It’s a matter of listening

“We always say we wish horses could talk to us,” observes BGA member Danielle Bailey, groom for young eventer Chelsea Pearce, “but they are talking to us. It’s a matter of interpreting their language.”

With a BA (Hons) Equine Business Management degree from Hartpury University and many years as a professional herself, Danielle is well educated in both theory and practice. Yet she finds no end to what can be learned by “stepping back and watching and listening to the horses in their own language.” A twitching ear, a tender back or a worried expression speaks volumes about the horse’s physical and mental state.

Danielle first rode at four years old and progressed through the Young Riders ranks as a show jumper, with many successes. Most notably, she won the prestigious British Novice Championship in 1998, at just 16 years old.

After University, she went on to work in a competition and dealing yard for John Whinnett in Bedfordshire, then moved to New Zealand to continue in similar capacities as head groom for jumper and eventer Olympians Maurice Beatson and Sally Clark. She met Chelsea while back in England running her own yard.

Danielle decided to go freelance with the talented young eventer as her main client, a run happily in its sixth or so year as Chelsea ascends the U25 standings.

Jumping Right In
An early assignment with Chelsea was the FEI European Eventing Championships in Montelibretti, Italy in 2016. Finishing 8th, Chelsea and Albert VI were the highest placed pair on Team GB’s Junior team. “It was very exciting being part of the support team for an international team event, and to get such a good result,” Danielle reports. “I was very proud of Chelsea in Italy.”

That sense of pride has only grown since Chelsea’s 2017 selection to the British Equestrian Federation Excel Talent Programme. Danielle sees Chelsea’s horsemanship rooted in that of her mother, Liz. “It’s nice to work with such a professional team,” Danielle notes. “Both Liz and Chelsea have taught me a lot.”

Whether at the Pearce’s home stable in Wiltshire, or when Danielle accompanies them to competitions, communication and preparation are key. “It’s making sure we chat through everything: knowing when Chelsea wants the horses ready for each phase; packing the lorry so everything is handy and I can pull things out efficiently. I take pride in having everything ready at her beck and call so she doesn’t have to think about anything but riding. That’s hard enough.”

Big BGA Benefits
As a lifelong learner, Danielle values continuing education as one of the BGA’s many benefits, “once I went freelance, I telephoned the BGA for help and they have been brilliant.”

Insurance was an immediate priority. “I knew I needed insurance to work for other people and they had exactly what I wanted. As a Platinum Plus member, one of the many benefits is that it covers me for personal accident. I also have their recommended KBIS Freelance Grooms Liability Insurance which includes coverage for looking after somebody else’s horse and public liability.” Danielle sees the BGA’s insurance offerings as peace of mind for herself and her clients.

“They have very interesting articles online, and in the Grooms Life Magazine. There is a freelance grooms toolkit for reference, and even a few e-Learning courses to take as well.”

By Kim F Miller, compliments of Haygain. For further information on Haygain and their range of products visit: haygain.co.uk.

If you'd like to join the BGA like Danielle, have a look at how we can support you.