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A GROOMS LIFE BLOG

Badminton Supergroom - Tilly Hughes

The BGA caught up with BGA member Tilly Hughes at Badminton, Tilly is supporting rider Laura Collett Eventing.

Have you ever been to Badminton before?
I have never groomed at Badminton before, although I have been here many times.

How long have you worked for Laura?
For three years with an eight-month gap in between.

You have had a fabulous journey with Laura, what was it like coming back from the Tokyo Olympics?
It is pretty much the same for me as this champion horse still needs looking after. But it does add pressure, now he has a GOLD medal people do expect him to perform.

Do you think people’s attitudes have changed towards grooms?

I think we get more recognition than we have ever had, and the new International Grooms Association (IGA) gives us a voice.

How different is Badminton to a normal event?
It is just the biggest event in the World! It is amazing, the stables are so beautiful, the archways are amazing.

The girls that you work with at home, how do they feel when you are here?
We try to make things easier; the youngsters will have a mini break with more time in the field. So the yard is quieter, and as this event is local to us, the girls will come to watch on Saturday.

Why did you join the BGA?
Initially as it was part of the apprenticeship I completed, but I continued with my membership as I enjoy and appreciate what you are doing, also I like the discounted KBIS insurance.

 

Would you recommend the BGA?

"100%, the grooming community is important, and the BGA is a part of that."

 

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

 

BGA MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS



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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