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 Shay
In the world of equestrian sports, grooms are often the unsung heroes who make the magic happen behind the scenes. We sat down with Shay, a talented groom who’s worked with top athletes like Nikki Galligan, Stella Buckingham, and Karl Cook. With over a decade of experience, including a unique stint in the circus, Shay brings an invaluable perspective to the equestrian world.
Here’s a peek into their journey, thoughts on grooming, and some fun tidbits you won’t want to miss.
Who are you currently working with?
I’m currently working with Nikki Galligan, an Irish show jumper who competes at the five-star level, and Stella Buckingham, a young under-25 rider competing for the U.S. Stella has a great group of horses, and it's been a blast working with both of them. They each have different programs, so it's been a fun challenge for me to adapt and work alongside both.
Tell us about your journey in the grooming world.
I’ve been grooming since I was 16, and I’m 28 now, so I’ve been at this for a while. I like to think I’m still on the younger side of the industry, but I started early and that gave me a head start. By the time I was 18, I ran away to China to work for the circus, Cavalia. After that, I spent time in Europe working with top riders like Lily Keenan and Kean O'Connor, and also worked in California with a Swedish show jumper and Karl Cook. That’s where I met Nikki, and we really hit it off. The rest, as they say, is history.
You mentioned working with the circus—what was that like?
Yeah, it’s a bit of an unconventional part of my journey! I had a friend who worked in media and took me to a Cavalia when I was around 14. I was absolutely mesmerized by the horses and the acrobats. Every year after that, I applied to work for them, even though I was way too young. Finally, when I turned 18, they called me up and gave me two weeks' notice.
What did a typical day look like in the circus?
A typical day at Cavalia was all about logistics. The show ran late into the night, but we had two shifts: a morning shift and an evening shift for the show staff. The morning shift would start around 6 or 7 a.m., taking care of the usual grooming duties like feeding, turnout, and mucking. By the afternoon, we’d have show-specific grooms, and I was eager to move into that role. I worked with the Liberty Arabians a lot, helping them learn cues for their act. It was fascinating—getting six Arabians to work together without tack or halters!
When the show started, it was all about teamwork. We’d have to sync everything, from warming up the horses to getting them ready for their specific acts. I still remember the soundtrack like it was yesterday. Working with 30 horses and 120 staff members, you had to be precise and communicate effectively. It was a huge learning experience.
How did working with the circus influence how you work with horses in show jumping?
Working in the circus taught me a lot about the importance of routine. We traveled a lot, and the horses did the same show every day, so we made sure their routines were consistent to keep them happy. In show jumping, we don’t have the same courses every time, but when you’re at a place like Wellington for months at a time, it can get a little monotonous. I try to keep the horses engaged and happy, even in the grind. It’s all about finding a balance.
I take pride in letting my horses be horses. They get plenty of turnout and time to socialize. Stella’s horse, Cash Money, loves learning new tricks—he even learned how to smile! It’s those little things that keep the atmosphere light and fun.
Describe a moment you felt especially proud of a horse or rider you work with.
One of the most memorable moments was with Nikki’s horse, Nikita van de Leeuwerk, or “VDL.” She came to us with a bit of a reputation—not the easiest horse to handle or ride. But after a year and a half, we got her jumping at the national level and then qualified for a Grand Prix. She even won the two-star Grand Prix at WEF last year! It was such a big accomplishment, especially after all the challenges we faced, like trying to figure out why she kept pulling her shoes off during warm-up. Eventually, we went barefoot with her, and she started jumping better than ever.
There were a lot of trial-and-error moments, but that’s what makes the successes even sweeter. Nikki’s commitment to letting the horses tell us what works best for them has been key.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
For me, the most rewarding part is how happy our horses are. Even on tough days, it’s rare that the horses come out looking unhappy from the show ring. They’re confident, they know they’ve done their best, and they enjoy their job. There’s so much joy in seeing them thrive, and the opportunity to let them be themselves outside of the competition ring is so important.
Do you have any tips for others getting started in the grooming world?
My best advice is to always keep learning. The internet and social media have made it so much easier to connect with others in the industry. When I started, information was hard to come by—you had to learn everything the hard way. But now, you can reach out to fellow grooms to ask questions or learn new tricks. It’s important to stay open-minded because everyone has their own way of doing things. Just because you’ve been doing something for years doesn’t mean it’s the only way. Always be willing to adapt and learn.
How do you think the grooming community is shaping the industry?
I think the grooming community is just getting started. The Horse Groom Insiders app and other platforms have made it easier for grooms to connect and share information. The more we can share knowledge, the better we can all care for our horses. There’s a real sense of camaraderie in the community now, and I believe it’s only going to keep growing.
What are your five must-have horse care items?
-
Quick Silver Shampoo – A must-have for my five white horses.
-
Back on Track Products – I swear by their wraps and blankets to help with the horses’ backs.
-
Tack Cleaner & Leather Conditioner – Keeping tack in top condition is key.
-
Flexible Curry Comb – The best for getting deep into the coat.
-
Fly Spray – Essential in Florida to keep the pests at bay.
About HorseGrooms
HorseGrooms is a global platform dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for equine grooms. HorseGrooms' Insiders membership in the HorseGrooms Community offers exclusive Q&A sessions with top grooms, a supportive online community, discount 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. Sign up before March 31 with code WINTERCIRCUIT2025 for 50% off → 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.
-
Stable Owners & Managers: Support the mission of HorseGrooms by becoming a Stable Supporter, helping to provide more resources for grooms across the industry. Learn more → Stable Supporter Program
Learn more about HorseGrooms at horsegrooms.com
