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Badminton Supergroom - Sarah Whatley

9th May 2022
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The BGA Team are at Badminton Horse Trials to catch up with #supergrooms.

We spoke with BGA member and Badminton Horse Trials first timer, Sarah Whatley, Head Girl for Alex Bragg.

How long have you been a groom for?
“I started with Alex at the beginning of February, but before that I was Laura Collett’s Yard Manager.”

How did you feel on the run up to Badminton?
“It’s been quite exciting. We’ve been trying to keep everyone in one piece and every calm, and not change any routine. Miller’s last run was a 4* short where he went double clear. He has done one canter after that and then we have just been letting him tick along.”

What does it mean to you to work at such an iconic event?

“It’s so surreal, it’s always been my dream to groom at Badminton.”

What is the support in the stables like?
“It’s been really handy, we are stabled next to Ros Canter and Sarah Charnley I a bit of a pro and is so lovely, and said if I had any issues just to let her know. The more experienced grooms are a wealth of knowledge.”

 

What do you like most about being a BGA member?

“I think it’s great to have advice on such a wide range of topics, but I think it’s so valuable for insurance purposes. Heaven forbid if something happened and you can’t work you still have your insurance.”

 

If you'd like to become a BGA member like Sarah, have a look at how we can support you.

 



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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.

 
YES

 
NO

 
NO

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