An assistant groom is expected to work responsibly both alone and as part of a team, under the direction of senior staff. They will carry out daily yard duties to a high standard, and lead by example to those less experienced. Furthermore, they will be able to take and follow instructions from senior staff, plus other professionals such as veterinarians, farriers, or therapists.

A positive attitude and good interpersonal skills are key attribute for an assistant groom. They must have a willingness to learn, whilst also being able to share this knowledge in a positive manner with those less experienced. All communications with staff, clients or children should be polite and professional at all times; any instructions or information given should be clear, concise, age related and appropriate to skill level. Understanding the significance of health and safety and safeguarding on the yard, and around horses, must be priority; plus recognising the importance of reporting any issues regarding these matters.

To ensure the health of all equines, an assistant groom is expected to continually monitor the condition of all horses and ponies under their care; thus allowing them to immediately identify any problems, either physical or mental, which may arise. To prevent undue suffering, or further complications occurring, it is vital to understand the importance of reporting any health care issues to senior staff, plus have the proficiency to know when immediate veterinary attention is necessary.

In addition to above, frequent checks should also be made to the equine's overall wellbeing. This may include: ensuring their bodyweight remains correct, they are wearing suitable rugs for the weather conditions, their tack and rugs are clean and not causing rubs, or they are wearing the correct protective equipment (such as boots) whilst being ridden or in the field. Their general happiness should also be monitored, if any equine is becoming stressed or despondent in their routine, it should be brought to the attention of senior staff and adaptions made to their lifestyle.

Strong organisational abilities and understanding the necessity for working in a strict routine are essential. Both enable the yard to run efficiently, whilst preventing obligatory jobs from being forgotten. To maintain a safe and healthy working environment for both people and equines, the assistant groom must ensure the yard is kept tidy and clean. This may include skipping out stables regularly, sweeping the yard, and tidying up any objects or rubbish left lying around all areas of the yard.

Examples of yard duties carried out by an assistant groom:

• Preparing feeds, adding medicines or supplements to equine's food.
• Feeding, haying and providing water for equines.
• Mucking/skipping out, bedding down, sweeping the yard.
• Keeping allocated areas tidy such as the feed room, tack room and storage areas.
• Keeping the yard tidy and safe in line with health and safety regulations.
• Tack cleaning.
• Organisation of rugs, including: washing, repairing, storing, name tagging them to the appropriate horse.
• Care for any stored equipment.
• Turning out or bringing in from the field.
• Caring for equines living out in the field.
• Field checks to maintain a safe environment for all equines, including water, fencing, amount of grazing no poisonous plants etc.
• Grooming.
• Putting on and removing rugs as appropriate.
• Tacking up and untacking equines.
• Monitoring visitors and clients around the horses, and ensuring they do not enter prohibited areas of the yard.
• Preparing equines for competitions, including: bathing, plaiting up, trimming.
• Preparing equines for travelling.
• Monitoring the continual health and wellbeing of all equines.
• Monitoring the weight of all horses and ponies to prevent health issues; all changes to ideal weight should be reported to senior staff.
• Assist with delivering treatments of minor wounds, including bandaging and changing dressings.
• Assist with rehabilitation of an injured or sick equine.
• Handling equines for the veterinarian, farrier or therapist.