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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
On National Apprenticeship Week 2022, we spoke to BGA member Abi Parks to discover more about her apprenticeship and why she wanted to develop her skills. Who do you work for? What course are you completing? How did you find a position as an apprentice? What do you enjoy most about your job? What has been the biggest learning curve so far? Where would you like to be in five years? You can find out more about becoming an apprentice here, or visit Haddon Training.
I wanted to expand my knowledge
I work for Equestrian solutions, a livery and rehabilitation yard in Bedfordshire. I have been there for just under five years, although I only started my apprenticeship in 2020.
I am currently completing my Level 2 Equine Groom apprenticeship with Haddon Training.
I had already worked for Equestrian Solutions for three and a half years prior to doing the apprenticeship when I got offered the opportunity to enroll on the course.
What inspired you to apply to become an apprentice?
I wanted to gain a qualification within the equine industry that is well-known but also expand on my own knowledge and skills to further myself in the industry. My boss has been really supportive and encouraging throughout.
What do you love most about your course?
I love the ponies I get to work with and the opportunities that the apprenticeship has given me.
Feeling proud
I enjoy watching the ponies/horses progress and blossom. I absolutely love the feeling of pride when the horses go out and succeed in life but also having happy and healthy horses is really important to me.
What do you find the most challenging?
I think every groom will agree that the winter and mud is the worst thing about the job!
I believe the biggest learning curve has been when I first started and learning the way a professional yard runs but, now I have gotten into the swing of it, it is plain sailing and much easier.
How do you find the balance of work and doing an apprenticeship?
I find the balance quite easy, I enjoy the fast paced, constantly on the go work! I find having a routine for dividing the yard work and the apprenticeship work is very helpful.
I am hoping that I will be growing my newest business adventure, Abi Parks Equine Services. as a freelance groom but also producing and riding horses/ponies at my own yard.
If you'd like to join the BGA like Abi, 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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