Valentine Hssein has been a show groom for 3 years for international rider Fanny Skalli. When she is not at the Guerdat stable in Switzerland, Valentine accompanies Fanny to competitions, where her role with the horses is essential to ensure the optimal readiness of the equine athletes, both physically and mentally. An intense and demanding profession, where passion and versatility are essential, being a show groom requires strong technical skills in horse care, as well as personal qualities such as organization, flexibility, and the ability to work effectively in a team.
Focus on the profession of show groom through Valentine Hssein’s experience.
Introducing Valentine Hssein
Horse Pilot : Can you tell us about your journey, career choices, the people you’ve met, and the opportunities that eventually led you to meet Fanny?
Valentine Hssein : I started horseback riding at the age of 14 after many years of playing volleyball, a sport my parents also practiced, and then basketball. I had long wanted to ride, and once I started, this passion never left me. I still completed a general science baccalaureate because my parents wanted me to at least finish high school, then I did two years of training: one year of CQP (Professional Qualification Certificate) and one year of BPJEPS to become an instructor.
Next, my goal was to find a stable to become a resident rider and improve my riding skills in order to take the DESJEPS to become an instructor 2 or 3 years later. I found a stable in Normandy where I was a resident rider for a year and a half and then a show groom for another year and a half. That last experience was a real revelation and changed all my plans. I now knew the career I wanted: show groom. I stayed in Normandy for 6 years, and then 3 years ago I learned that Fanny Skalli was looking for a show groom, so I took a chance. I wanted to go abroad, so it was a real opportunity. I contacted Fanny, who offered me a trial. I went the first week of January 2021, and it went very well. I then returned to France, moved all my belongings, and started working for Fanny on February 1, 2021.
HP : What do you enjoy about your job?
V.H. : I love being in constant contact with the horses and contributing to improving their performance. I am always looking for ways to enhance their well-being and comfort daily, to make them more willing and available. This is really what I enjoy most about my job.
The profession of a groom
The groom’s daily work
HP : What do you manage on a daily basis? Feeding, preparation, care, medical monitoring…
V.H. : I try to handle as much as possible every day. The groom is like a Swiss army knife. In this job, we constantly focus on the horses’ physical well-being, so we need to be very observant. We must know the horses inside out to detect any anomaly and act as quickly as possible. When I load horses into the truck for a competition, I want them to perform at 200%. I make sure all the boxes are checked before leaving. I communicate a lot with Fanny and the other team members, Gaëlle the resident groom, and Pauline the resident rider. Whenever there’s a doubt, we try to find a solution together. For example, if a horse seems a bit more tired than usual, we discuss it together, always keeping in mind that the sooner we act, the better.
As a groom, I also manage all the feeding, always in consultation with the team: how will the horses eat? What will they eat? What do they need to be at their best?
There is also an administrative part. For example, I must manage the health papers and note the horses’ temperatures in an app three days before the competition.
HP : Can you describe a typical day?
V.H. : The day starts at 7 a.m., but I like to arrive earlier to have a moment alone with my horses and give them hay. We start by taking the horses out and dividing them into groups: some go to the paddock, others to the walker. Then we clean the stalls. At the Guerdat stable, everyone participates, whether it’s the competition rider, the resident riders, or the grooms. After that, we bring everyone back in, provide water, and start their work (lunging, groundwork, forest). We try to exercise all horses in the morning. During the lunch break, we take turns so everyone can eat. We resume at 2 p.m., and the afternoon is devoted to care. The horses go back to the paddock while we clean stalls, tidy the stable, and refill hay. Horses return between 3:30 and 4:00 p.m. for feeding.
What I love about the Guerdat stable is that the horses are often outside, which is very important here. Our horses go out 3 to 4 times a day and spend a maximum of 3 to 4 hours in their stalls during the day. We ensure they have as natural living conditions as possible. We are lucky to have immediate access to the forest, so we try to take them there at least twice a week. We also have many grass arenas to work them outside the main arena.
The groom’s work at competitions
HP : What changes when you go to competitions? Is horse management different? Are there moments when you are alone?
V.H. : At competitions, we try as much as possible to keep the same routine as at home. Although there are more time constraints to meet the schedule of the events, we continue to take the horses out as much as possible. A typical day at a competition is very similar to home: we arrive, feed, clean the stalls, then start exercising the horses. When there are five horses, there are two of us to ensure the work is done properly and the horses are exercised fully.
HP : The groom has a crucial role at a high level. How does your work complement Fanny’s?
V.H. : I communicate a lot with Fanny, especially when introducing something new. For example, when I try a new care method, I ask Fanny if she notices a difference in the horse’s performance, whether to continue this care or try another. Likewise, if Fanny or I notice a horse is more tired than usual, we discuss it together so I can provide the appropriate care and she can adjust the training schedule accordingly. If Fanny feels a horse needs a break from arena work, she informs me and the team so we can take it to the forest. This link with Fanny and the team is crucial to improving the horses’ comfort and performance.
Working relationship with Fanny Skalli
HP : Unlike other grooms, you ride a lot. Was that planned from the start, or did trust develop over time?
V.H. : No, it wasn’t planned. When I arrived at the Guerdat stable, Fanny was pregnant. She wasn’t present because she was in Marseille. So the resident rider at the time rode the horses, and I only took them to the forest under Fanny’s instructions. Before even applying, I had a huge crush on Fanny’s mare, Jonka. I had seen her at a competition in Deauville a few months earlier and thought, “One day, I will take care of this mare.” I found her incredible. She is very unique and doesn’t let just anyone approach her. I immediately felt a connection, which quickly built trust with Fanny. Jonka is Fanny’s lead mare, so when she saw things were going well between us, she allowed me to ride her in the forest. Fanny’s stepfather, who is also her coach, saw me riding and told Fanny he thought I could exercise the horses at all three gaits. The goal is not to do major training, just to exercise them occasionally.
Animal communication in the show groom profession
HP : We know you trained in animal communication. Did you train while being Fanny’s groom? Does this kind of growth contribute to your fulfillment and motivate you to go further?
V.H. : I discovered animal communication a few years ago. I did it for Jonka. Two years ago, Jessica Morin, a friend of Fanny and equine masseuse, came to massage the horses at a competition in Lyon. She noticed a particularly strong bond between the horses and me and suggested it could be developed further. I liked the idea but wanted the right person to train me. Jessica recommended Fanny Marchal, with whom she trained. I started this training remotely for a year, with 1-2 live video sessions per month. It was very convenient and I enjoyed it a lot. Since then, I regularly attend workshops. I also want to train in energy-based care, which helps better understand horses and act quickly if there’s a physical or emotional issue.
Making a difference
HP : We assume animal communication makes a difference. How does it help in your daily management of horses?
V.H. : It’s completely different because it opens many doors for understanding and acting. Horses are so intelligent they know we can help them. They become more expressive. When we really observe and listen to them, we notice many small signals. Animal communication helps us implement more targeted actions. For example, after effort, it helps me choose the most suitable care (clay, arnica, etc.). I also use it when I have doubts, tuning into the horse and asking questions to gain helpful insights. Sometimes nothing comes up because what we perceive as a problem isn’t one for the horses. I work closely with Fanny, and in some cases, animal communication has truly helped us.
Animal communication for horse care
HP : Can you give a concrete example?
V.H. : I consulted my trainer for one of Fanny’s mares we couldn’t understand. It was very complicated; we felt she was uncomfortable. Thanks to Fanny Marchal, we identified several old issues causing the mare’s behavior. We adapted our approach with Fanny riding and me on foot. After trial and error, we found a method that suited the mare. It took time, but she progressed positively. It wasn’t just animal communication; Fanny’s horses also see an osteopath regularly, Nicolas Belin. I have basic equine massage skills, so when I feel discomfort, I place my hands on the horse to relieve tension. All these care methods combined resolved the mare’s issues.
HP : Everyone wants to be a groom for top riders, but how do you stand out?
V.H. : You have to be truly passionate and ready to put your personal life aside. I live 200% for my horses, even on vacation or rest days. This job demands huge investment, so you have to accept it. It’s very hard work with long hours, so you must be persevering and not stop at the first challenge.
Curiosity is key. You must continually train, ask questions, and never settle. At competitions, I observe other stables, watch how people perform care, and learn. I also interact with Emma, Steve Guerdat’s groom for 10 years, who has immense experience. The show groom must know the horses perfectly, observing them constantly to act quickly and apply all the care techniques learned.
To stand out, accumulate as much experience as possible. Experience allows taking the right initiatives at the right moment, enabling one to manage a top rider’s horses. These are high-value horses with extremely high work standards, so meticulous care is crucial. I’ve worked very hard to reach this level and am proud to have this responsibility today.
Final word
HP : How do you see your future?
V.H. : I know my future will be with horses. I love what I do. I love competitions because of the intense pace, far from routine. I’m lucky to care for excellent horses and can’t see myself doing anything else for now. I hope to go as far as possible in this path.
Meanwhile, I will continue training in animal communication, energy-based care, and massage. These fields interest me greatly. I know I could move into these areas if I ever need to slow down. For now, I feel in the right place.
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Photo credits: Stéphane Cande
