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“I have focused on building a good team,” Corentin Tual – who for the past five years has worked for USA’s Lillie Keenan – tells World of Showjumping. In addition to being Keenan’s main show groom, the 31-year-old Frenchman also manages Keenan’s horses and staff. “For me, it is very important that everyone has a clear role. I try to surround myself with people I believe are the best in their field. Everyone should be doing what they are best at, so that the horses can perform whenever needed, and without Lillie having to worry about anything.”

Originally from Rennes, France, Corentin started riding at the age of 13, when he followed a friend to the stables. “I loved it and started to take lesson on the weekends,” he explains. Later on, a failed English test in business school inspired Corentin to take on grooming. “I wanted to travel,” he recalls. “And even though I didn’t really speak English, I wanted to go to America.”

I like the fact that in America, everything is very detail-oriented

While Corentin had groomed in Europe, he had never done international competitions when applying for a job at Eric Lamaze’s Torrey Pines Stables in 2018. “I ended up working for one of his clients for eight months and we did shows in Florida, at Spruce Meadows and around in Europe. It was a very good experience," Corentin says.

"I loved the system, which was really different from Europe," he continues. "I like the fact that in America, everything is very detail-oriented. For me, that is very important. I don't like it if you have to hurry and if there is not enough time to do a good job. I think sometimes in Europe, that's kind of the problem; they have so many horses, so they can't do it all properly – and I don't like working in that kind of environment.” 

In 2019, Corentin joined Lillie’s team. “I was working for Lucy Davis at the time, and as she wanted to stop riding for a while, I was looking for a new opportunity,” he tells. “I wanted to stay in America; Lillie was actually our neighbour, and she was looking for another team member – so I took the chance.”

I was the newest groom at the barn and I was just following instructions, which was great because I learned a lot

“In the beginning, I did not have as much responsibility,” Corentin tells about the evolution of his role at Lillie’s Chansonette Farm. “I was the newest groom at the barn and I was just following instructions, which was great because I learned a lot. We kept going like this for about two years; we were two show grooms, one home groom and one manager.”

When the manager left, Corentin naturally grew towards a more demanding role within the team. “When you lose someone who had an important role in the middle of a season, it can cause stress,” he tells. “My co-workers and I had to take more responsibility. For a while, we were looking for another manager. I felt I was not ready for this kind of role; I didn't have so much experience. However, I ended up taking up more responsibility and doing the tasks that were needed. Eventually, Lillie and McLain told me I should officially have the role of a manager. Now, I take care of all the logistics and make sure everyone's in the right place at the right time. I manage the staff, take care of the horses, co-ordinate the farrier, the vet, the feed – I pretty much do everything that's involved in the care of the horses. I'm in charge of these tasks, but obviously I’m not doing it all by myself; we have a full team.”

With horses competing both in Europe and in the States simultaneously, Corentin has a lot to juggle. “We have a very good team,” he says. “If I have new people, I always stay with them for a bit to make sure they are familiar with our system. We have a very strong system, and there's a lot of guidance in the barn, so you never feel like you don't know what you have to do. If there is anything that happens in the middle of the night and I'm sleeping, they will know what to do, and I'll trust them. I also have everything planned before I leave, and I spend a lot of time on the phone with our crew. Sometimes the days get long because I need to be on the phone with our staff in America late after a day of work in Europe.”

Because the job is so demanding and you're always with each other, the balance within the team is the most important thing

As part of growing into his new role, Corentin has also been forced to learn to let go. “This year for example, we were extremely busy ahead of the World Cup Final. I sent our second groom – who’s more than capable – to Basel and during that week I had a vacation. I would have never done this before. However, I have learned that it is important to take time off when you can and enjoy life.”

“I love to travel, but it is probably what I hate the most as well,” Corentin tells about the pros and cons of his demanding profession. “And I really love good sport. When we go to big shows, I like to see the horses that we had for a while competing in the biggest classes. Seeing the horses improve is something I enjoy.”

Corentin believes that there are several aspects to consider when it comes to the current staffing issues in the equestrian industry. “I think the new generation of grooms is not the same as it used to be,” he begins. “Of course, for some of them it’s not just a job; there are still those who want to do everything and who really care about the horses. You have to be passionate about this, because the job is very demanding."

You have to be passionate about this, because the job is very demanding

"However, I also believe that some of the grooms that are already in the system are not helping to make it right either because I can see many of them overworking. It could all be easier," Corentin points out. "Often, I hear grooms complaining because they don't want to do every single show, but simultaneously they don't want anyone else to do their job either.”

A simple gesture that shows can do to improve the grooms’ working conditions is making sure the stable area is well organized, Corentin points out. “When shows hire a good stable manager, that's life changing for us,” he says. “Well planned stables, people helping you unload and convenient hours for the competitions are all little things that make a huge difference.” 

“I think the people are there, we just need to make sure that doing this job long-term is sustainable,” he continues. “There are grooms who are amazing at what they're doing, but they quit because they can't find the right conditions. From my personal experience, I’m trying to find a balance between work and free time. I don't go to every single show and also as a team, we sometimes opt to take a break instead of showing – because from time to time, it is actually better if everyone rests.”

I think that grooming at the highest level is simply not for everyone

“Additionally, I think that grooming at the highest level is simply not for everyone. I don't think you become a groom, I think you either have it in you or you don’t,” Corentin says. “The tasks themselves might not be so complicated – I think anyone can do the simple chores. However, a great feeling and an eye for detail is something that I believe can’t be taught.”

When hiring new people, Corentin believes that it is more important to consider the team dynamic over individual skills. “You have to make sure to ask the right questions,” he says about the process. “Because the job is so demanding and you're always with each other, the balance within the team is the most important thing. It actually affects the quality of the work, because if everyone is happy, everyone does a better job.”

For anyone dreaming of being a professional groom, Corentin has a simple advice. “Literally, go for it,” he says. “And don’t let anyone stop you, and don’t be afraid to make a change if you don’t find the right place immediately. Many people stay in the same place, thinking the grass is not going to be greener anywhere else – and that is not true."

"I knew for myself that it would take some time, but that when I would find the right fit, I would stay with that person forever – because that’s my mentality. And that’s what’s happening now. It just took a little while, because Eric was not the right fit and Lucy was not the right fit at the time. Now, I believe I have found my person and my place. However, it does not mean it is all rainbows and butterflies! There will always be hard times; it’s part of the job.”

I'm obsessed with this; trying to improve keeps me motivated, every single day

“You have to be a hard worker and passionate about the job, the horses and the sport,” he continues. “I think it’s important to understand that we have two separate things we have to fit together, the horses and the sport. As a groom, your job is to make sure that your horses are completely happy. We have to make sure horses can still be horses, even though they are competing at the highest level of the sport.”

Another advice Corentin has is to remember your own worth as a person. “Some riders want to make their grooms feel as if they would be nothing without them – and that is not true. If you're a good groom, you're a good groom – despite who you work for.”

Goals keep Corentin going. “I'm already thinking about the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles,” he tells. “Long-term goals are a great motivation for me. Also, if anything goes wrong at a show, I want to know why; I want to find out if there is anything I can do to be better next time. I'm obsessed with this; trying to improve keeps me motivated, every single day.”

29.7.2025 No reproduction of any of the content in this article will be accepted without a written permission, all rights reserved © World of Showjumping.com. If copyright violations occur, a penalty fee will apply.