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WATCH OUR VIDEO
As we count down the days to the Olympic Games in Tokyo, we once again caught up with BGA Ambassador, Alan Davies, for the next instalment of his Olympic blog. We spoke to Alan as he shares what it is like in the grooms’ accommodation and the preparation that is underway for the start of the Games. We are now settled into our grooms’ accommodation. It is just a short walk from the stables, which is so nice knowing that we aren’t far from the horses. For everyone who keeps asking about Team GB pyjamas – no we don’t have any – but it is a bit hot for pyjamas! The excitement is building as we count down the days until we compete, but for the coming few days the focus is on keeping the horses in a routine and settled. Alan Read Alan’s previous blog here.
Our beds are made of cardboard!
20th July 2021
Alan Davies is Head Groom to Team GB dressage riders Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester.
Tuesday 20th July
Hi everyone!
We are starting to settle in now and get into a bit of a routine here in Tokyo. The horses are getting used to their new surroundings and all of their new friends.
Sintano can be a bit suspicious of new things, but he has started to enjoy his trips to the grazing field, as long as he can go with his mates, Vogue and Pumpkin.
There is a lovely shady patch on the cross country practice field which is nice and cool in the afternoon, where we have been taking them to graze, chill out and have a leg stretch.
The riders are starting to ride in the evening now to get used to the floodlights as that is when they will be competing in a few days’ time. So far all is going well.
The accommodation
Although the accommodation is basic, it is immaculate and clean. It has everything we need including good showers, washing machines and even eco-friendly beds which are made of cardboard! In the common room, there is a TV and ping pong table for us all to use.
Alex and Sophie from BEF have given us all some home comforts including mattress toppers, extra pillows, and the most amazing dressing gowns.
The whole venue has a focus on being eco-friendly and clean. In the morning we muck out into recycled plastic bags which then get put in an immaculate skip, which frequently disappears!
There is a whole army of volunteers who are constantly cleaning the walkways, emptying the recycling bins and making sure the vast tubs of ice water are constantly topped up ready for us to cool the horses.
Each morning we have routine health checks for the horses, and for us! We are doing daily Covid tests and recording our temperatures, which was quite strange to start, but is now considered the norm.
I’m off to take Pumpkin for a walk somewhere cool now, but we will catch up soon.
If, like Alan, you would like to become a BGA member, have a look at our membership options.
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.
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