Happy Monday! We’re back with Part 2 of the behind-the-scenes look at the USEF’s European Development Tour. While being an upper-level groom isn’t her end goal, Area 1 Young Rider Ayden Schain was able to get a sneak peek into her future goals by being a groom at Strzegom Horse Trials earlier this year. She gave us the inside scoop on what it was like traveling overseas and grooming for the US team.
Before doing a deep dive into international travel, how might someone get the opportunity to be a groom in the first place? When asked about a piece of advice she’d give to someone looking to get their foot into the world of upper-level grooming she mentioned finding someone with a shared interest and goal. “Never give up and find someone as passionate as you,” she mentioned. Although having her end goals fall under the category of riding and not necessarily being an FEI groom she talked about how being able to go with Cassie and get a sneak peek at what’s to hopefully come for her in a few years was very motivating and inspiring. “Never stop chasing [your goal] because you never know what’s possible in your future if you don’t jump at the possibilities when they arise!”
As we’ve touched base a little bit upon in our previous discussion with Cassie, Ayden best described the traveling process as “something that you never really get to learn about until you do it.” While most of us have the freedom of having our trailers packed to the brim for a long haul, the biggest thing she learned was space management. “The horse’s lives get packed up into tack trunks, or in our case a tack locker.” Fortunately, she had the use of the locker which “made the space so much more effective in keeping everything [we] had organized.” While competing at events within the United States, submitting paperwork electronically once checks the boxes, the other huge takeaway was having the horse’s paperwork always available such as FEI passports, health certificates, and vaccinations.
After checking off the paperwork and equipment on the packing list there is one thing that can never be forgotten… treats! “The most essential thing in my grooming bag especially with Zoro is peppermints!” Ayden shared. “He loved peppermints and I found it was a way to keep him calm, happy, and to reward him after his work.” Other things in the grooming bag consisted of fly spray for the buggy Polish summer, spare pieces of tack such as reins, flashes, and bridles, along with a rag to wipe off any slime and dirt. For those last-minute touch-ups, where the hoof polish, a good brush, and Cassie’s personal favorite, Effol boot shine. Another tip and trick Ayden shared was to really make sure you know the horse you’re grooming for. Especially on international travel. “If anything happens while you are over there, knowing what is and isn’t normal for the horse in their day-to-day behavior is key to keeping them happy and on the job.”
Going along the theme of knowing the horse, when asked about what characteristics make for a successful partnership between rider and groom Ayden’s response matched with Cassies when she stated, “A good relationship starts with great communication!” She believes that she and Cassie are very lucky not only due to their shared international experience but for the fact they are good friends and know when to let the other do their job and being able to recognize when the other needs space also know how to have lots of fun. “We work so well together because I like to be able to do my job without being bugged and Cassie likes to not have to worry that everything will be taken care of. Communication is key and I’m lucky to have a great relationship with Cassie and Zoro.”
From an outside perspective, we can absolutely agree that the team was a well-oiled machine and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for Ayden with the USEF Development Tour in the years to come!
