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A GROOMS LIFE BLOG

It happened to me...

As grooms, we do everything we can to look after our horses, the slightest thing we are on the phone to the vet and will stay up all hours, in all weathers to make sure they are ok.

We insure them to cover all eventualities and make sure that their every need is catered to.

We look after ourselves slightly less well in general. We believe we are invincible and that it won’t happen to us. Yesterday was proof of that.

As well as being the Membership Manager of the BGA, I also am a freelance groom, fortunately now with my own horse too.

So yesterday afternoon I decided my gentle, woolly bear of an ex-racehorse needed clipping (yes again already!) I have only had him 5 weeks, but on first clip he stood and slept whilst I did him.

This time he was almost finished when out of the blue I found myself on my backside about 12 feet away from him!

He had taken exception to my finishing under his tummy and had kicked out sending me flying.

I have been around horses all my life and have groomed for longer than I care to think but it shows how unpredictable horses are and that even with the quietest animal, these things really do happen. Today I am sporting a black eye, swollen nose and cheek and a hoof print bruise on my thigh.

Most groom’s accidents do not happen when riding, it is a myth to think this is the case.

This is not my first accident; I have spent 2 hours lying in the mud with a broken leg thanks to a horse standing on me. I did nothing wrong, they were just spooked by the slightest thing.

So, my message to you? You will have seen our **it happens campaign recently.


Well it really does.

Fortunately, my accident was not serious this time and I won’t need any time away from work like I did with my leg, but could you afford to be in that situation, without earning anything?

Our BGA Personal Accident insurance is there to cover you when that accident, that we think won’t ever happen, does.

Please do make sure you are covered; I deal with grooms all the time who have had an accident and it turns their life upside down due to their inability to earn. Don’t let that be you……

Learn more about insurance.

BGA MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

 

 

 



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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