A syce's life revolved entirely around the equestrian needs of their employer. Their duties included:
Historically, the role of the syce predates the combustion engine. In the princely states of India and the stables of the Mughal elite, the syce was a dedicated groom responsible for the care, feeding, and management of horses. This was a role requiring intimate knowledge of animal behavior; a syce was responsible for the grooming, health, and saddling of the mount. However, with the advent of the "horseless carriage" in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the role of the syce underwent a peculiar transformation. As the aristocracy and colonial officers transitioned from horses to motorcars, they brought their grooms with them. A syce's life revolved entirely around the equestrian
: Beyond the animals, they manage the cleanliness and organization of the stables. Syces in Official Service This was a role requiring intimate knowledge of