Carl Hester speaks of changing the culture

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?
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.

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?
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.

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?
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.

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.

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.

If you would like to follow Carl's advice and join the BGA, have a look at how we can support you.   

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