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WHY I AM A MEMBER
“The bespoke information has been invaluable for my career and employment; I don’t feel alone anymore. I have the peace of mind knowing my income is protected with my BGA insurance.”
Jenny Hooch
BGA Member
WATCH OUR VIDEO
A GROOMS LIFE BLOG
BGA member and Freelance travelling groom Sara Shears tells us her story. From there I worked for various showjumpers such as Lee Williams, Richard and James Davenport, Emma and Sara Rust. I enjoyed a few years in Holland working for Shelley Redbart and the late Jaime Guerra and Vincent and Albert Voorn. A return to the UK saw me working for Sarah Lynch and finally time to sit and pass my HGV. After a stint at Vale View as Competition Yard Manager I realised eventually that I needed to go “on the road” again. I did some horse transport work for LOC International and I’m now a self employed international travel groom and transport driver.
25 years but who's counting?
"25 years - but who's counting?! Certainly not me! From leaving school at 16 my life has revolved around a love of horses and carving out a career to enable me to live my dream.
Many years ago I went from Brackenhurst College to Malcolm and Judy Pyrah’s yard in Nottinghamshire. This move kick started my showjumping groom career and I owe everything to them for guiding me on the right path.
Unfortunately as is the way with many a groom or rider, the work took its toll on my spine. So I made the decision to work as a freelance so I could manage my own workload and take the pressure off, but still do what I love.
I get all my work through personal recommendation and the power of social media. I absolutely love my job because I get to travel to new destinations every week and catch up with friends along the way. I love always being outside – preferably in the sunshine rather than rain!
The downside of being a travelling groom is that you will miss out on time with family/friends. Be prepared to miss special occasions and to experience tiredness like you have never known before.
Being a groom has taught me to plan ahead, be self sufficient, don’t always rely on others. And make the most of your free time.
My advice for aspiring grooms would be to watch and learn from the experienced grooms and don’t be afraid to ask questions no matter how trivial they may seem. Make sure you are fully insured – especially when self employed. If you travel internationally then medical cover is especially important.
If you join the BGA they can help you with all of this and they are always on the end of the phone for you."
A big thank you to Sara for sharing her story so far. To become a BGA member like Sara, and thousands of other grooms, have a look at our membership options.
BLOG ARCHIVE
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. |
|
|
|
| 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 |
The BGA is the national representative body for all
grooms working in the UK or British grooms abroad.
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