Corentin Tual defies the odds to become a top groom

This interview is part of HorseGrooms’ ongoing groom interview series, featured throughout the Wellington season in partnership with Wellington International and Paper Horse. 

France’s Corentin Tual’s prestigious position as Barn Manager and Head Groom to USA’s Lillie Keenan was not a role that he was born into, in fact it began by chance, in his childhood, when a friend of his became interested in riding, and Tual followed suit.

“I saw something and then I tried and I loved it,” Tual said. “Yeah, it was kind of by accident.”

Now 31, Tual has gone from a non-equestrian family background to the top of the sport. His career really took off almost a decade ago, when he moved to the States with a desire to learn English and found a placement in a high performance showjumping barn.

“I think this is the moment when things got very serious,” he said of arriving in Florida in 2018. “I wanted to travel to learn English, and then this is where I end up.”

His resume reveals a career trajectory via top showjumping barns on both sides of the pond, before settling in the USA six years ago with Keenan. With nine horses to look after, Tual and three grooms share the responsibility collectively. 

“We all do everything,” Tual said. “I like to see all of the horses. That way, when I’m on the road, it’s easier to manage them.”

Tual approaches his role with subjectivity when it comes to the different ages and demands of the horses in his care. Two seasoned campaigners, both 16 years old, are at the heart of Keenan’s string – Fasther who claimed victory in Saturday Night Lights’ $215,000 Netjets Grand Prix, and Argan de Beliard. 

“With the older ones, it takes a little longer,” said Tual. “Lots of stretching, laser, magnetic therapy. We take our time.”

Tual believes in routine and knows that experienced horses can distinguish between the degree of importance of an event. “When they’re 16 years old, they know exactly what they have to do,” he said. Fasther’s preparation on Saturday quickly put him in the zone. “When you braid him, he’s not moving,” he said. “He’s very focused. He drinks, he eats a little bit, and then he rests. He knows what’s going on.”

Fasther’s awareness extended to the presentation and the lap of honor saw the veteran gelding accelerate like a youngster on the final turn. “I wonder what he would have done if he had come second,” Tual said. “Because I had a horse once who knew the difference. If he was winning, you could do anything you wanted to him after the class. If he was second, you couldn’t touch him.”

Important events are on the horizon for Keenan and her team including Los Angeles in 2028. “This is not just a hobby,” Tual said. “We are taking care of horses and we want to go to the Olympics. We have sports goals.” 

Routine and professionalism aside, Tual has a deep emotional investment in his work and the way his horses feel. “I’m really happy when they succeed,” he said. “I feel they’re very happy about it too.”

Despite his family having no involvement in horses, Tual’s mother, Claudine, who was once afraid of horses, is now a dedicated showjumping fan. “She follows the rider and she’s got a couple of favorites,” said Tual.

Tual has made it to the top of the sport against the odds. He encourages others to do the same with a proviso. “You have really got to be committed and you really got to love horses,” he said. “That’s very important. Because if you don’t  there’s no chance you’re gonna be able to do it. But what I always say is, if you really want to do this, you just have to do it.” 

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