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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
GROOMS JOB BOARD
Work Rider/Racing Groom
Somerset
Sector Racing (NH)
Search all the latest grooms jobs
WATCH OUR VIDEO
A GROOMS LIFE BLOG
As the cost-of-living crisis continues many grooms are contacting the BGA about becoming freelance. So we chatted with Kara to find out about her journey into freelancing, her challenges and rewards as a freelance groom. Tell us a little bit about yourself When did you start freelancing? What inspired you to become a freelance groom? So, when I found myself out of work and so spending my time clipping my friends’ horses, I asked myself ‘why I didn’t offer this service to the public as well?’ – that is when I decided to set up my own freelance business as there’s nothing better than doing something you love as a job! What has been the biggest challenge so far? media, all whilst keeping your clients and their horses happy. It can be extremely tough at times especially while juggling your own life and horses. What is the most rewarding part? I also take great pride in attention to detail and it’s rewarding to see clients appreciating this, whether it be in a lovely review or repeat business. How have you found the BGA Freelancer's Toolkit? The new freelance client agreement creator is such a useful tool, plus there is lots of general advice about being self-employed, and how to keep your mental health in check, which as a freelance groom, is so important. Are you considering becoming a freelancer? There are lots of things to consider when becoming an equestrian freelance groom, so it is important to think about the reality of being self-employed and running your own business. Members can read the BGA guide for starting and managing your own business. If you would like to feature as a ‘MEET A BGA MEMBER’, email: juliet@britishgrooms.org.uk. If you're not a member yet, find out more about the benefits and how we can support you. JOIN NOW for less than 50 pence per week.
Thinking of going freelance?
I’m based in a little seaside town called Kilkeel in Northern Ireland and cover most areas in County Down, Armagh and Antrim.
I began trading as Kara McKee Clipping Services in November of 2021, and currently provide clipping, (my speciality), plaiting & competition prep and bespoke yard cover.
I started clipping riding school ponies when I was just fifteen years old.
Being a one-man band. You must be a secretary, accountant, groom, your own HR, a marketing team and run your social
It is definitely seeing the big transformation in horses who may be uncomfortable with their heavy coats, and their owner’s elation at seeing their horse comfortable as a result of my work.
It’s incredibly useful. I wouldn’t have known where to start without the help of BGA.
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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