I have the best job in the world

We caught up with BGA member Caitlin Wood on her return from Tattersalls International Horse Trials.

Who do you work for, what is your job title and what does your job involve?
I work for Lady Balniel and family on Balcarres Estate in Fife, I am head groom (well I am the only groom), I look after a variety of horses from hunters, showjumpers and eventers, it's great having so many disciplines, keeps you on your toes anyway! This week it was Katherine Lindsay, the eldest daughter and her horse Hilton Cooley (Olaf, yes he is named after the snowman from the film Frozen) turn for competition.

Is this your first major event travelling off mainland UK?
No, I have travelled over to France a couple of times with my previous job as a carriage driving groom, but this is the first time I have been the driver also, so I was a bit nervous about getting the lorry on and off the ferry but everyone was so helpful on the port and made it easy, even if I was made to parallel park the lorry into it's space on the ferry, ekk.

How did it compare to smaller one day events?
There's not too much of a difference really apart from your there most of the week compared to home competitions, which makes it much more fun and brings everybody together, everyone is so helpful and friendly and I would say by far from all my experience of international shows etc. that Tattersalls International Horse Trials was very well organised and immaculate, which made it more enjoyable, also someone organised the sunshine too. 

There is such a buzzing atmosphere and the parties are all good fun too but I must say our time in Ireland was made even more fun by our fellow Scottish competitors, we all helped out each other and met up everynight for party games etc .. The Dream Team.

What did you love the most?
Too many things to mention but meeting new people, horses and making memories! Also watching some of the top horses and riders tackle the huge cross country courses, amazing to watch and be part of.

What did you find most stressful?
Stress? What is that? Jokes aside, the most stressful part was seeing off Katherine and Olaf over the first jump of the cross country and off into the distance, while I waited at the cool down/vet check point for their return as I couldn't hear or see anything about their progress around the course, so when they flew over the last jump in my view, both with big grins on their faces I could relax.

What was the most important thing you learnt?
How to do quarter marks properly, ha ha!

Where did Kath and Olaf finish up in the results?
They finished up on their dressage score and 22nd place in the CCIYH1* class and I couldn't be more proud of both of them.

Where are you going next?
We are off to Warwick in a couple of weeks but all ready buzzing for Tatts next year.

What do you love most about your job?
THE HORSES!! I literally have the best job in the world and I love each individual horse the same and they mean the world to me, and seeing them out competing etc and doing well makes me so proud.

Anything you would change?
I wouldn't change one little bit about my job.

Advice for anyone travelling abroad who hasn't been before?
Don't stress and enjoy every minute of it, there is always someone there to ask anything and everyone is always so helpful ... oh and don't forget Hi-Viz for the ferry. The BGA also says don't forget your travel insurance

Huge thanks to Caitlin for taking time to chat to us. If you want to be a BGA member like Caitlin have a look at our membership options. 

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