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 Kirsty Bond
From Pony Club to Managing a Top Stable
Horses have always been a part of my life. My mom and grandma had horses, so I was around them from a young age, but funnily enough, I was actually a little scared at first! That quickly changed, and by the time I was seven, I was riding regularly. I had a few ponies and competed in the pony jumpers in England, but my real passion for horse care and grooming developed when I became a working student for the British Chef d’Equipe. There, I groomed, rode, and took lessons, gaining invaluable experience.
At 19, I had my first opportunity to work in Wellington for Laura Kraut. It was an intense introduction to high-level competition, but it prepared me for what was to come. About ten years ago, I started working for Ben Maher, and today, I’m his stable manager, responsible for every aspect of the horses’ care, staff, and daily operations. Lately, I’ve been attending more shows, so my role is evolving once again.
Career Highlights: Grooming at the Highest Level
One of the most pivotal moments in my career was when I worked for McLain in 2015, taking care of HH Azur. Together, we traveled to the Olympics, World Cup Finals, and other major events. Grooming at the Olympics is a dream for anyone in this industry, and experiencing it firsthand was incredible. Of course, the horses don’t know they’re at the Olympics—they just follow their routine—but the energy and stakes are unmatched. I’ll never forget when Azur went double clear in the team competition, helping us secure a medal.
Another highlight was the 2017 World Cup Final in Omaha. Azur won every single day, and the pressure leading into that final round was immense. Watching her win in front of a home crowd was unforgettable. More recently, in Geneva, Point Break placed third in the Top 10 Final at just ten years old. Seeing these horses develop into top competitors is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.
The Art of Grooming: Preparing for Peak Performance
A big part of my job is making sure our horses are ready to perform at their best when it matters most. Ben and I plan everything backwards from big events, ensuring the horses have the right balance of rest and competition. Some need more rounds to stay sharp, while others do better with a lighter schedule. It’s all about knowing each horse and adjusting accordingly.
One of my favorites is Jazz. In the stable, he’s sweet and easygoing—Ben’s son even rides him around! But the moment he steps into the ring, he’s all business. Some horses take longer to figure out their job, but once Jazz understood what was expected of him, he became a star. That transformation is what makes grooming so fulfilling.
The Changing Landscape of Grooming
When I first started grooming, there wasn’t much recognition for our work. You just got on with it, and that was that. Now, there are organizations and awards acknowledging the role of grooms in the industry, and it’s great to see the profession getting the respect it deserves.
For anyone starting in this career, my best advice is to work hard, ask questions, and always be open to learning. Every barn has a different way of doing things, and there’s no single "right" way—you can always pick up new techniques and tricks along the way.
My Must-Have Grooming Gear
Over the years, I’ve developed a list of essentials I always keep on hand:
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A good sweeping broom. A witch’s broom—the bamboo ones are the best! (Available in-store at our Wellington Location)
I also love adding a bit of festive cheer to the stables, like Geneva and London. I’ll put up Christmas stockings and tinsel—nothing too over the top, but just enough to make things feel special. Ben keeps things simple, but those little touches bring a bit of fun to the team.
Final Thoughts: The Unsung Heroes of the Sport
Grooms are the backbone of the sport. Riders may be in the spotlight, but behind every great performance is a team working tirelessly to keep everything running smoothly. It’s a demanding job, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
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, discounts and perks especially for grooms, and valuable resources to help grooms succeed in their careers.
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Grooms: Become a HorseGrooms Insider and unlock all the benefits. Sign up before March 31 with code WINTERCIRCUIT2025 for 50% off → Join Here
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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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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
