Stable hands, also known as grooms and strappers, assist with maintaining and cleaning stables and handling horses and other stud animals.
Stable hands groom, feed, handle, stable and exercise horses. They observe and check horses for lameness, common injuries, ailments and infections and administer first aid, medication or other appropriate treatment. They are responsible for cleaning and maintaining stables and training equipment. They accompany horses to registered race meetings, gymkhanas and equestrian events. They sometimes exercise horses during track work or equestrian activities.
Some stable hands who show potential and are light in weight may become learner jockeys.
Stable hands commence work early in the morning and may be required to work on weekends and public holidays. The work must be done in all kinds of weather. Long hours are usually involved.
Satisfying Aspects
- working outdoors and with horses
- helping horses in distress
- seeing how horses respond to training is a rewarding factor
- the opportunity to advance in this field
Demanding aspects
- frustration when animals do not respond to training
- the work can be physically tiring
- having to work long hours in all kinds of weather
Requirements
- good health
- capable of hard physical work
- a genuine interest in horses and their care
School Subjects
No set level of schooling required, but it is suggested that you progress as far as you can at school
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences and Physical Sciences
Training
In-service training is usually offered in the relevant place of interest such as those listed below:
Employer
- circuses
- racecourses
- stables
- armed services
Contact
Any of the above potential employers
Racing Association
The White House, Turffontein Racecourse
P O Box 74054
Turffontein, 2140
Tel: (011) 683-3220 Fax: (011) 683-3222
www.racingassociation.co.za