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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
GROOMS JOB BOARD
Home Groom / Sole charge at top private yard
Lanarkshire
Sector Dressage
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A GROOMS LIFE BLOG
We spoke to BGA member Josh Ellington as he prepares for the iconic Badminton Horse Trials with Fiona Kashel’s Creevagh Silver De Harr. Josh found his love of horses at the age of eight when he began riding, before getting his first job on a show jumping yard at the age of 15. In 2012 he had his first experience in the field of eventing, working for a New Zealand event rider, Dan Jocelyn. What inspired you to become a groom? Tell us a little bit about Creevagh Silver De Harr (Hero). Is this your first Badminton as a groom? Why is Badminton so special? What are you most apprehensive about? What preparation will you be doing? What does the BGA mean to you?
My journey to Badminton
"I learnt an incredible amount working there and absolutely loved the sport of eventing from there! I have worked for event rider Fiona Kashel since October 2014. We run a big livery/competition yard in the heart of Surrey.
I came to work for Fiona as her travelling groom and we have been to many amazing competitions together, competing in the Nations Cup in Haras Du Pin, as well as representing Great Britain at the Stuttgart indoor eventing twice and Stockholm. I have also been in charge of running the livery yard for the past six years."
I really wanted to be a rider! Unfortunately, financial circumstances wouldn’t allow me to have a string of horses and compete so I thought the best next thing would be to groom. The first few competitions I attended gave me a real adrenaline rush and the atmosphere of being around the elite horses and riders was amazing. Plus, weirdly, I love the pressure of working to times, and we had 5 horses there so that was a great challenge!
Hero is an extremely kind and quiet natured horse who tries his heart out. We call him the underdog of our competition horses as he keeps himself to himself but performs amazingly when needed and always surprises us with his results at big events. He is lovely to take away to competitions and spend quality time with as he loves quiet fusses and cuddles.
My Badminton Horse Trials
No, I was lucky enough to groom for Imogen Murray in 2018/19. The Murray family are like Fiona and I’s second family in the eventing community. They needed a groom for Badminton and Fiona very kindly let me work for them as she knew it had always been a dream of mine.
For me it’s the buzz you get when you’re amongst the top riders, horses and grooms in such a beautiful setting. It is such a great atmosphere, and everybody is always on hand to help each other out. The crowds, especially on cross country day, play a huge part in making this event so special and they really lift the atmosphere of the place even higher.
What are you most looking forward to?
I think cross country day. The emotions you feel when your rider and horse set out at a big event like this are indescribable, and the feeling of them coming home safely is a huge relief! I also know that Hero, on a good day, can perform incredibly well and prove to us why he is so good.
The weeks leading up are very nerve-racking as we all want Hero and Fiona there safe and sound. Hero is currently wrapped in bubble wrap, and everybody has ears and eyes on him. It’s a fine balance to keep the fitness and training whilst preventing injuries.
Making sure Hero is fit and well is the biggest factor in performing well at any event, let alone the Big B! So, managing and recording his fitness regime is vital. Checking legs and general body physique is a daily check, to highlight any abnormalities; also checking that his saddles, bridles and other equipment are in good condition and writing lists of everything I need. As a groom, you can never have too many lists and notes!
Who has been a source of motivation for you?
A lady called Debbie Cunningham, also known on the eventing circuit as ‘DJ’. She’s Dan Jocelyn’s travelling groom and took me under her wing and passed on some of her valuable knowledge and skill sets down to me. DJ was incredibly patient, teaching and always showing me the ropes of competition grooming tasks. Listening to her incredible stories gave me great motivation to want to follow in her footsteps.
My British Grooms Association
I think the work that BGA does, for all grooms at all levels in all disciplines, is fantastic. They support grooms in all areas from employment issues to mental health and well-being - it’s good to know they’re always there.
If you'd like to become a BGA member like Josh have a look at how we can support you.
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. |
|
|
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| 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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