Have you ever wondered what it’s like to fly halfway around the world with a half-tonne elite competition horse?
In the latest addition to our Equestrian Conversations Blog Series, we sit down with Jess Errington, groom to five-star eventer and G&G Champion, Harry Meade.
Grooms are a vital part of any top-level equestrian team, responsible for the day-to-day care and management of horses both at home and on the road. Jess has been an integral member of Harry’s team for eighteen years and is widely respected on the circuit for her knowledge and meticulous attention to detail; qualities that have played a significant role in Harry’s success.
Glaze & Gordon are proud to support Harry and his team by providing essential kit such as breeches, leather headcollars, grooming equipment, and trot-up accessories. Jess is a particular fan of the Sommer Grooming Brush Set, which now forms an essential part of her competition prep kit.
We were delighted to chat with Jess about her career so far, her favourite events, and, of course, the secret to how she kept Away Cruising (Harry’s striking grey five-star horse) looking so impeccably white. In a follow-up to our Equestrian Conversations with Harry following his rise to the top of the FEI World Athlete Eventing Rankings, this interview offers a fascinating insight into the dedication and expertise that supports his success behind the scenes.
Superstition travelling in the G&G Deluxe Leather Headcollar and Engel Sheepskin Cover.
How did your love of horses begin, and what drew you to grooming professionally?
I have always loved animals, especially horses. Although no one in my family is horsey, I was lucky enough to get involved with ponies from a very young age through both my prep and senior schools. From there, I went on to study Horse Management at college before eventually arriving at Harry’s yard.
I realised I wasn’t going to be a top-level rider myself, so I decided to pursue the next best thing and groom for someone who was. I’ve always been fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes in top-level sport, and I knew I wanted to be the person responsible for preparing and managing horses competing at five-star level.
Jess using the Sommer Grooming Brushes. to make the final touches before the trot-up at Burghley.
How long have you been part of Harry’s team, and what do you enjoy most about working with him and the horses?
I’m now in my 19th season with Harry. I had only planned to stay for a year to gain some riding experience, but eighteen years later, I’m still here! I absolutely adore our horses and watching them progress from youngsters to the highest level is incredibly special, especially knowing you’ve supported them along the way and contributed to their progress.
I love the way Harry rides and how he treats each horse as an individual; he is a true horseman. It’s rare to find a top-level rider who understands the horses as deeply as he does while also being such a talented competitor. Although our roles are very different, I feel we are completely aligned in our approach and we both want the very best for the yard and the horses in our care.
Can you walk us through a typical day in your life at Harry’s yard with the horses?
On a typical day, I start on the yard at 6:30am. We begin by feeding and mucking out, and I make a point of checking that each horse is happy and comfortable, including feeling their legs. Most of the day is then spent preparing the horses for Harry to ride and looking after them afterwards.
In the afternoons, I carry out any individual treatments that are needed (icing, stretches, nebulising and laser therapy), and we aim to have all the horses fed and finished by around 6pm.
What’s your routine for preparing a horse for a 5 star trot-up? Are there any products, tools, or techniques you always rely on?
There’s a huge amount of pre-event preparation that goes into getting the horses looking their best for a five star. It’s certainly not just a quick brush and a bit of hoof oil on the day. It takes months of careful build up. Their overall condition, fitness, and way of going all play a part. We clip them at the right time to ensure their coats are in top condition, and they are curry combed and hot clothed every day.
On the first day of a five star, it’s all about presenting them super smart for the crowd – my favourite part! A few hours beforehand, the horses have a good bath with purple shampoo, and once they are dry, I give them a thorough groom using my Sommer Grooming Brushes (from Glaze & Gordon), which are an essential part of my kit.
I usually plait the horses a few hours in advance so they can relax in their stables or graze quietly, leaving time for a final groom and polish. For the trot-up, the horses are presented in spotless bridles, with the rings and edges polished with Brasso for that extra shine.
If a horse has white socks, they must be immaculate; I’m slightly obsessed about it! After washing and drying, I use Shapley’s white touch-up paint and finish with talcum powder to keep them looking perfect. Pulled tails are kept neatly bandaged throughout the day, starting from arrival at the event, to ensure they stay smart and tidy.
Which event do you most enjoy grooming at, and what makes it stand out from the rest?
I love all the five-star events, each for different reasons.
Badminton is our local event, and I still get goosebumps every time we arrive, and the stables are just incredible. It holds particularly special memories for me, especially finishing third there in 2014 after what had been a very tough few months for Harry following his serious fall in Autumn 2013. That result meant a lot for all of us.
Kentucky Three-Day is a real adventure. Flying the horses out to the States is a highlight, and the welcome we receive there is second to none. The facilities for both horse and rider are outstanding, and it always feels like a huge honour to groom at such an iconic event.
Burghley is wonderful as well. The team there are always so helpful and friendly, and our horses seem to thrive in the atmosphere.
Looking back on your career, what has been the highlight so far?
There have been so many highlights over the years. Finishing third at Badminton in 2014 was a truly special moment for us all as a team. For me, though, this past season stands out the most. Caring for the five-star horses as they each achieved top 10 finishes at Kentucky, Badminton and Burghley was incredibly rewarding. And, of course, seeing Harry become FEI Eventing World Number One was just incredible. I feel very lucky to have played a part in their journeys and successes.
Have you ever had a funny or memorable moment with a horse that still makes you smile and is there a horse you’ve formed a particularly special bond with?
A few years ago, we travelled to Burnham Market International with several horses, including Away Cruising. We arrived on dressage day, so they were all bathed, looking smart and ready to go. I left Harry holding Away Cruising for a short time while I took another horse over to the stables. When I returned, I discovered he had dug an impressively large hole and was rolling in the resulting mud! Being grey and particularly hard to keep spotless in the first place, I wasn’t impressed and had to work quickly to get him looking presentable again. Looking back, we can laugh about it now – the team has always adored Away Cruising, so he was allowed to get away with a lot!
I also have a soft spot for Et Hop Du Matz, who is incredibly cool and has a similar character to Away Cruising. And I love Grafennacht too.
Do you have any tips for aspiring professional grooms who want to work at the top level of eventing?
I think the most important thing is to have a genuine love for horses and for the sport, and to see it as a lifestyle rather than just a job. You must be prepared to work hard and to absorb as much knowledge as possible in professional yards. Opportunities and responsibility will come but not instantly, they have to be earned. Always trust your gut instinct as it is nearly always right and don’t be afraid to speak up if something isn’t right. If you really want something, and you’re driven and willing to put in the work, you can achieve more than you imagine. I’d actually say I’m proof of that myself, I never expected to be where I am today and I still have to pinch myself sometimes. But hard work, passion, and genuine love for the horses in your care will take you a very long way.
