February HorseGroom of the Month

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!

Behind the Scenes with a Top Groom: A Conversation with Zoe

As a lead groom for Ashlee Bond, I have the privilege of working with some of the best horses and riders in the world. It's a role I take immense pride in, but it didn’t happen overnight. From my early days as a young rider to being thrown into the fast-paced world of FEI grooming, my journey has been anything but conventional. And now, as part of Ashlee’s team, I’m grateful to have found a place where I can grow and learn every day while being part of something truly special.

From Pony Club to High-Performance Grooming

Horses have always been my passion. I grew up horse-obsessed, even though no one in my family rode. At the age of eight, I convinced my parents to let me take riding lessons, and that’s when it all started. Eventually, we bought a farm, and I was able to get my hands dirty managing and caring for horses daily. My teenage years were filled with pony club, eventing, and show jumping, and I quickly realized that I was happiest working with horses—whether riding, grooming, or caring for them.

As I moved through my teenage years, I began riding for various barns, each offering its own learning experiences. I took jobs that allowed me to ride different horses and meet new people, which helped me build a network in the industry. My first significant break came when I was offered a position working with the Ilan Ferder’s team in Wellington, which was an intense crash course in high-level grooming. It was a tough learning curve, but it prepared me for what came next.

Joining Ashlee Bond’s Team: A Dream Come True

In September 2023, I had the opportunity to work for Ashlee Bond. Ashlee’s operation was much smaller when I started, with only about 12 horses. Still, I had been following her career for years and knew how iconic she was in the sport. When the opportunity came up to work with her, I jumped. I started freelancing, but I never left after just a few months.

What I love most about working with Ashlee is her incredible leadership style. She’s involved with the horses, but she doesn’t micromanage. She trusts her team, which allows us to do our best work without feeling pressured. She’s such a calm, positive presence that makes all the difference. She’s always willing to answer questions and guide us, but she also gives us the space to develop our horsemanship. That perfect balance of guidance and independence has made this job so rewarding.

Learning the Ropes: How Past Experience Shapes My Approach

Before joining Ashlee’s team, I had experiences in many different segments of the equestrian world. From eventing to polo and everything in between, I learned valuable horse care and management lessons. For example, eventing taught me how to cool down a horse after a long cross-country course. You must be quick and efficient—pull the tack, keep the horse walking, and immediately offer water. At the same time, I learned how to listen to the horse and adjust based on their needs. Not every horse is the same, and learning those subtle cues has helped me immensely in my role as a groom.

Every barn has its own brand of horsemanship, and I’ve found that it’s important to adapt and learn from everyone around you. At Ashlee’s barn, I’ve been able to combine everything I’ve learned and create my own approach to horse care. For example, Donnie, one of Ashlee’s top horses, prefers to graze rather than go for a walk, so I’ve adjusted his routine accordingly. It’s about making sure each horse feels comfortable and happy while still meeting the demands of the sport.

The Road to Paris: Preparing for the Olympics

One of the most rewarding moments of my career came when Ashlee and Donnie headed to Paris for the Olympics. I stayed behind, managing the horses back in the U.S., but it was still an incredibly nerve-wracking experience. As a team, we made sure Donnie had everything he needed, from tack to grooming supplies so that Ashlee could focus on the competition. I remember checking in regularly and making sure everything was on track, even while she was overseas.

Donnie, as it turned out, was calm under pressure. He’s the kind of horse who thrives in those high-stakes moments. I think everyone on our team felt a mix of pride and excitement watching him jump at the Olympics. We were all gathered in the barn, watching the live stream and cheering him on. It was a truly special experience.

The Joy of Caring for Donnie

Donnie holds a special place in my heart. He’s not just a top-tier competitor; he’s also a very gentle, lovable horse. One of the best parts of my job is seeing him happy and healthy. He gets a lot of turnout and some treadmill time, but he also thrives on attention. His stall is in the corner of the barn, so he can see the parking lot, and every time someone walks in, he perks up. He’s always excited to see us, and he loves when we spend time with him. His happiness is a huge part of what makes him such an amazing competitor.

Tips for Aspiring Grooms