Some functionality of the website is not currently available due to technical difficulties. We're working on fixing the issue.
A GROOMS LIFE BLOG

Spotlight on... Jess Harper

We caught five minutes with Jess Harper, head girl to Georgie Strang.

Name: Jess Harper

Age: 22

Job: Head girl for Georgie Strang

Why did you want to start working as a groom?
I previously evented, which I really enjoyed but I reached a certain level and decided that I wanted to be behind the scenes.

What were you doing before?
Apart from eventing myself for a bit I have always been a groom. Before moving to Georgie’s, I worked for a great junior show-jumper travelling around the UK looking after his ponies (and him!).

What are the best bits of the job?
My favorite moment is seeing the horses coming down the centre line at the big events; it’s a moment when you see all your hard work come together, the horses are looking their best and it always gets me excited about the week of competition ahead. I also love it when I see Georgie and the horse safely cross the finish line, knowing that they are back safe and sound – I can breathe again!

What’s the worst bit of the job?
The heartbreak that goes on behind the scenes. I am usually the first on the yard in the mornings, so I quite often pick up on if a horse isn’t quite right. The sinking feeling and worry when you think there is a problem is tough, as at the end of the day the most important thing is to have happy, healthy horses.

If you weren’t a groom what would you be?
I think probably something like a sports coach or teacher.

Why did you join the BGA?
I was recommended to the BGA by a friend who has been in the industry for over 20 years and highlighted the importance of being with a national body. There is so much great information available to us on the BGA website, along with getting tips and insights from fellow grooms, which I find really helpful.

Find out more about the BGA membership options, or to upgrade your membership to include our KBIS personal accident insurance.

BGA MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

 

 

 

 

  



BLOG ARCHIVE

 
BACK TO BLOG HOME
 
  

 

 

 

What the personal accident policy covers you for:

  • Whilst at work
  • All stable duties – mucking out, grooming, washing off, turning out
  • Clipping
  • Riding – including hacking and jumping
  • Hunting
  • Lunging
  • Breaking in
  • Holding horse for a vet and other procedures
  • Travelling horses both in the UK and abroad
  • Competing in line with your job including: jumping, dressage, eventing
  • Injuries that may happen to you whilst you are teaching - but you must also be grooming as part of your duties and not be a sole instructor

What the personal accident policy doesn’t cover you for:

  • Riding in a race, point to point or team chase
  • Stunt Riding
  • Accidents occurring whilst travelling to and from work
  • Riding and competing your own horse (but you can upgrade when applying for membership to include this)
  • Public Liability – this is a separate insurance policy - the Freelance Groom Liability Insurance
  • Care Custody and Control – this is a separate policy - the Freelance Groom Liability Insurance

If you require additional cover then please contact KBIS directly.

   GROOM  RIDER  EMPLOYER

When you are working for other people you do most of the following; muck out, turn out/catch in, tack up, groom horses, exercise Horses (including hacking, jumping and schooling), in the care of your employer/client.

 
YES

 
NO

 
NO

Predominantly ride horses for other people including schooling, exercising and competing.   
NO
 
YES

YES
 Provide grooming services for someone else either full time or on a freelance basis i.e. an employer or a client.   
YES

NO

NO
Employ staff – have an employers liability policy in your name NO NO YES
Buy and sell horses NO YES YES