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Home /Grooms life/The day we changed history

The day we changed history

5th August 2019
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As the GBR Equestrian Teams were announced for the forthcoming FEI European Championships which take place in Rotterdam, (and Luhmühlen for the eventers), I can’t help but feel a huge sense of pride.

For many, the changes may have gone unnoticed – but for us they are monumental…

For the first time ever, the names of the travelling British Team grooms are included in the social graphics and press releases which were circulated to the UK when announcing the teams.

Finally grooms are being recognised as an integral part of the team.

Behind the scenes the changes are a result of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). In a broad nutshell the MOA is a document that the BGA campaigned for and produced where the member bodies of the BEF pledged to start recognising and supporting the hard work of grooms within their disciplines.

Matt Williams, Head of Communications at the BEF, has also played an important part in this being put into practice. Recognising and supporting the work of grooms and agreeing from the outset with our thoughts – that grooms too should be included in all official announcements. Thank you Matt.

After speaking to Matt and his colleague Rachel about the plans for the announcements I was really excited to be part of the process, and my task was getting quotes from the grooms ahead of the official announcements.

I always love speaking to the grooms and sharing their own excitement on being selected. Those who know me will also know I do love to chat(!) and so it was also lovely to catch up with everyone and be able to personally congratulate them.

  But alongside that I was proud to be able to deliver the news that they were to be announced as part of the team. This was met by surprise, excitement and a genuine depth of gratitude. 

Gratitude that their hard work, achievements, dreams and ambitions have been recognised too. 


Not as individuals and for their own gain, but as a valued part of a team. Being selected as part of the British Team is a massive achievement, and I really believe that we should celebrate everyone involved.

As well as it being the first time that grooms names and quotes have been included on the official Team GBR announcements, to my knowledge (although I would love to be proven wrong on this), we are the first Nation to do this.

As the wider media shared the announcements with the grooms included, I allowed myself to feel proud to be part of this – not just for these Championships but proud that we have set a new standard for generations to come.

Our Patron, and former groom, Charlotte Dujardin agreed with our approach too, as did the wider public, with an exceptional response on social media. It makes me wonder, why did we have to campaign for this for so long?!

I was also delighted that the grooms are mentioned on this announcement, as without them and all the staff behind the scenes, none of us would be here. I know the British Grooms Association worked hard on this and continues to be a driver in getting grooms recognised, so well done to them for their part; I am very proud to be your Patron.” Charlotte Dujardin


It’s exciting and a privilege to be involved, but even more of an honour knowing that together we are changing and making history for generations to come.

Liz

Being a groom is an amazing career choice. Whether you are a British Team groom, a stay at home groom or a groom to a couple of hairy ponies the BGA is for everyone and we would love to have you join us.

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Read the Para-Equestrian Dressage Announcement

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What the personal accident policy covers you for:

  • Whilst at work
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  • Clipping
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  • Hunting
  • Lunging
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  • 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:

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  • 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

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