenes moment you’re especially proud of?
One of the most rewarding experiences has been watching one of our horses, Gigi, progress through the levels. When I started, she was just beginning at Prix St. George level, and now she’s competing at Grand Prix and has her own freestyle. Being part of that journey has been incredibly special. We even went through a setback with a minor injury last season, so seeing her come back and succeed made it even more meaningful.
The first time she performed the Grand Prix freestyle felt surreal. I was on the sidelines like a proud dance mom, trying not to cry. Moments like that remind you why you do this job.
What keeps the job fun and engaging for you?
I like to challenge myself by focusing on improving specific skills. Whether it’s perfecting leg care, getting tails spotless, or refining my clipping technique, I’ll pick one area and really dive into it. It’s not always easy to find the time, especially in a small operation, but those moments of focus are what keep things exciting. Striving for that next level of detail and care makes the work feel fresh and rewarding every day.
Meet the Corro HorseGroom of the Month
At Corro, we know that behind every great horse is a dedicated groom. Many of us have worked as professional grooms ourselves, so we understand the skill, commitment, and passion it takes to care for horses at the highest level. That’s why we’ve partnered with HorseGrooms, the leading global platform for grooms, to recognize an outstanding professional each month. Each Corro HorseGroom of the Month is selected from HorseGrooms Insiders, an exclusive membership for grooms looking to learn, grow, and connect with industry experts. Winners receive a $100 Corro gift card and are featured in this special interview, which we’re proud to share with the Corro community and on the HorseGrooms website. Join us in celebrating this month’s honoree and their incredible contributions to horse care!
About HorseGrooms
HorseGrooms is a global platform dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for equine grooms from all levels and disciplines. HorseGrooms’ Insiders membership in the HorseGrooms Community offers exclusive Q&A sessions with top grooms, a supportive online community, discounts and perks especially for grooms, and valuable resources to help grooms succeed in their careers. Grooms: Become a HorseGrooms Insider and unlock all the benefits. Join Here Trainers, Riders & Barn Owners: Show your appreciation by gifting your groom an Insiders membership—a meaningful way to invest in their growth and expertise. Learn more here.
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