Grooms are the backbone of the equestrian world — the devoted care-givers of the racehorse. They work long hours on tired feet, and the reward often comes in the form of a horse putting in a spectacular performance to win a race.

Grooming is very beneficial for horses, not only because it cleans their coats; it adds beauty to the appearance of the horse, and also because it promotes healthy emotional bonding between the horse and the person, and helps to develop trust.

Trevor Gilpin Jnr, 30, who has been involved in racing from he was a boy, said that his job of grooming horses is an invaluable part of the racing industry and that he takes great pride in what he does.

“I like my job of grooming horses. I am very comfortable and I take pride in my work. It is very hard work [as] the hours are incredibly long and the pay isn’t all that good. But it is a very rewarding job and can be a lot of fun as I enjoy it a lot,” Gilpin Jr told The Complete Racing Guide.

Gilpin, who lives in the Gregory Park community, shared his daily routine.

“Once I have a horse going to the track in the morning, I have to reach work by at least 4:30 am to 5:00 am. I then check and make certain that the horse has eaten his feed from the night before. If the horse wears bandages, I take them off and check the legs for swelling before I lead him out of his stall. I then clean the stall, groom the horse, pick his feet and get him tacked up to go to the track,” he said.

“When he returns from the track, I bathe him, walk him till he cools off, put on back the bandages, and then let him dive into breakfast as normal,” Gilpin continued.

Gilpin Jr, who went to the Tivoli High School before being transferred to Cumberland High in Portmore, St Catherine, said that the most important part of grooming a horse is picking his feet.

“By picking out the feet first, you are more likely to notice lameness before you’ve finished grooming the horse. It is highly recommended as not only can you spot any lameness, but you can help prevent it by removing stones and dirt, as they can pierce the frog and cause bruising to the horse,” he explained.

“Picking the horse feet can also help remove and prevent thrush — a sticky black fungus that develops around the frog. There is really no specific time in grooming, as one can take his time to pick a horse’s feet, as long as it’s being done,” he further explained.

On a race day, Gilpin said that he is the one who gets the horse ready to go up to the paddock and takes him there.

“On a race day, I have to make sure that everything is alright with the horse. If he has to take lasix, I have to make sure he takes it on time as that is very important. Sometimes I have to walk the horse for about half hour before the trainer saddles him. I then have to take him on to the track with the jockey and sometimes lead him to the starting gates. If the horse wins, I have to take him to the testing barn to get tested. If he loses, I bathe him and take him back to the stable,” he shared.

Gilpin, who currently works at the stables of 14-time champion trainer Philip Feanny, said that he has no regrets in choosing a profession in the racing industry.

“From I was a boy growing up I loved the sport of horse racing; it is enjoyable and I am comfortable. So far everything is alright as everyone has treated me good and I want to thank them for their support. Mr Philip Feanny has really treated me good as well as my friends and my family members, such as my brothers Leon, Sean and McFarlane,” he ended.