The Aiken Horse Park Foundation is proud to announce Caitlin Dwyer as the inaugural recipient of the World Class Grooming Career Development Grant, a new program created to help aspiring high-performance grooms gain the education, experience and mentorship needed to pursue careers at the international level.
The first grant of its kind, the $5,000 award supports grooms pursuing professional careers in one of the three Olympic equestrian disciplines: Dressage, Show Jumping or Eventing. Through educational opportunities and a structured mentor–mentee program, recipients are given the opportunity to learn from experienced grooms, barn managers and athletes working at the highest levels of the sport.
Dwyer brings 15 years of experience in the equestrian industry, including work as a groom, working student, assistant rider and instructor. After spending a decade as an elementary school teacher while continuing to work with horses, she made the decision to leave teaching and pursue a full-time career in the equine industry. She is now a certified equine sports massage therapist and the owner of Mane-Tenance Required, LLC, while also working as an assistant rider, trainer, instructor and head groom at Apple Tree Farm.
Dwyer’s professional goals include continuing to expand her knowledge of equine wellness and advanced grooming techniques, gaining experience with elite programs and ultimately traveling internationally as a high-performance groom.
“I want to travel the world with our nation’s best to championships and Olympic games. I want to be the one putting those white polo wraps on the horses before they go back into the stadium for awards,” Dwyer wrote in her application.
“I was so excited when I got the call from Emma to tell me the good news!” said Dwyer on being informed of her selection. “I feel honored to have been chosen as the first recipient of this grant. With the support of this grant, I’ll be able to improve my skills as a groom with the hopes of one day caring for our nation’s top horses.”
The selection committee was impressed by Dwyer’s depth of experience, commitment to continued education and clear vision for a career at the highest levels of the sport. The grant will help support her participation in educational opportunities, including her goal of learning from professional grooms overseas.
The Aiken Horse Park Foundation is proud to invest in the people behind the horses and support the next generation of professionals who will represent the United States on the world stage.
Help us grow the World Class Grooming Career Development Grant and invest in the future of our sport. To support aspiring grooms like Caitlin, please consider making a donation to the fund here.
