Grooming for Team GOLD

What an amazing result in the dressage for the British Equestrian team at the FEI European Championships in Riesenbeck.

Gareth Hughes, Carl Hester, Charlotte Dujardin and Lottie Fry completed on a score of 242.220, securing the first post-London 2012 team GOLD!

Working hard alongside the remarkable riders is a whole team of amazing people including marvellous #supergrooms.

Once of those sensational grooms was long term BGA member Steph Sharples.

Steph has worked for Gareth Hughes for 20 years, starting as an apprentice and worked her way to yard manager and travelling groom.

Over the years Steph’s career has certainly been sensational, her first championships was the Herning Europeans in 2013. Last year at the Herning World Champs the team took away silver medals and Classic Briolinca finished 7th in the special and 5th in the freestyle.

Riesenbeck this year is Stephs 9th major championship and let’s not forget she was traveling reserve for Tokyo Olympics.

We spoke with Steph at Riesenbeck to find out what it’s like to groom at the championships and take away the Team Gold.

What does it feel like to be part of the team who stole the show yesterday?

“Awww it’s just amazing!!! Representing your country at any championships is special but to see your team, horse and rider win a medal is just incredible, but a gold one.…well it doesn’t get any better than this.

I am unbelievably proud of my exceptional pony, Gareth and of course the rest of the team who have made this very special victory happen. Teamwork makes the dream work.”

What is Riesenbeck like?

“Riesenbeck is a beautiful showground, very well equipped for the horses with permanent stables in big, light, airy barns.

Everything needed is within reach with plenty of taps and wash boxes around the stables, plus grass to hand graze for the horses to chill out.

The arenas are lovely and there are plenty of them! The main arena is a perfect set up with the grandstand and hospitality seating set back far enough that it isn’t too close to be spooky for the horses, but close enough to give people a good view to watch. Another treat is that the lorries are parked close to stables.

Tell us about Classic Briolinca

“She is absolutely beautiful, she loves fuss and attention in the stable and on her walks, she loves to be ridden she enjoys her job. Favourite treats are spearmint polos, recovery mash and NAF blueberry and banana treats.”

What is your top tip

“Work hard! Get to know your horses & rider, what they like / don’t like, how they like things done.

Our job is to look after the horses, but also to help the rider to focus and do their job, whether it be at home or at a show.”

What do you love about being a groom

“The horses are my best friends they depend on us to keep them happy and healthy, there is no feeling like the one you get than to see your horse go into the arena, looking amazing and you feel you have been a part of making that happen.”

Why do you love the BGA?

“It is great to have an organization with people who know the job that we do, to help support and give advice. We all know we can turn to the BGA for help, should it be needed. Plus, it’s a great to feel part of a community and to have other grooms to chat to.”

Main photo: #Supergrooms and BGA members Francesca Gorni, Steph Sharples and Lucy Scudamore (pictured left to right). 

A massive congratulations to the whole team for playing their part within this success. A huge thank your to British Equestrian and Jon Stroud Media for featuring the grooms so regularly with such beautiful imagery, helping to raise the profile of this fantastic career choice. 

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