We love celebrating and learning about the #SuperGrooms who make this sport go around — quite literally! — so we’re on a mission to interview as many grooms as we can to learn about their journeys. Catch up on the other interviews from this series here and nominate a #SuperGroom of your own by emailing [email protected]! Today, we’ll hear from Paige Ansaldi.
Allison Springer hugs her longtime groom, Paige Ansaldi, on finding out she’d won Bromont’s 4*-L. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Paige has groomed for most of her life, even while going to college at the University of Maryland. After she graduated, she wanted to give something other than horses a try, so she wanted to put her criminology and criminal justice degree to use.
“During the initiation process of potentially getting the job, I always said that if I don’t get this, I’m going to go back to grooming,” she says. Around the same time that she found out she didn’t get the job, Allison Springer posted about needing a new groom.
Paige Ansaldi and Vandyke. Photo courtesy of Allison Springer Eventing.
“The stars kind of aligned, and I’ve always been a fan of Allison’s,” she says. It’s a full circle for her 12-year-old self. “I’ve always appreciated her philosophy for training horses and making sure they have a solid foundation.”
Paige has been with Allison for a little over a year and has enjoyed having multiple horses to groom for at the FEI levels. Being able to learn from Allison while she teaches and rides is the cherry on top. “You really never stop learning here.”
Another perk to working with Allison is that Paige gets to use EQyss products on all the horses. “The previous rider I had worked for was also sponsored by them, so when I saw that she was sponsored I was pretty psyched about it because they have some great products!”
That being said, Paige has a few EQyss grooming tips and tricks to share with EN readers…
Tip #1: Shine, shine, shine!
Paige says that currying the horses is truly the best thing you can do for them. Along with that, she recommends using the EQyss Premier Spray on their coats.
“I put that on with a soft sheepskin mitt on their coat before they go into the show ring. It just helps bring that extra shine to them, and it’s one of my favorites.”
Tip #2: Keep their tails strong
The Survivor Equine Mane & Tail Detangler + Shine is a favorite for their horse’s tails.
“It helps keep their tails strong and keep growing, and keeps the tailbone moisturized and that’s pretty huge because it can get pretty flaky depending on what area you’re in.”
Tip #3: Moisture is your friend
The Avocado Mist and Marigold Coat Conditioning Spray are constantly used around Allison’s barn.
“We always use those as coat conditioners, especially during this dry season here to keep them all moisturized. An added bonus is that it helps them smell good, too!”
Tip #4: Don’t slack in the winter months
Paige says that the Micro-Tek Shampoo is perfect to prevent any funk on their skin, especially after they’ve been clipped.
“As this weather is getting to winter, it keeps their legs feeling good. If you have any skin funk going on, it’s really great to use.”
To help with blanket rubs, Paige likes to use the Mega-Tek Rebuilder. “You can actually leave a thin layer on their shoulders while they’re getting blanket rubs and it helps their hair grow back.”
It’s been a big year for Paige and the Allison Springer team, who collected a big win in the CCI4*-L at MARS Bromont this summer with No May Moon and a top-5 finish in the CCI3*-L at MARS Maryland 5 Star this fall with Monbeg Zebedee. Allison is also the fifth-ranked U.S. rider by USEA leaderboard points, capping off a stellar year supported by Paige at the helm of the important work that goes into keeping the horses happy and healthy.
Go Paige and Go Eventing!
