If you’re considering becoming a freelance groom, this is what you need to know before going alone
Catherine Waterfall spoke to individuals currently working as freelance grooms, and Bethany Stone caught up with Lucy Katan of the British Grooms Association for the essential information
Wondering how to become a freelance groom? The idea of being your own boss is appealing to many, and the freedom to choose your hours, clients and rates sounds liberating on the face of it.
Rachel, a 34-year-old former senior manager in the corporate world, decided to become a freelance groom in 2018, giving up her lucrative career for a brave new lifestyle. “I love the variety. Instead of doing the same thing day in, day out, I have a whole pool of clients, which keeps the job fresh,” she tells H&H.
Cheshire-based Rachel says her high-paying corporate job was “amazing”, but it wasn’t making her happy. “My daughter was three and I was missing all these milestones,” she explains.
“So I quit. My husband asked: ‘What are you going to do?’ I said, ‘I’ll play with ponies for a bit,’” she laughs.
Rachel worked for a livery yard for a year to improve her fitness and then started attending competitions with a local event rider to “get my eye back in”.
“Everything has grown at an enormous rate – it’s just been incredible,” she says. “I’ve been fortunate, as a lot of my work has come naturally through networking and word of mouth, so talking to people is a skill you have to develop.
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What is a freelance groom?
According to Lucy Katan, executive director of the British Grooms Association (BGA), a freelance groom is self-employed, and essentially their own boss. They:
- Choose their clients and the services they offer
- Set their own rates and negotiate terms
- Submit invoices and manage their own business finances
- Are responsible for paying their own tax and national insurance (NI) via HMRC self assessment
- Must provide or pay for their own insurance
- Can work for multiple clients
Self-employed grooms are not entitled to employee rights such as:
- Statutory sick pay
- Holiday pay
- Maternity/paternity leave
- Employer pension contributions
What insurance do I need to be a freelance groom?
Good insurance cover is a must, and should include public liability, which protects against claims made by third parties who suffer an injury or property damage due to a freelancer’s negligence.
As well as public liability cover, Lucy recommends:
- Care, custody and control cover – animal-specific clauses that protect you if a horse in your care is injured or dies due to your negligence
- Personal accident insurance – essential since freelancers don’t get statutory sick pay and accidents do happen with horses
How much do freelance grooms charge?
While rates of pay vary depending on experience, services provided and distance travelled, the average for working at a local yard is around £15 per hour, whereas competition grooms charge an average of £25 per hour.
“A lot of people think going freelance means charging more, but every extra cost becomes your responsibility – sick days, holidays, equipment, transport. You have to build everything into your bottom line,” Rachel warns.
Becoming a freelance groom: what is the reality of the job?
Many grooms take the plunge into a freelance career are happy to swap job security for more independence, as is the case for 31-year-old Becca Nicholson.
“I decided to go freelance to have more flexibility and a healthier work-life balance,” she says. “Before, I’d never be able to switch off and would feel guilty taking holidays or time out. So it was time to think of myself.”
But while freelancers have the freedom to choose, the work isn’t easier. “Any competition day is generally long – averaging about 12 hours,” Becca adds. “So you must be prepared for early starts and late finishes.”
Variety is a huge part of a groom’s life. “I’ve worked for Andrew Downes for nearly six years, but I also have a showjumping client who only uses me twice a year,” says Rachel. “I love joining Team [Harry] Meade for their five-stars each year, and some jobs are one-offs.”
Rachel adds that it’s important to be flexible, and slot into whatever team you’re working with. “Being personable and willing to listen is vital,” she adds. “You have to be a sponge as there’s no ‘your way’.
“One of the ongoing challenges is ensuring that invoices get paid,” she continues. “Being upfront about costs, payment terms and what you expect from clients makes all the difference.
“The resources on the BGA website are brilliant for people who are just starting out, and communication really is key.”
Tax and finances for freelance grooms
Insurance isn’t the only cost to a self-employed groom. “There are accounting and bookkeeping costs if you choose professional help, as well as time spent on marketing, admin and client relations,” says Lucy. “You may also have the cost of a work uniform and equipment, such as clippers, to think about.”
While employers pay through pay-as-you-earn (PAYE), which deducts NI and tax automatically, and provide statutory benefits such as sick pay and a pension, self employed grooms are responsible for this themselves.
“You must register with HMRC as self-employed (usually as a sole trader) if your freelance grooming income exceeds HMRC thresholds,” says Lucy.
“Once registered, you file a self assessment tax return yearly and pay income tax and NI on profits.
“If your turnover rises above the VAT threshold (which is high at £90,000), VAT registration becomes relevant — but most sole-trader grooms are below that.
“If you earn less than a set amount, you may not need to register right away – and HMRC’s thresholds change – but the safe rule of thumb is to register before you send your first invoices once you expect to earn significant income.”
Lucy emphasises the importance of tracking your finances, which includes:
- Filing tax returns/self assessments on time
- Holding a separate business bank account
- Setting aside money for tax and NI contributions
How can I make my business a success?
Paperwork and finances are a big part of how to become a freelance groom, but not all. “Hard work, passion and having a professional, friendly nature go a long way and get you noticed,” says Becca.
“I love meeting people, getting to know how different riders do things and learning,” Rachel adds. “Building a confidential and trusting relationship is essential as they need to feel they can rely on you completely.”
In practical terms, Lucy says freelance grooms can build their brand by listing themselves in relevant directories, such as the BGA freelance grooms directory.
“Using client agreements and having insurance shows clients you’re serious,” she adds.
She also recommends standardising your business process with clear booking terms and cancellation policies, as well as implementing formal quotes and invoicing.
She also advises joining an industry body. “BGA membership gives you insurance deals, contracts and marketing tools and professional credibility,” she adds.
Be aware of false self-employment
“False self-employment is a huge problem within our industry,” says Lucy. “We speak to grooms on a weekly basis who have been told that they are self-employed, when the reality is that they should be an employed member of staff.”
If a client starts treating you like an employee, they might:
- Set fixed hours
- Dictate your rate of pay
- Not allow you to work for others
Lucy says it is wise to stop and reassess the situation. Steps you can take include:
- Review your client agreement and clarify your status
- Assert your independence (you decide your hours, negotiate terms, take on other clients)
- If the situation doesn’t change, consider renegotiating your role as a proper employee or politely walking away
- If necessary, get advice from the BGA or Citizens Advice
Employment law can be complicated, so it is well worth seeking professional advice. “A groom is never, ever told that they are self-employed or freelance – it’s a decision that an individual will make themselves as they are setting up their own business,” Lucy adds.
“HMRC can reclassify you as an employee, forcing back-payments of tax and NI and meaning statutory rights should have applied — this can be costly for both you and your client/employer.
“If unsure whether you are falsely self-employed, you can use HRMC’s employment status checker or contact the BGA for advice.”
Visit HMRC’s self-employment hub or britishgrooms.org.uk and join today for more information.
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A horse owner and rider with more than 20 years experience, Bethany has been writing for equestrian publications since 2017. Over the course of her career, she has reported from major British Riding Clubs and British Dressage championships, covered Badminton Horse Trials and interviewed equestrian sport’s best athletes. Her work can also be found in Country Life, The Field and Breathe magazine.