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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
As part of Equestrian Employers Good Employment Week, the BGA caught up with Carl Hester to ask a few questions surrounding good employment and changing the culture: What do you think is key to ensuring your team is happy and well-motivated? I encourage the team to come to me with their ideas/suggestions so that they have ownership over their work. I set clear expectations so that they know their priorities, and everyone supports each other to achieve what is needed. It’s a real team effort here! We are as flexible as we can be, and I ensure that everyone has their time off too – I make sure that happens. I praise my team for a job well done! That’s so important. How do you create a positive working environment at the yard? My team loves the horses in their care, which does help – I’m very lucky with that. Feeling like they have the support to do the job well keeps them feeling positive and minimises frustrations. What do you see are the benefits of ensuring you have a happy team around you and how does that contribute to success? What does Good Employment look like to you? It really is this simple. Anything less that this is not ok. Get this bit right and then we can concentrate on training and competing. When deciding who to work for it’s important to make sure that they are a good employer who treats you fairly and adheres to employment law – swat up on what this means. I’d recommend that any groom becomes a member of the British Grooms Association (BGA).The BGA has so much advice about what you should expect from a good employer and will enable you to purchase the correct insurance for your role too.
Carl Hester speaks of changing the culture
A friendly working environment with mutual respect and professionalism, together with appreciation and recognition for all the hard work. We work hard, but we also like to have fun whilst we work.
Everyone must be approachable and communicate with each other in a friendly, respectful way. I trust everyone to get on with the work, whilst ensuring that I am available when I’m needed.
A happy team works well together to ensure things run smoothly both home and away. This benefits the horses with a nice, relaxed atmosphere around them and I am positive this contributes towards winning medals.
Good Employment?
Legal, correct, fair, and safe employment.
What advice would you give to a groom looking to start in the profession?
Gaining practical experience in a yard environment alongside your education and training can be really advantageous. Employers are often looking for someone who is work ready, so demonstrating practical experience of your learning really helps. In addition, employers will want to see your dedication and enthusiasm for a career in the equestrian sector shine – it’s a tough but rewarding job.
If you would like to follow Carl's advice and join the BGA, 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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