Absorbine Groom of the Year 2026

Welcome to the Horse & Hound Awards 2026, which are back for the 11th year to celebrate the stars of equestrianism, in partnership with NAF and Agria

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The logo for the 2026 Groom of the Year
(Image credit: Future)

Absorbine Groom of the Year 2026

Honouring the dedication, skill and sheer effort and love of horses this individual displays in the care of their charges day and night.

Behind the scenes, grooms are the linchpins of every yard, whether away at competitions or a vital cog at home. We celebrate their work in the annual Horse & Hound Awards.

The shortlist

Jess Errington

Groom Jess Errington hand grasses two of Harry Meade's event horses, which are both plaited up and wearing blue checked rugs

(Image credit: No credit)

Jess says: “If you work hard, you can get anywhere in life”

Jess is in her 19th season with event rider Harry Meade.

“We’ve had some great results. There’s so many highs and lows within the sport, so when the high days happen it makes it all worth it,” says Jess.

For anyone hoping to make it in the industry, Jess advises always to ask questions.

“You can never stop learning,” she says. “I was young when I started with Harry and I absorbed as much as I could. You can start from the bottom and work your way up, which is what I did. I always knew I wanted to be a head groom for a top rider and I think if you work hard, you can get anywhere in life.”

Ellie Greenhalgh

Show horse groom Ellie Greenhalgh rides a large grey hunter

(Image credit: Joss Ridley Photography & Smart Grooming)

Ellie says: “I love the connection with the horses”

Ellie has worked for showing producer Katie Jerram-Hunnable since 2018.

“I was meant to go into engineering at university, but I loved horses and wanted to try that first. I joined Katie and never left,” says Ellie. “I love the connection you make with the horses, especially when we have them from a young age and you see them go all the way through.”

Ellie has no regrets about her career path.

“If you’re interested in horses, I think you’ve got to give it a try. You have to be open-minded and find the place you fit. I was very lucky at Katie’s as I adored the yard and what they stand for.”

Adam Short

Elite eventing groom Adam Short wears a blue bomber jacket as he stands alongside one of Tom McEwen's bay event horses

(Image credit: Jasmine Punter Photography)

Adam says: “I don't see it as a job, it’s more like a way of life”

Adam joined event rider Tom McEwen in 2018.

“I do it because I love the horses, the sport and the people that come with it. I don’t really see it as a job, it’s more like a way of life.

“I enjoy going to different places. The World Championships in Aachen were incredible, but every year is a highlight,” says Adam.

Adam’s advice to others is to learn from lots of different people.

“When you’re starting out it’s important to gain as many different experiences as you can to find out what works for you. Then you can build your own system. I always say there’s no such thing as a silly question.”

Beth Wright

Hunt groom Beth Wright surrounded by hound puppies

(Image credit: Sharon Newman)

Beth says: “I love seeing the horses and hounds out doing what they love”

Beth is in her third season with the South Devon Hunt.

“Every season I’m learning more and growing,” she says. “I enjoy working with the hounds and getting the horses ready, then seeing them out doing what they love.

“It’s hard work, but when you go out hunting it makes it all worth it. Last year we went up to the VWH for a joint meet and it was great to see how different their country is.”

There are opportunities to gain qualifications as a groom and Beth completed an apprenticeship through the British Hound Sports Association.

“I got to meet new people my own age that enjoy the same things as I do,” she says.

Previous winners of the Groom of the Year award

Previous winners of this award include:

  • 2025: Kim Masson, competition groom for Becky Moody during annual leave from her full-time job in marketing
  • 2024: Jackie Potts, groom to William Fox-Pitt for over 30 years
  • 2023: Lucy Scudamore, groom to Carl Hester
  • 2022: Ruth Asquith, Nicola Wilson’s head groom, who joined her team in March 2016
  • 2021: Tilly Hughes, groom to Laura Collett and was her travelling groom for the Tokyo Games
  • 2020: Amelia Jay Sanderson, freelance groom
  • 2019: Amy Phillips, groom to Piggy French
  • 2018: Jane Felton, groom to Jonty Evans
  • 2017: E-J Eldridge, yard manager at Stallions AI breeding station
  • 2016: Alan Davies, groom to Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

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Carol Phillips
Carol Phillips
Website editor

Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.