Equine etiquette A behind-the-stables look at a training program for would-be a racehorse grooms By: Photography by Mike Deal Posted: Last Modified: Updates

In the barns beyond the backstretch, a group of individuals muck stalls, brush manes and tails, and take thoroughbred horses out for early-morning strolls.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/05/2024 (862 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In the barns beyond the backstretch, a group of individuals muck stalls, brush manes and tails, and take thoroughbred horses out for early-morning strolls.

It’s far from glamorous, but it’s all in a day’s work to get a horse ready to race under the bright lights.

Each spring, the Manitoba Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association offers a four-week training program for those interested in becoming a racehorse groom. The hands-on course includes one week of classroom instruction and three weeks of training in the barns at the Assiniboia Downs.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Natalie takes Ziggy out to wash their feet. Natalie Gregory just graduated from the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) Groom Training Program at Assiniboia Downs and landed a job with trainer Tiffany Husbands right away.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS

Natalie takes Ziggy out to wash their feet. Natalie Gregory just graduated from the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) Groom Training Program at Assiniboia Downs and landed a job with trainer Tiffany Husbands right away.

This is the third year of the program, which usually has between 15-20 participants. No previous equine experience is required, just a love and desire to work with animals.

Free Press photographer Mike Deal recently visited the Downs to see how future racehorse grooms learn the trade.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Natalie brushes Ziggy down after washing their feet.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS

Natalie brushes Ziggy down after washing their feet.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Faith Slywchuk brushes out straw from a horses tail.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS

Faith Slywchuk brushes out straw from a horses tail.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Natalie walks Noah to a freshly cleaned stall.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS

Natalie walks Noah to a freshly cleaned stall.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Noah nuzzles Natalie while she fills his bucket with fresh water.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS

Noah nuzzles Natalie while she fills his bucket with fresh water.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Faith puts fresh wood shavings in a stall. Faith Slywchuk is a student in the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) Groom Training Program at Assiniboia Downs.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS

Faith puts fresh wood shavings in a stall. Faith Slywchuk is a student in the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) Groom Training Program at Assiniboia Downs.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Faith (right) and training instructor, Monique Goulet (left) work together to fill up a net holding feeding hay.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS

Faith (right) and training instructor, Monique Goulet (left) work together to fill up a net holding feeding hay.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Noah nuzzles Natalie while she fills his bucket with fresh water.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS

Noah nuzzles Natalie while she fills his bucket with fresh water.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Faith Slywchuk saddles up a horse so a jockey can take it out for a run.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS

Faith Slywchuk saddles up a horse so a jockey can take it out for a run.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Faith cleans a freshwater bucket before filling it for a horse.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS

Faith cleans a freshwater bucket before filling it for a horse.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Groom, Natalie Gregory, puts a blanket onto Lady Roxanna.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS

Groom, Natalie Gregory, puts a blanket onto Lady Roxanna.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Natalie Gregory mucks out a stall.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS

Natalie Gregory mucks out a stall.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Natalie Gregory removes the halter from Lady Roxanna after taking her for a walk.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS

Natalie Gregory removes the halter from Lady Roxanna after taking her for a walk.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Olga watches as Natalie mucks out a stall nearby.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS

Olga watches as Natalie mucks out a stall nearby.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Natalie Gregory prepares to muck out a stall.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS

Natalie Gregory prepares to muck out a stall.

Mike Deal

Mike Deal
Photojournalist

Mike Deal started freelancing for the Winnipeg Free Press in 1997. Three years later, he landed a part-time job as a night photo desk editor.

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Updated on Friday, May 3, 2024 5:17 PM CDT: Adds byline

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