UKRS The Responsible Groom

This isn’t a standard equine care course — it goes beyond day-to-day horse management to cover the realities of working in a commercial yard. Topics include professional behaviour, workplace etiquette, safeguarding, duty of care, client interaction, data protection, social media use, teamwork, and personal responsibility at work.

By the end of the course, students have a clear understanding of their role in a yard, improved confidence in work-based communication, and a deeper awareness of their responsibilities — both to horses and the people around them. Whether starting a first job or taking on more responsibility, the Responsible Groom course is a powerful step toward a professional equine career.

The course is adaptable for learners with limited IT, reading, or comprehension skills, with tutor support tailored to individual needs. It’s a practical, no-attendance solution with lifetime access to materials — supporting long-term growth in the equine workforce.

Workplace Conduct & Responsibilities

• Expected behaviour and professionalism in the yard
• Importance of teamwork and respect for colleagues
• Understanding employer policies and why they exist
• Duty of care: what it means and who holds it
• Responsible reporting to employers/managers
• Interpersonal skills: working with clients, colleagues, and professionals

Legal & Employment Awareness

• Employment rights and regulations in the equine sector
• Safeguarding and child protection: recognising concerns and responding appropriately
• Bullying, racism, and prejudice: awareness and appropriate action
• Mental health and stress awareness in the workplace
• Data protection: understanding GDPR and confidentiality
• Social media use: boundaries between personal and professional life

Equine-Specific Knowledge

• Equine awareness: behaviour, stress responses, and safety
• Mindfulness around individual horses and routines
• Anatomy: structure and function relevant to daily work
• Physiology & biomechanics: deeper understanding of the horse’s body
• Lameness identification and reporting
• Flu and tetanus awareness
• Feed and bedding record-keeping

Yard Management Skills

• Yard rules, routines, and mindful morning checks
• Stable and building layout/dimensions
• Teamworking in a professional yard setting
• Recording and reporting relevant observations or concerns
• Individual projects to support reflective learning and application
• Practical Flexibility for Employers

• Riding school and livery yard staff (new or experienced)
• Employers seeking structured onboarding or induction — the course avoids staff absences by being fully online, self-paced, and printable. It’s also an excellent interview or probation support tool, reinforcing professional standards from day one.
• Young people entering the equine industry
• Freelancers and volunteers working in yard environments
• CICs and alternative provision providers looking for accredited CME resources

Students undertaking the Responsible Groom course often report a boost in confidence and a stronger understanding of their role in the equine workplace. For many, the course is an eye-opener — not just in terms of equine care, but in understanding workplace expectations, legal obligations, and the importance of communication and teamwork.

This course particularly benefits those new to the industry or transitioning into more responsibility, helping them grasp both what is expected of them and what they can expect from their employers. Topics like safeguarding, social media use, reporting responsibilities, and yard etiquette provide valuable insights that are often overlooked in hands-on roles.

When employers take the time to share a bit about their staff member’s background or working environment, Lingfield tutors can offer tailored support to ensure the best possible outcome. The course is designed to be flexible — accessible on yard computers, at home, or a mix of both — and tutors provide ongoing, personalised guidance throughout.

Ultimately, students finish the course with more than just a certificate. They leave with a stronger sense of responsibility, improved workplace awareness, and a practical understanding that enhances both their current role and future career prospects in the equine industry.