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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
Groom/rider or competition rider apprentice
Buckinghamshire
Sector Dressage
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A GROOMS LIFE BLOG
Laura Hazel’s daughter is completing an Equine Groom Apprenticeship with David & Maggie Doel at Reybridge Eventing. Having grown up with horses, Laura has a strong understanding of the industry, which has enabled her to support her daughter, Charlotte, with finding a great employer to start her career. We spoke with Laura to find out her experience of the apprenticeship system from a parent’s point of view. “Find the right employer – Often your child will need to stay away from home during their apprenticeship, so finding the right setting for them must be the top priority. We visited a few places where ‘the vibe wasn’t right’ before finding Reybridge Eventing. When we met David and Maggie, it was apparent that they truly cared for their staff which sadly isn’t always the case.” “David and Maggie have been fantastic in supporting Charlotte. They really have welcomed her into the family, moving her into the family home with some of the other staff, sharing the cooking and hanging out with them all in the evenings. In work, they lay clear boundaries and are always encouraging her to stretch and grow. They are very open with their communication which has been extremely helpful. They really are such lovely people, they even invited me in to join them for drinks on my birthday!” However, I have to say that knowing that she is in the capable and caring hands of David and Maggie has really helped.” If you are considering an apprenticeship, take a look at our training guide and also visit Haddon Training for more information. “Knowing there is support available offers peace of mind, the guidance BGA members can access on the website is invaluable, and as a student’s career grows, they will need employment advice, maybe the freelance tools and most definitely the BGA insurance.” If you are serious about having a career with horses and undertaking some formal equestrian training, then a first step is to belong to your professional association - the British Grooms Association (BGA) JOIN TODAY as a Standard Member for just £25.50 and belong alongside 1000's of grooms.
Interview with a Haddon Training Apprentice's parent, Laura Hazel
What advice would you give to other parents whose child is considering an equine apprenticeship as an option?
Not only does the employer need to be compliant in their responsibilities, but the environment must be healthy too.
How much support has the employer given your child?
How have you adjusted to Charlotte being away from home?
“It has not been as difficult as I had imagined it would be. Thankfully she is only a 40-minute drive away, so we get to bring her home for her days off which is wonderful. It is a great first step towards independence for her, as well as a gentle transition for the rest of the family too.
Would you recommend future grooms consider the apprenticeship pathway?
“I would most definitely recommend an apprenticeship. Finding the right yard to begin your career is key to future success. I am happy my daughter is learning with hands on industry experience while gaining a qualification. I am also pleased her first taste of independence, and living away from home, is within a safe environment.”
Why do you recommend the BGA?
Join the 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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