Organized by top Olympic groom, Emma Ford
World Class Grooming Aiken Equine Educational Series
Presented by Shapley's
Join us for 6 weeks of World Class equine instruction from some of the best in the business!
World Class Grooming Career Development Grant
Aiken Horse Park Foundation - Supporting Education
The Aiken Horse Park Foundation is proud to offer the inaugural World Class Grooming Career Development Grant. The first of its kind, this grant provides an aspiring high-performance groom with the education and opportunities needed to advance their career. Designed for individuals without extensive international grooming experience, the program encourages cross-discipline exposure and immersion in elite programs with highly experienced mentors, including grooms, barn managers, and athletes.
This grant aims to provide meaningful financial support to individuals seeking to advance their professional education and hands-on experience within the equine industry. Specifically, it supports grooms pursuing careers at the international level in one of the Olympic disciplines: Dressage, Jumping, or Eventing. Through a structured mentor–mentee program, grant recipients will have the opportunity to learn directly from professionals working at the highest levels of the sport. This immersive educational experience is designed to cultivate excellence, professionalism, horsemanship, and long-term career sustainability for aspiring international grooms.
The inaugural grant for 2026 will be $5,000
The committee established to guide the development and allocation of the grant is populated with top grooms from the three Olympic disciplines and representatives of the AHPF. More information about Amy Borun, Emma Ford, Joanie Morris, Carly Muma and Margo Thomas is available here:
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must not have previously groomed at the Olympic, World, or Pan American Games
- Must be between the ages of 23–35 at the time of application
- Must have at least three years of experience in the equine grooming industry
- Must be currently employed or interning in an equine-related role (e.g., groom, barn manager)
- Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Must demonstrate a clear commitment to pursuing a professional career in one of the three Olympic disciplines
Applications are due no later than July 1
Stephanie Simpson, Head Groom & Manager - Boyd Martin
“This is an opportunity never before offered for grooms. I came to my role from rural Vermont, it was via a series of events that put me in the right place at the right time. This grant will help pave a career path for world-class grooms.”
Grant Selection Committee
Emma Ford
A retired professional groom to seven-time Olympian Phillip Dutton, Emma’s career has spanned four Olympic Games, multiple World Championships, and nearly every five-star event in the Northern Hemisphere. Author of World Class Grooming, currently a sought-after Equine Sports Massage Therapist
Amy Ruth Borun
A former 5* Eventing Athlete - she developed her own ex-racehorse to the highest level of Eventing, in addition to having several other FEI horses and wins across the USA. Current Aiken Horse Park Foundation Board Member.
Carly Muma
Traveled the globe with Susie Dutta’s 5* dressage horses for 14 years, groomed on 10 different nations cup teams. Part of a team that has successfully brought five young horses from 4-5 years old to the Grand Prix level. Additionally assists in rehab and therapy for Timmy Dutta’s team of high-goal polo ponies.
Margo Thomas
Show groom for decorated US Olympian Laura Kraut for seven years. Thirteen years total of Eventing and jumping grooming experience. Groomed at two Olympic Games and a Pan American Games and dozens of Nations Cups and 5* CSIs.
Joanie Morris
Began career in high performance equestrian sport as a groom, which led to Team USA roles at Olympic, World and Pan American Games. Wrote a letter to get her first grooming job with Phillip and Evie Dutton. She serves as the COO of the Aiken Horse Park Foundation
Previous WCG Aiken Equine Educational Series Lectures
2026
Glenn Reed - Equine Dentistry
Lauren Garrett-Bond - Saddle Fitting, the Relationship Between Performance and a Good Fit
Dr. Nikki Scherrer DACVO - Caring for the Mature Horse
Sarah Louise Lilley - Emotional Freedom Technique
Sponsored by: Courtney Crossley Equestrian
Pat Parelli - Communication, Psychology, and Partnership
Sponsored by: Flair Equine Nasal Strips
Amy Gibbs - Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention
2025
Emma Ford - Best Practices for Clipping
Kim Gentry "The Bit Lady" - Finding the right Bit and Bridle for your horse
Sponsored by Vaughn Equestrian
Dan Martzall CF - The Importance of Healthy Feet & the Art of a Good Farrier
Lauren Garrett-Bond - Saddle Fitting, the Relationship Between Performance and a Good Fit
Dr. Tyler Murray - Effective Goal Setting, Managing Focus and Intention in the Saddle
Dr. Kate Echeverria - Best Management Practices for Horses with EMS, IR, and Cushing's Disease
2024
Saxon Alexandra - Actuality Equine: Interactive lecture about fascia and functional anatomy
Boyd Martin - FEI World #3: Getting horses fit for the occasion
Stephanie Simpson - Head Groom Windurra USA (Boyd Martin): Traveling with horses
Anna Pesta Dunaway PhD. - Purina Animal Nutrition: Nutrition for equine athletes at any level
Dr. Kate Echeverria - DVM KE Equine PLLC: Gastric Health
Julie Robins - Aiken Horsemanship Academy: Equine behavior and how we can all improve our bond with our horses
World Class Grooming
World Class Grooming (WCG)
It is our mission to help elevate the level of care and understanding that all horses experience, no matter what discipline they are involved in. We hope that through our book, clinics and training to teach that hard work, patience, and time will strengthen the relationship between each horse and his or her caretaker.
2026 Educational Series Partners
Park Sponsors
