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Home /Grooms life/A big step forward for grooms around the world

A big step forward for grooms around the world

3rd June 2021
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by British Grooms Association Executive Director, Lucy Katan.

What a day! Yesterday (2nd June), I was very proud to present at the 2021 FEI Sports Forum to propose the formation of the International Grooms Association (IGA), and delighted to get the funding bid signed off by the FEI President.

Getting a model in place to support grooms all over the world has been years in the making and it was so rewarding to see the other guests at the Sports Forum be supportive.  

It was uplifting to hear FEI President Ingmar De Vos in his closing remarks:

“Today I think we have set in motion the future of the groom’s community. It is a very important and special day because for the first time in 100 years the FEI now officially recognise the grooms. The FEI fully supports Lucy in the formation of the IGA."

Finally grooms have support from the top level.

The International Grooms Association (IGA) will be an organisation that supports competition grooms all around the world, uniting them as one and allowing them to be heard and included. This is a massively important step forwards for their well-being, and one that is very overdue.

British grooms already have their own National professional association to belong to and this is still the only one in the world. Of course there is going to be a lot of work ahead, but we have done it before when we formed the British Grooms Association (BGA). 

No other nations have given grooms the support and recognition that they deserve which is why the IGA is even more crucial.

BGA and IGA 

We know that we have to carefully ensure that this international version works in harmony with the BGA to maximise what both organisations can offer, whilst capitalising on the valuable lessons we have already learned.

It is critical that the British international competition grooms are members of both the BGA and IGA - we will work out how this happens in time.

It was a massive day for grooms worldwide as never before have the FEI taken this subject matter to the heart of its work.

This has been made possible thanks to a team of influential people; thank you to Tim Hadaway and John McEwen for always championing the grooms and the work of the BGA, and to Will Connell for leading the way by incorporating grooms into the World Class programme so many years ago.

Grooms are critical stakeholders and their well-being and welfare has been ignored for too long. It’s time that the whole industry modernises its thinking and I commend the FEI President for being the catalyst for change.

Social change takes years to come about but we are making huge leaps forwards.

The grooms must also play their part and take responsibility for their profession. When the IGA is formed I truly hope that everyone makes themeselves count by joining and supporting the organisation that so many have asked for.

To watch the FEI Sports Forum session on grooms go to: https://youtu.be/NzscZKL5YNI (IGA presentation at 51 minutes).

The BGA is for ALL grooms of all levels, across all sectors - if you are a groom and reading this, please join us today. 

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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