Stable hands, also known as grooms and strappers, assist with maintaining and cleaning stables and handling horses and other stud animals.
Stable hands groom, feed, handle, stable and exercise horses. They observe and check horses for lameness, common injuries, ailments and infections and administer first aid, medication or other appropriate treatment. They are responsible for cleaning and maintaining stables and training equipment. They accompany horses to registered race meetings, gymkhanas and equestrian events. They sometimes exercise horses during track work or equestrian activities.
Some stable hands who show potential and are light in weight may become learner jockeys.
Stable hands commence work early in the morning and may be required to work on weekends and public holidays. The work must be done in all kinds of weather. Long hours are usually involved.