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WHY I AM A MEMBER
“The bespoke information has been invaluable for my career and employment; I don’t feel alone anymore. I have the peace of mind knowing my income is protected with my BGA insurance.”
Jenny Hooch
BGA Member
WATCH OUR VIDEO
A GROOMS LIFE BLOG
As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2022 we spoke to Victoria Neish, an equine apprentice at Abingdon and Witney College, on the Common Leys Campus. What inspired you to apply to become an apprentice? How do you find the balance of work and doing an apprenticeship? What advice would you give others looking at apprenticeships? You can find out more about becoming an apprentice here, or visit Haddon Training.
I love being around horses
What course are you completing?
I am doing my Level 3 Horse Care, with a breeding pathway, through training providers, Haddon Training.
I had just finished my Level 2 Apprenticeship in Horse Care and wanted to continue my training. I found my current position online and applied. I was delighted when I got the job.
What do you love most about your job?
I love being around horses all day. Also, I love that I get to learn about breeding and Thoroughbred sales as part of my job.
What do you find the most challenging?
I'm not very good at knowing when the best time is to do some jobs - the joys of being dyslexic.
What has been the biggest learning curve so far?
Going from working in a team of 10+ people to a team of four of us. I am learning how important communication is.
It varies, sometimes I am good at balancing it and other times my apprenticeship work gets forgotten as I would rather be doing yard jobs. But I always get the work done, even if a bit later than planned as I know how important it is.
It is a great option, especially if you learn better on the job than in a classroom. Have fun, but don't forget to do your apprenticeship work. From a practical side video as much as you can; video evidence is the best kind of evidence for your portfolio.
If you'd like to join the BGA like Victoria, have a look at how we can support you.
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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