Be prepared to make mistakes

We featured Treehouse Badminton Grooms Award winner and BGA member Amy Akehurst in the summer issue of British Grooms magazine, but we liked her interview so much we wanted to share the full, unedited version with you.

“I have been with Tom Crisp since leaving Hadlow College in July 2016, to work my way up to becoming Head Girl.

People often ask me how I got to where I am and I always say ‘I just got lucky’. A friend of mine mentioned that Tom was looking for some cover for three mornings in the summer of my first year at college, so I contacted him, worked the three days and never really left...!

Having started off riding horses at a little rescue riding school at 5 years old to then go on to study a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Equine Management I never thought I would end up doing what I do now.

I always wanted to work with horses but not having a horsey background, not being part of the Pony Club or any real idea of the industry I had no idea what was out there. Luckily for me Tom has kept me on over the years and taught me most of what I know today.

Can you tell us about your 2019 Badminton Horse Trials experience?
2019 was my third year of grooming at Badminton but my first year of having two horses at a 5* level.

Although it was pretty manic it is the best event on the calendar and as ever was an honour to be part of the event and with a team I think so highly of! I think being the dream for so many riders it’s great to be able to be part of the journey there and to share the week as a team.

It’s also the ultimate test for both horse and rider. I think as all grooms we get very attached to the horses we work with, and being able to see them come up and perform at the top of their game in front of thousands of people is extra special.

How does Badminton compare to other major three days?
Badminton is extra special as a three day event. It’s the event of the year. It’s the one we all focus and aim towards as soon as we start preparing for the new season.

Being our sport’s biggest known event, at the most amazing venue, with so much history, you end up in a bubble for the week surrounded by the team and horses that you do this for and the grooms you see for short periods of time throughout the season. It’s nice to have the time to catch up with everyone and support one another as at the end of the day we all want the best for each other throughout the week.

In your opinion what makes a #supergroom?
As cringe as this sounds I believe with constant determination to be better and the will to learn you can achieve anything. It’s a tough game but as long as you are committed, willing to put the time and effort into practising you’ll get there.

What advice would you have to any grooms starting their journey that want to get into grooming at top level events?
You need to be prepared to make mistakes, not scared of making them. You’ll learn more through making mistakes and learning from them than you will trying to get through doing everything perfectly.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! You’re much better asking questions that you may think are ‘stupid’ or that you feel you should know rather than guessing and doing it wrong.
Finally remember it’s not a 9-5 job, days can be long and difficult sometimes but it is the most rewarding job you can do!

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Don’t forget to have a good time! You’ll be at your best if you enjoy your work and have a good sense of humour!

A big thanks to Amy for her interview with us.

If you are a BGA member to use your discount code when shopping at Treehouse Online for 15% off.

And if, like Amy, you'd like to join the British Grooms Association have a look at what options we have for you.

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