By Britney Grover
Portraits by Kirsten Hannah
Courtney Carson keeps choosing the equestrian world, though her path may look different than many passionate equestrians 
might expect. Yes, she chose to pursue eventing as a rider rather than attend veterinary school, also working for a groom while earning a second undergraduate degree. But then she found a new passion, just as equestrian but out of the saddle—grooming.
In 2016, Courtney became the head groom and barn manager for Payne Equestrian in North Carolina, home of Olympic eventer Doug Payne. Courtney considers herself fortunate to have been head groom at several five-star competitions, Nations Cups, the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, and the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Though it was a successful position, Courtney left Payne Equestrian last year to pursue an even higher equestrian calling: Ensuring grooms after her will have experiences just as wonderful as hers have been.
Courtney became a founding board member of the International Grooms Association (IGA) in 2021, and now also serves as the U.S. coordinator for the organization. The IGA is the first of its kind—a professional association for grooms working all around the world in the FEI disciplines, helping grooms to advance their careers as well as receive the recognition they deserve, and thereby attracting other equestrians into the much-needed field.
How did you become part of the horse world?
I began riding as a small kid with a hunter pony. Over the years, I went through Pony Club, foxhunted and competed in three-day eventing through college. I stopped riding competitively when I began working full time for Payne Equestrian in 2016 as their head groom and barn manager.
How did you get involved with the IGA?
There has always been a need for representation for grooms at the FEI level. Lucy Katan, founder of the British Grooms Association, presented the idea of this organization to the FEI at the end of 2021. I was very quick to inquire about getting involved when I heard about its development and joined the board of founding members in 2022. With a strong group of veteran grooms from all over the world, we have been able to start a worldwide organization that has a pretty strong membership in its first year and a lot of projected growth in year two.
What part does IGA play in the horse world?
There should be a saying, “Behind every really good rider there is a really good groom keeping the wheels on the bus.”
Grooms are the first ones in the barn every morning and the last ones to leave well after the sun has set. But the industry is shrinking. Older, veteran grooms are getting out of the sport due to age, and it’s becoming more and more difficult to get younger grooms into the field and to stay. Our hope is that by having representation at the top of the sport, we can begin to make changes and bring some recognition to a position that should be celebrated, not overlooked.
What changes do you hope to see through the IGA?
We are hoping to see a proper working relationship between the grooms and the FEI and competitions. We want all grooms to feel like they have a voice in the industry. Even if it means they come to us and our organization can be the voice they need, the IGA wants all grooms to feel comfortable and confident that we will represent them with their best interests on a global level.
What challenges does the IGA face?
The horse industry is slow to change, and a lot of grooms want big changes right now. We have to crawl before we can walk, and this organization is just a year old. The shows also balk a little bit, thinking we are asking for them to find a lot of money and build massive lounges with catered meals, when really small things go a long way when it comes to the grooms. We’ve also had to pick and choose what things to target immediately; everyone won’t be happy every time and we have to take the small things as large victories.
What great things have happened because of the development of the IGA?
We saw a lot of great changes in 2022, with the World Championships in Herning leading the way. They set up a grooms’ lounge with couches and several food options. They also started displaying the grooms’ names and pictures on the live feed throughout the championships. Other shows have hosted grooms’ parties and lunches in the stables on slower days. We’ve had sponsors donate prizes for grooms’ classes and awards.
What are your goals for yourself and this business?
I want to continue helping and being involved in an industry that I have a lot of love for. I spent just over six amazing years working with the best horses and traveling the world. I want this career to be available and sustainable for the generations below me, and right now working through the IGA is the best way I can do that.
What advice would you give to those who want to get involved?
For someone working as a groom, the best thing you can do is join the IGA and be involved as a member. We are putting surveys out there to gather data that we can present back to the FEI and individual venues. If a show, company or individual wants to get involved and support us, send me an email. We have several options for supporting through the organization.
What’s the best thing about your life?
I’ve been incredibly lucky to meet some of the most interesting people in the world through horses. I’ve made friends all over, from all different cultures and backgrounds, who share a common love of horses and competing. Also, I live in a wonderful area of the country where I have access to many of my hobbies: concerts, sports, good food and other outdoor activities.
Best kept secret about what you do?
Some of the best moments in my career were being at the in gate or the finish line for the horses I cared for. By working to make the industry better, I get to mentor younger grooms so they can experience those moments with their own horses. Knowing that the work I’m doing is helping to facilitate those experiences for others gives me a lot of joy.
For more information, visit internationalgrooms.org or email Courtney, Courtney@internationalgrooms.org
Photos by Kirsten Hannah, kirstenhannahphotography.com
