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My first Olympics

9th July 2021
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The BGA spoke to Francesca Gorni, travelling groom at Tom McEwen Eventing, as she prepares for her first Olympic Games.

Eventing groom and BGA member Francesca has worked for Tom for almost three years and is accompanying Toledo de Kerser to Tokyo 2020.  

“When I first found out that we had been selected it was very surreal. I didn’t quite believe it and it took a few days to sink in. Getting the Team GB kit was a very dreamlike moment!

We left for quarantine on Saturday and it has become much more real. I suppose there are some apprehensions as things can happen that are not in the plan.

I have been concentrating on packing and getting it all into such a limited space has been a challenge. This is the ultimate organisation and 'being organised' experience I have ever had. 

 

The Olympics is such a team effort, and for Tom and Toledo to be selected means just as much to the team at home too. 

We couldn’t compete in any of the major events without the team at home doing the exercising, yard work; and everything else that needs doing on a daily basis. 

Ultimately it’s a massive machine, so it’s important to recognise everyone for their contributions.


Over the next few days, we will be making sure that we are completely packed and everything is clean and disinfected before we go.

We have started incorporating hand grazing into Toledo's routine, but everything else will be kept the same as it is at home to ensure that he is calm and relaxed before we travel.

Toledo is an easy boy – he is a real character,  but is also quite sensitive. He likes a relationship with his groom and likes to know you are there. Our focus will be on keeping him chilled and taking everything in his stride.

I watched him as a young horse before I worked for Tom, so to have the honour of taking him to the Olympics is insane and so exciting. 

 

I’m looking forward to spending time with the other team grooms in quarantine.

We all know each other from the circuit and we’ve spent days training with each other, but it will be nice to have some extra time together.

I also used to work with Alan Davies and he taught me so much; so it’s very exciting that I am getting to go to my first Olympics with him.


Our team vet is flying with the horses and the grooms fly out to Tokyo the day before so that we can get the stables ready for when they arrive. 

I keep pinching myself that it is happening.

My family are just excited as me – they are so proud that I am part of Team GB, as am I.”

We are looking forward to hearing more about Francesca’s journey as she travels to Tokyo for her first Olympic Games. 

Francesca is a BGA member - are you yet?

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Image thanks to Hannah Cole Photography



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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.

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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

 
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Predominantly ride horses for other people including schooling, exercising and competing.   
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YES

YES
 Provide grooming services for someone else either full time or on a freelance basis i.e. an employer or a client.   
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Employ staff – have an employers liability policy in your name NO NO YES
Buy and sell horses NO YES YES