I set out to ask others for their thoughts on the matter and the opinions were all pretty much the same :
Trainer , Joe Lester : “ I ’ m not sure how they decide what or when to tip , it usually seems to be more evident at the multi-day shows . Several clients will bring food or drinks as well to help pitch in and keep everyone happy ”
Trainer , Hannah Myatt : “ My clients are pretty good about tipping our staff . Of course , no one would ever not do their job when it comes to horse care and well-being , but you can tell who tips and who doesn ’ t because the ones that do always seem to have their horses looking just that much better when they leave the crossties ”
Client , Cindy Long : “ I always try to take care of Pancho , especially at the major shows . I usually figure a minimum of 15 % -20 % of what the trainer ’ s show fee is . If I notice he is really going the extra mile I try to pay that back . I also make a point of getting Christmas / end of the year gifts for the barn staff as a ‘ thank you ’ for everything they do during the year . As a result , my horses are always shiny and perfectly clipped , even in the dead of winter .”
Client , Morgan Head : “ Tipping isn ’ t optional in my opinion . At minimum , $ 20 / class is my baseline , more if it ’ s a big show like The National . They ’ re providing a service , and I tip them just like I would my eyebrow girl .”
Groom , Rhonda Cato : “ It ’ s staggering how many people don ’ t tip . I don ’ t think there ’ s any malice behind not doing it , I think it ’ s just not something people consider . With no industry standard , maybe some people just don ’ t have any idea what is or isn ’ t appropriate . Even something small can be a game changer because it shows people recognize the hours you ’ re putting in .” that we are the ones in the background that aren ’ t seen . Oftentimes , a gratuity , whether monetary or otherwise ; can change the perspective of that quite a bit . Even something small shows that we are appreciated . Usually about $ 25- $ 35 a day has been pretty standard among most of the people I groom for . I once was even given a case of White Claws at an especially hot horse show , few things have made my day more than that one ! Regardless , it ’ s not expected , but there is no better way to show your appreciation ”
Trainer , Laurie Toone : “ Well ... tipping groom is a lost process . I still have older customers that will hand my assistants a hundred every now and then . However , there is no consistency to it . I think what has changed the tipping process is the fact that years ago it was the norm for a groom to be in charge of a small number of horses and maybe just one . That is no longer the case for our breed . I don ’ t think people realize how hard we as trainers and assistants work and we really don ’ t do it for the money , we do it because we love the animals . Customers pay us to do this job , I don ’ t expect tipping , but it sure does let a trainer , assistant or groom know that they are appreciated and are a valued asset of the training team .”
The truth is , most grooms are going to give you great service — that ’ s why your trainer selected them , entrusts them with the care of your horses and strives to provide them with a living wage . But there ’ s no denying that making the folks who are in charge of your horses ’ day-to-day care feel seen , valued and appreciated will ensure that your horse receives VIP treatment among the hustle and bustle of show days , and beyond .
Groom , Sarah Eerkes : “ There ’ s something incredibly satisfying about grooming , seeing the finished product all come together is something to be proud of . We know we were an integral part of making that happen , but it ’ s not lost on us
13 NWHA National News | July 2023