Please could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role? How did you begin your career in the industry?

My name is Marine, and I am originally from the southwest of France. Horses have always been part of my life – I grew up around them. From a young age, I was riding at the local riding school and even worked a bit with young horses.  I realized early on that I enjoyed  taking care of the horses more than  riding, and so a becoming a groom just made sense to me.

My mum was keen for me to get a diploma, so I went to university for a year, to study art history. While it was interesting, it did not  feel like it was the right path – I missed being around horses too much.  I decided to pursue a more hands-on agricultural degree. It was a two-year diploma, and we had a stable on-site. Unsurprisingly, I spent more time there than I probably should have! Although I still completed the course.

After graduating, I sent open applications to several big stables. I explained that I had grown up with horses, spoke English, had experience helping at shows, and was eager to learn. I was fortunate to receive a few replies, including one from Stephex Stables. I had job interviews lined up for a rider in the Czech Republic and  Mexico, but my mum thought Belgium was a bit more reasonable.

When I arrived at Stephex Stables for a trial in July 2018, I was originally meant to work for a French rider based there. However, he was planning to start his own stable, and Daniel Deusser’s home groom was leaving at the same time. So they offered me the chance to temporarily work with a national rider and then transition to Daniel’s team. It all came together by chance and perfect timing. I officially started with Daniel in August 2018 and have been with him ever since.

You've worked closely with some of the best horses in the world – how do you build a bond with each individual horse in Daniel’s string?

We are lucky to have horses that stay with us for a long time, which gives us the chance to really get to know them. When I arrived, Daniel still had both Cornet 39 and Cornet d’Amour – two legendary horses. I remember seeing Cornet d’Amour in Lyon in 2014 and thinking, “This is the job I want.” So to find myself working with him daily felt surreal at first.

Each horse has its own personality. Some are shy, some are bold, some are playful, and others are more serious. It is  like people – you naturally have stronger connections with certain horses based on personalities. For example, Bingo Ste Hermelle is a lovely stallion who is very kind but has a cheeky, playful side. Otello de Guldenboom is more reserved and sensitive, and Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z is quite similar to him – soft and gentle. On the other hand, some of the mares like Killer Queen VDM have strong opinions. Killer Queen VDM knows exactly what she wants, and makes that very clear! We always joked that she was more attached to Sean [Lynch] than to me – she would whinny for him always!

They all have distinct quirks, and that is part of what makes this job so special. You spend so much time with them – and they are such individuals. The bond that you created with them is built day by day.

What does a typical day look like for you at home versus at a major event like CHIO Aachen?

I try to keep things as consistent as possible, even at the shows. Horses are creatures of habit, and sudden changes can create unnecessary stress. I do not believe in overcomplicating things. If they are used to a certain routine at home, I try to replicate that at shows – some hand-grazing, keeping them calm, and just giving them time to relax.

At the shows, you often have more time to spend with them one-on-one, which is lovely. It is less rushed than at home, so it gives us a chance to really focus on their care, their mood, and their well-being.

You travel extensively on the international circuit. How do you keep the horses comfortable and stress-free during long journeys?

Travelling is a big part of our life, but most of our horses are used to it by now. We try to keep everything as familiar and comfortable as possible. If a horse has a friend they like to travel with, we pair them together in the truck. If two do not get along, we separate them. It is all about making smart choices to reduce stress.

When they travel by plane, everything  is very well organized and very comfortable. Once we arrive at the shows, the stabling is top class. Quiet, spacious, and well set up – that makes a huge difference. Good facilities really help the horses settle and stay relaxed.

CHIO Aachen is often described as The Championships, Wimbledon of the Show Jumping world. What makes it so special from a groom’s perspective?

Last year was my first time at Aachen, and honestly – it gave me goosebumps. The crowd, the atmosphere, the history – it is so intense. When you work for a German rider like Daniel, the support from the home crowd is unreal. It gives you this extra energy and emotion.

I was blown away by the sheer scale and ambience. I remember watching from home when Killer Queen VDM won and I was screaming with joy. Being there in person was a dream. It is emotional, it is electric – you can feel the tension and excitement from everyone. It truly is an  unforgettable experience.

What sets the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors apart from other shows on the circuit?

It is the atmosphere, the organization, the quality – everything just feels a level above. Whether it is indoors like The Dutch Masters or outdoors like Calgary or Aachen, each venue is spectacular.

I share show duties with Isabella, and I have been lucky to attend when Daniel has had some incredible results, such as when he and Scuderia 1918 Tobago won the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters in 2022. I remember being so nervous, but the energy there was amazing. Calgary last year was also unforgettable – the team won the BMO Nations’ Cup, and all the horses jumped incredibly. The Majors have something magical about them.

You work with a big team at Stephex Stables. How do you help each other grow and develop?

Working as a team is essential. With horses, you are constantly learning – there is no such thing as knowing everything. We are always asking each other questions, sharing advice, and helping solve problems.

If one horse travels with a different groom for a show, we always exchange notes – what they like, their little habits. For example, Killer Queen VDM loves her morning nap, so we plan around that to keep her happy. It is all about communication, observation, and being open to learning.

You play a vital behind-the-scenes role in Daniel’s success. What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

For me, it is seeing the horses healthy, happy, and performing well. When they feel good in their bodies, and you see them giving their best in the ring – it is incredibly satisfying. Additionally, when Daniel is happy, the whole team feels it.

Even when I was at home and not travelling to shows, I felt proud seeing the horses succeed. You know the work you have put in has contributed to that success. It is a team effort through and through.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone dreaming of becoming a top-level groom, especially at Rolex Grand Slam events, what would it be?

Just go for it. Be open-minded, willing to learn, and do not be discouraged if it feels tough at first. Listen to everyone – there is always something to learn. You might think you know a lot, and then you work somewhere new and realize there is a different way to do things. That is okay – every experience helps you grow. I think it is important it keep pushing forward, as the journey is absolutely worth it.