Facebook Tracking
Some functionality of the website is not currently available due to technical difficulties. We're working on fixing the issue.

Helping horses be happy

2nd February 2024
News Article Image

The BGA represents ALL grooms, our members are from every discipline, competition, and non-competitive; within all the different segments of the equestrian world.

Today we are celebrating freelance grooms by speaking with BGA member Sian Hush who is on a mission to make horses happy.

After gaining a degree in Equestrian Performance and Coaching, Sian set up a freelance business to help riders nurture their relationship with their horses, assisting them to find their happy place.

Sian obtained her love of horses from her Grampy and has been working with them since she was 15 years old; when Sian started to help at a local riding school to learn the basics, since then Sian's career has taken off and now she is thriving in a business freelance business. 

 

What sparked your decision to go down the freelance route?

"I’ve always wanted to be a groom since I was at school and completing a degree in Equine Performance and Coaching was a huge achievement for me, I’m the first in my family to have gone to university!

I liked the idea of being in control of my working hours, to fit jobs around my own horses. My business has been going for nearly two years and I offer a wide variety of services including riding, coaching, clipping, and yard work. I really enjoy it and no two days are the same.

I love riding and coaching and seeing an improvement in the horse/rider over time. It’s really rewarding. I’ve worked on a variety of different yards, with all types of horses from mares and foals, stallions and ex-racers, and everything in between!"

 

Supergroom Alan Davies has been a huge inspiration for me and many other grooms I expect!

 

What are the downsides to freelancing and how do you manage them?

"It can be tough to say no, especially when you’re self-employed and trying to get as much work as possible, but I have realised it is really important to take time to do things for myself. I always try to make sure I have something to look forward to outside of work, whether it be something as simple as binging something on Netflix or having a day out with my friends."

 

How important is professionalism in the industry to you?

"I believe professionalism is really important, especially when working with horses. The horse’s welfare must be kept as a priority above all else, and having a professional approach to the job helps makes sure that this is achieved safely."

 

What do you do outside of the time you spend with horses?

"I don’t have a lot of time outside of horses, due to owning 3 of my own, but I enjoy going to the gym as it’s a bit of me time. I also enjoy watching movies, baking and spending time with my family and friends and helping on the farm."

 

Why would you recommend all grooms join the BGA?

"I spoke to a member who was at my university, and she recommended joining before starting up. I like the fact that we can choose to have insurance with our membership, the business tools and support is fantastic, and the discounts we get make a big difference."

 

There are lots of benefits to being a member and being a certified freelancer really gives my clients a lot of confidence in me and my professional services.

 

Thanks Sian for taking the time to shine the light on freelance grooms.

You can follow Sian on her SMH Equine Services social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.

 

 

Get Certified

It’s great to see professionalism being linked to equine welfare. Being a BGA Certified Freelancer offers your clients peace of mind that their horses are in great hands.

Find out more about becoming a Certified Freelancer and how to display the certified badge on your social media and marketing materials. 

 

JOIN US

Be part of a community of grooms, just like you. 

If you would like to become a BGA member, have a look at our membership options, from as little as 49 pence per week. 

 

BGA MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

 



BLOG ARCHIVE

 
BACK TO BLOG HOME
 
  

 

 
 

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