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Tina Cook - A mum's view

9th October 2023
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We spoke to Tina Cook, International event rider, former European Champion, and three-time Olympic medalist after her return from Montelibretti where her daughter, Isabelle Cook, represented Team GB for the junior riders at the recent Europeans.

Isabelle finished on her dressage score and finished 5th individually as well as winning Team Silver. Tina gave us an insight into eventing life as a parent, whilst mucking out her horses fields!

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO ISABELLE AND ALL OF TEAM GB - WHAT A FANTASTIC RESULT!

"Thank you, we are so proud. It was such a close competition and we were so close to team gold (there was only 4/10ths of a penalty between Great Britain and Germany who took the gold)! We are however thrilled, she has been such a consistent mare."

 

WHAT IS IT LIKE GOING TO A TEAM EVENT WITH ISABELLE?

"I really enjoy it. It is very different from my Team events, there were 12 of them, so it is a big operation with lots of organising involved. We had professional grooms there who took care of all the horses throughout the week. Lynn Swift looked after Mexican Law and did a brilliant job."

 

DO YOU HELP ISABELLE AS HER GROOM AT EVENTS? 

"We are a team so really help each other out. I love being at events with Isabelle, we work well together, and it is just so natural for us both to help each other."

 

DO YOU GET NERVOUS WHEN ISABELLE IS COMPETING?

"I get very excited! We work together and I trust her and the mare, so my competitive streak comes through! I am realistic too, but we just want them to do their best. Isabelle really wants to compete; this is what she has chosen to do so it is really exciting to watch."

 

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER ADVICE FOR PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN WANT TO RIDE AND COMPETE AT THIS LEVEL?

"I think if the children themselves want to do it and are committed; it is great. You can’t dominate them into doing it – they must show commitment and the desire to do it."

 

WHy would you recommend the BGA?

"I think it is a great organisation and so important that grooms have somewhere to go for help and advice."

 

Thanks to Tina for taking the time to speak with us to share what it's like to be a parent of a junior rider. 

 

Why Join the BGA?

As a BGA member you will enjoy discounted insurance policies, education, and support. Join us to discover more and be part of a community of grooms, just like you.

 

JOIN NOW for less than 50 pence per week.

 



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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