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WATCH OUR VIDEO
As we are part way through the exciting dressage competition at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, we caught up with BGA Ambassador, Alan Davies, for the next instalment of his Olympic blog. We spoke to Alan about his Olympic birthday, the Grand Prix and how Pumpkin is coping under pressure. Considering I only have one horse to take care of it has actually been a busy few days! When you get to my age (55) you don’t really want any fuss on your birthday, so with my birthday falling on trot up day I thought I would get away with no one really noticing. The trot up was in the morning and it was a hive of activity in the stables. We made sure that the horses were walked, hand grazed and then had a little practice trot up before we plaited and polished. Everyone quietly wished me a happy birthday throughout the morning so I thought I’d got away with it. But oh no! Later in the day Charlotte pretended that she wanted to go for an ice cream with me. Little did I know that it was all part of a bigger plan! While we were out, the stables were decorated and when we came back everyone sang happy birthday, and they somehow had managed to get the most delicious Japanese birthday cake for me. I was really touched with how much effort they had all made - so my birthday didn’t turn out too badly after all. We’ve had fairly long days as the horses are being ridden in the evenings to get acclimatised to the weather, lights and atmosphere. The temperature does drop off slightly in the evenings and you can feel a bit of a sea breeze blowing in so it’s a little different to the morning weather. The horses are beginning to adjust and are cooling off much quicker each day. We have such a great team here. All of the grooms are working so well together and helping each other out. It takes us about 20 minutes to cool the horses down after they have worked and it is a real team effort. You will have all seen the results of the Grand Prix by now. [Pumpkin and Charlotte scored a PB as a combination of 80.963%]. The horses were all amazing and performed so well, it was incredible to be part of it. It is too hot to do anything much between the hours of 12noon and 3pm so he just rested in the air conditioned stables and had some lunch. I think I was more nervous than Pumpkin when I started plaiting at 7pm, but I shouldn’t have worried. Even though there were no crowds in the stadium there was still a hushed atmosphere and I was so proud to see that little horse canter into the arena and grow in confidence with every stride. It was a foot perfect performance and a very memorable one. The whole team were back at the stables to help give him an ice bath to cool down, and we got his temperature down quite rapidly. I took him for a walk around the stable area to chill out in the warm night air. I don’t think he has any idea that the whole world has been watching him with great expectations! Pumpkin is really enjoying his trip and all the extra attention, and particularly the hand grazing where he gets to chat with all of his new friends. Two of his favourites are Chipmunk, Michael Jung’s horse; and Thomas, Oliver Townend’s horse. Later today we compete again!
I was more nervous than Pumpkin
27th July 2021
Alan Davies is Head Groom to Team GB dressage riders Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester.
Tuesday 27th July
My Olympic birthday
The Grand Prix
I was so proud of Pumpkin, he completely rose to the occasion. He was late to go on Sunday night so I spent the day hand walking him on the cross country practice field and around the stable area.
He thoroughly enjoyed all his treats from Charlotte when they were finally reunited back at the stables.
After a good night’s sleep for everyone Pumpkin and I had a chilled day walking round the practice cross country field, catching up with all the eventers who are settling in now.
Alan
Good luck Alan, Charlotte and the rest of Team GB.
If, like Alan, you would like to become a BGA member, have a look at our membership options.
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. |
|
|
|
| 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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