🎙The Equitas Podcast: Cassie’s Journey from International Groom to Equinett Founder

“Talk to absolutely everybody and always say yes to an opportunity,”

In last week’s episode of the Equitas Podcast, we sat down with Cassie — international groom, eventing apprentice, globe-trotting horsewoman and now founder of Equinett — for a conversation that perfectly captures what it means to build a life in horses on your own terms.

Cassie’s story doesn’t follow one straight line. From working under Olympian Jeanette Brakewell, to grooming at international level, to travelling the world through Japan, Spain, Ireland, France and America — her career has been built on curiosity, courage and saying yes to opportunity.

And that mindset? It’s exactly what led to the creation of Equinett.

Learning the Industry from the Ground Up

Cassie began in eventing, completing her apprenticeship with Jeanette Brakewell and competing at what is now Two-Star level. But what stood out most wasn’t the competition results — it was the professionalism, structure and standards she absorbed.

“Talk to absolutely everybody and always say yes to an opportunity,” she shared.
“Good or bad - it’s experience. You can always leave. But you won’t know unless you go.”

From Ireland’s uniquely collaborative show circuit to dressage yards in Japan and stallion training in Spain, Cassie witnessed first-hand how differently the industry operates across cultures and disciplines. That exposure gave her something many riders and grooms never get — perspective.

The Gap No One Was Filling

After years in elite yards, freelance roles and international travel, one thing became clear to Cassie: the equestrian industry is incredibly skilled - but often behind the times when it comes to technology.

That’s where Equinett was born.

Equinett is an all-in-one, affordable advertising platform for the equestrian community. From horses for sale to freelance grooms offering clipping services, from job listings to rehoming partnerships - it provides a central, searchable space for equestrians who often get lost in fragmented social media groups.

The platform allows users to:

• Create and edit their own listings
• Advertise services based on location
• List freelance offerings professionally
• Post job roles or horses for sale
• Access free tier options across categories

And importantly, it’s designed to be simple, accessible and transparent.

Cassie isn’t trying to replace existing platforms. She’s building something that supports the everyday rider, groom and small business — the people who don’t always have the budget or infrastructure for polished websites and large advertising spends.

Changing the Narrative Around Careers in Horses

One of the most powerful parts of this conversation was Cassie’s passion for career education.

She’s visited colleges and universities to speak to students about the breadth of opportunity within the industry - flying grooms, international yard work, specialist services, travel roles - careers many students simply don’t know exist.

“I wouldn’t have travelled the world without horses,” she explained.
“They gave me a career, friendships, confidence - everything.”

Cassie’s goal isn’t just to grow Equinett. It’s to mentor, support and help young equestrians see what’s possible, especially those who may not feel ‘academic enough’ for traditional routes.

A Platform Built by Someone Who’s Lived It

There’s something powerful about a platform built by someone who has tightened girths before FEI rounds, worked through freezing winters, flown horses internationally and experienced the divide between groom and rider first-hand.

Cassie understands the realities.

And Equinett reflects that.

🎧 If you’re curious about the future of equestrian careers, freelance professionalism, or how technology can better serve our industry, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

You can find Equinett at:
🌐 www.equinettapp.com
📱 Instagram: @equinett.app