The Life of a Show Groom – Meet Niki Javorek
A groom plays an essential part in the equestrian team having to deal with multiple tasks during a week. Meet Niki Javorek – Geir Gulliksen’s show groom who always bring her pink shades on tour and her favourite show is London Olympia!
Published:
February 5th, 2022
/ photo: Boots & Hooves
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Niki Javorek and I work as a show groom for Geir Gulliksen, at Stall Gullik, in Norway. I’m born and raised in Slovakia where I finished the agriculture school for grooms and riders, and I have worked as a groom ever since. I moved to Norway 4 years ago with my Welsh corgi boy, Kiwi. I would describe myself as a passionate and hard-working person, which love to travel and spoil my horses.
You are working as a groom for the Norwegian show jumping legend, Geir Gulliksen. How did you end up at Stall Gullik?
One day I received a call from Victoria Gulliksen who offered me a job. A few days later I was sitting on the plane, on my way to Norway. Two days after my arrival I drove the horse-truck to Rome and met Geir for the first time.
How is it being a groom for one of Norway’s top show jumpers?
I find it very exciting. Both Geir and I are extremely competitive. He is giving me a lot of trust in the work I do, which is great. I enjoy working with Geir a lot!
What does a normal week look like for you?
It depends if we are at home or on a show. At home we have our routines. The horses are hacking a lot in the woods, having a bit easier life compared to when traveling between shows. Personally, at home, I prefer spending my free time at the gym. Life “on the road” though is different. Then we are driving quite a lot and the horses are jumping on several different show grounds. But it’s fun and I love traveling. Show life is all about planning correctly and being exact on time - both for morning jogs, warm up and of course the show jumping course. The horses need to be always on fleek and in perfect shape. Hand walking with the horses two-three times a day is a must, besides to morning jogs or easy flat riding. I like to use massage blanket before and after the classes. My horses are good travellers. They always have access to water and hay on the truck during trips.
/ photos: private
What skills do you think a good show groom should have?
An eye for details, always putting the horses first and for sure be able to work under pressure. Being a competition groom is not a “8-16 job”. As a groom you need to be prepared for long days, late evenings and early mornings.
Do you ever ride some of the horses yourself?
Yes, I do! At home I’m enjoying Norwegian nature with my horses and when Geir is not home I ride the horses on the flat if they need flat work. I’m also riding them before Geir is arriving on the show ground or between the competitions.
Do you have a (or more) favourite horse at the moment?
My favourite horse since I arrived in Norway is Arakorn, Geir’s old horse. I’m happy to see him having a nice life with his new owner, Max Loof. I do also have very special connection with Quatro. Quatro is a special horse with a big personality, but he’s not always making my life easy. lol.
A Competition groom has an important role in the equestrian team with a lot of different tasks to be done. How do you cope with stress and hectic periods?
I work very well under pressure; I deal with stress and chaos quite good.
You travel a lot and get to see many different corners of the equestrian world. What’s your favourite destination/event in your career so far?
My favourite show ground is definitely London Olympia! The atmosphere is unreal, the people are nice and London during Christmas time is just magical. I also like Monaco and NYC.
The best thing with working full time as a groom?
For sure working with horses and all the traveling. I get to see many beautiful and interesting places. Also, spending time with equestrian friends around the world is a cool part of being a show groom.
…And the most challenging?
The biggest challenge is to always make sure that the horses are happy and sound on big trips or during flights. If the horses are happy and healthy, they will achieve better results when competing in the arena.
/ photo: Ahmed44Photography
Three things you ALWAYS bring with you when traveling?
My pink sun glasses, lucky charms for the horses and my pink unicorn for good luck.
Favourite meal on the go?
Depends on the country but the food on the ferry is great. Salty sticks are helping me to deal with the longer drives.
What is it about Norway and Norwegian people that surprised you the most when you first moved to here?
People in Norway are very kind and friendly. Stall Gullik have become my second family, they are always so nice and helpful. Norway is a beautiful country and for the future I hope to get more free time to travel and hike in the nature.
Favourite TV-show at the moment?
Well, I’m not a TV-person as I try to spend my time more outside instead of watching TV. With that said, the old school Big Bang Theory is never a bad idea.
Where are you in 10 years?
I would love to stay in the equestrian world but will probably not do shows anymore. I can imagine myself as a stable manager / home groom, perhaps still being in Norway. I’m living day by day so I will see what the future will bring for me!
