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Life as an apprentice

9th February 2023
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Have you wondered what life as an apprentice is like?

Meet Emilia Bishop, a keen dressage rider and Haddon Training’s Apprenticeship Ambassador.

Emilia started the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence programme in 2020 and progressed onto the level 3 senior equine groom apprenticeship, based with her employer, Judy Harvey.

 

What do you love most about being an apprentice?

“I really enjoy learning on the job because I get to work in real-life situations and gain valuable experience at the same time. I still get time to compete regularly, go to the gym and go back home to visit family and friends.”

 

What do you find challenging?

“To be honest, I did find it a challenge to manage the written coursework, alongside my yard work and lifestyle, but I soon got into a routine and now my week is very organised.”

 

What was it like to move away from home?

“I found it slightly daunting, but when I arrived everyone made me feel so welcome and I soon became part of the team. I’ve become much more independent and confident. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing!”

 

What are the training coaches like at Haddon Training?

“Jess, my trainer coach is amazing, she has been super helpful (as always!) with helping me understand each part of the module and guiding me in the right direction of completing the work to the best of my ability. Jess visits me at the yard to check my progress and encourages me to expand my knowledge for my own benefit, not just the qualification, which is really motivating.”

 

What would you say to future learners wanted to become a groom and thinking about completing an apprenticeship?

"If you’re passionate about learning and working with horses whilst being hands on, then you should definitely go for an apprenticeship! I have learnt loads and met lots of new people who have helped me further my learning. Also, it’s very rewarding gaining a qualification in something you enjoy so much."

 

Why are you a BGA member?

The BGA is so supportive, and their website is full of information. I think it’s important to be a member of the professional association to give us a voice. If I ever needed employment guidance, I know the BGA is there to help and the KBIS insurance is great.

 

Find out more about what Emilia gets up to in her blog; https://www.haddontraining.co.uk/say-hello-to-our-apprenticeship-ambassador/

 

Join us

The BGA is your organisation that supports, represents, and champions the career of all grooms. If you are not a member yet, please join to help us make the equestrian industry a place of only Good Employment.

 

JOIN NOW from 49 pence per week.

 

BGA MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

 



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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