Facebook Tracking
Some functionality of the website is not currently available due to technical difficulties. We're working on fixing the issue.

Freelancing while pregnant

4th July 2022
News Article Image

A topic we are often asked about is being pregnant while working freelance. Working with horses can pose high risks for pregnant women. Some women will choose to continue to ride; others might be uncomfortable mucking out.

If you do decide to continue working, make sure you take time to consider how things may change in the coming months. Put a plan in place to look after your needs while taking care of your clients.

Risks Assessment 

As the pregnancy progresses so do the risks. Make sure you look at the risks for each aspect of the tasks you provide for your clients and carry out a risk assessment to ensure you are as safe as possible.

Don’t forget BGA members have access to risk assessment templates.

Maternity Allowance

It is important to know being self-employed you could still be entitled to Maternity Allowance, see the HMRC guidance.  

Use the maternity entitlement calculator

Informing your clients

Pregnancy may have an impact on the work you carry out for clients, there may be tasks you would prefer not to undertake, antenatal appointments to be scheduled into your diary and a period of time off.

Talk with your clients to discuss the upcoming changes, share the results of your risk assessments to agree changes to ensure your safety. Discuss whether you will be able to provide cover for your absence or if they will have to look at alternative options.

Think about the future

Once the baby has arrived, do you want to return to your clients? Consider childcare and the cost involved, make a plan for your return to work and keep clients informed well in advance.

Grooms Minds

During and after pregnancy it is even more important to look after yourself, make sure you are eating properly, seeing friends, making time for self-care. When it comes to our mental health, recognising, or admitting we’re not 100% or ‘not ourselves’ isn’t always that easy. BGA members can access the bespoke Grooms Minds support line, A 24 hours, 7 days a week service, means that you are never alone and there is always a trained helper ready to talk to you.

If you're not a member yet, find out more about the benefits and how we can support you.

BGA Membership Options

 



BLOG ARCHIVE

 
BACK TO BLOG HOME
 
  

 

 
 

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