Mandy Elder - driving the way forward

BGA Driving Ambassador Mandy Elder has stepped up to provide a community for driving grooms to come together to learn, and support each other.

By forming the UK Driving Grooms and Backsteppers Group, Mandy aims to promote the imporance of the driving groom and provide assistance to those new to the sport.

Mandy is a long-standing carriage driving groom with a wealth of experience in the niche discipline she specialises in, as well as being a freelance groom Mandy has coached at Club Events.

For over 20 seasons Mandy has competed in driving trials and the show ring, during this time she has become an expert and she is wants to share her knowledge to help other driving grooms. 

How is the role of a carriage driving groom different from other disciplines?

“Carriage driving is different from most riding disciplines as many grooms are unpaid friends or family. Driving grooms are also like circus staff; we arrive and set up camp. We are also experts in erecting stables and tents.

The main difference for a driving groom is that you go where the horses go, including when they are competing - you’re right there on the back of the carriage!

You are always on the go, ready to notice if something on the carriage isn’t right, as well as keeping the driver on course or finding another route if needed. We also become amazing at knowing if we are going too fast or too slow for the optimum time.”

Why did you set up the UK Driving Grooms and Backsteppers Group? 

“I had been approached by several other grooms who had ideas for change, but noted there was no groom’s representation or clear channel to communicate with the British Carriage Driving Council. The British Carriage Driving Council approved the formation of a small group of people who would bring initiatives directly to Council meetings.”

What does the UK Driving Grooms and Backsteppers Group add to the sport?

“Every member in the current group has the same aim - to help every carriage groom be the best they can be. No groom is better than another, and together we become the best we can be.

There isn’t a book on how to be a carriage driving groom, every one of us has learned from hands-on experience, often with the help of fabulous people within the industry – and that is what the group is for, to build others up.

Also, being able to communicate the groom’s voice directly to the British Carriage Driving Council is a great way to ensure our support is offered to everyone and that the grooms have representation at Council meetings.”

What is the next step UK Driving Grooms and Backsteppers Group?

“This is just the start, and we are thrilled that the British Carriage Driving Council is supporting us. It will take time and patience, but we all believe the best way is for the grooms to lead this process and are looking forward to making change happen.

We would also like driving grooms to be more recognised, no matter if they are a paid employee, a freelance groom, or an unpaid friend or family member - we are all dedicated to the sport.

Why would you encourage other grooms to join the BGA?

“Being a groom can be a dangerous job, one of my carriage driving groom friends had a bad accident and the BGA supported her so much. There is also support for freelance grooms on the BGA website, as well as lots of information about employment rules that are relevant for employed grooms.

The BGA’s Freelancer Toolkit is one of the benefits I use the most, I was also very proud to become one of the first BGA Certified Freelance Grooms and use the logo to show my commitment to being a professional.”

Thanks, Mandy for taking the time to speak with us and for your efforts to promote the role of driving grooms and becksteppers.

Visit the UK Driving Group and Backsteppers Facebook Group to connect with other driving grooms. 

If you have been inspired by Mandy to stand up for change in the industry, join us as together we can make a difference.

Belong to your professional association JOIN NOW.

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