The operation of any yard relies on an efficient and organized working staff who between them carry out a timetable which is designed to give priority to the horse's welfare, i.e. his exercise, feeding, grooming and detailed routine for which he relies totally on man. In the past it was always the custom of a stable yard to employ a male stud groom who did not necessarily ride but was totally responsible to the owner for the overall day-to-day management of the yard and its residents. Nowadays his role is taken by a head girl or head lad and it is more commonplace to find a stud groom in a racing or stud yard.

The number of staff required in a stable yard will depend on the number of animals to be cared for and the work they are doing. Principles have changed over the years and where it was once considered essential that no groom should care for more than two horses, a groom today may be found 'doing' any number, especially if they are not in work. It is, however, recommended that one groom should have no more than three working horses in his charge as more often than not the modern groom is expected to ride out.

It is the duty of the head person or manager to allot horses to grooms depending on their experience, temperament and ability. For example, a novice teenager should not be expected to care for a temperamental or nervous youngster without supervision. The knowledgeable horseman will pair up horses and grooms to the advantage of both and recognize the need for change before it is too late. An apprentice or trainee should be under constant supervision and not be expected to know all the details of the job which are second nature to an experienced groom. The head person must expect to bear the full responsibilities which go with his position and to make quick decisions in an emergency. It is important for him to understand 'man management' and develop respect and loyalty from his staff because the smooth running of the yard relies on team effort and the full cooperation of all concerned. The atmosphere of the yard reflects the mood of the staff and subsequently affects the behavior of the horses. They will not generally relax whilst there is activity and noise on the yard.

As well as organizing the staff the head person will be expected to liaise with the owner and plan and execute a timetable for the horses' work each day. He will also be expected to know how to adjust each horse's program for reasons such as the animal's health, the weather and ground conditions. It will be up to him to pair up horse and rider appropriately and to make changes if a horse and rider are not compatible. Feeding, ordering of feedstuffs, bedding materials and stable equipment and overseeing the maintenance of these items will be his responsibility too. Treatment and clipping is often carried out by the head person where it is not practical to delegate. The trainee on the other hand, is engaged in the yard to learn his trade and it is up to the head person to ensure that this training is carried out.

In a stable yard where one groom is employed and is directly responsible to the owner it will be assumed that this person is sufficiently experienced to undertake the day-to-day management if the owner is not actively involved with everyday duties. It is inappropriate for the owner to expect a novice groom to be given the entire responsibilities involved with the welfare and exercise of valuable horses.