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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
Regular BGA blogger and freelance groom Carly O’Brien chats honestly about her mental health and well-being. I don’t know about you but I find looking after my mental health can sometimes take a back seat when I’m rushed off my feet with work and also trying to fit in seeing your friends and family (when allowed). During this pandemic, I think we all had to take a step back and slow down which, let’s be honest, we all needed. When I was in my early 20’s, I suffered from depression. It happened so quickly and before I knew it, I was in a dark place and I couldn’t see a way out. I went to see my doctor who was fantastic. I cried my eyes out and let everything out to him. He explained what was happening to me and why I was feeling the way I did. It was such a relief. He gave me tablets to help and just gave me some tips on ways to help my mental health and well-being. After a few months, I felt so much better and looked and things in a completely different light. Since then, I have made a conscious effort to work on my mental health. Luckily, I’ve never felt that low again as I now recognise the signs and I do things to get me out the rut. Work is busier than ever, which is great, but I need to get the balance right between work and having some down time - which I have less of at the moment. I think it’s so important to have some rest and relaxation to let your mind and body recover from your work life. Some of the things that help me are going for a lovely country walk, going to the sea side, riding my horse, doing some yoga or meditation, reading a book, having a lazy Sunday and not feeling guilty about it - anything to make me feel better. If you are feeling low and reading this please do remember that you are not alone. It will get better. You will be happy again. Just speak to someone.
I couldn't see a way out
GETTING HELP
This was about 15 years ago, so mental health was not talked about as is it now. At the time I felt ashamed because I thought that I should be able to handle things and not get hung up on silly things which don’t mean anything.
The British Groom Association has great mental health tools on the Grooms Minds pages to help to track, understand and improve your mental health.
They have a Mental Health Checker and a helpline dedicated to provide confidential help and advice.
I wish this had been available all those years ago, but what a positive step forwards to have this available for us.
Thank you to Carly for speaking out and sharing her story. If you need support then have a look at Grooms Minds.
BGA 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.
MEMBERS OF:
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