Success in Court

“At first everything went really well, but over time the payments started to get later and later, I was constantly chasing for my money, which I hated! The whole situation was incredibly stressful.

I called the BGA for guidance and was advised to notify my client that if they didn’t pay me, I would no longer be able to provide services and I would take legal action.

I don’t think my client took me seriously, I don’t think they thought I would walk away, and to be honest wasn’t sure if I could, I loved the horses – that’s why so many of us put up with the less than perfect situations isn’t it? Because of our passion for the horses we care for, I also didn’t want to let my mates down who worked on the same yard.

Even though I knew things weren’t right I would always arrive early and work way more hours than I should. My family kept telling me to take action, so I finally took the advice of the BGA and sent my client a message to say I would no longer be providing my services, due to lack of payment.

As part of my BGA membership I was able to speak with a solicitor and got all the information I needed to take my client to the Small Claims Court and later to the County Court because they still hadn’t paid me.

Everything was so easy and all online, which I was so grateful for, as I really didn’t want to see them face to face.

Thanks to the BGA, I was eventually paid for all my work.

I have since found out I wasn’t the first person they did this to, and I wasn’t the last either. It’s shocking that people think they can treat grooms like this.

I couldn’t have done it without the help of the BGA!

I was so stressed with the situation, but the BGA was so welcoming. I received the support and encouragement I needed to take the first steps, face up to the client and get the money that I was legally owed. The solicitors were also brilliant – I really wouldn’t have known what to do without them. Knowing I have the BGA behind me, to provide any needed guidance is a huge peace of mind for the future.

I consider the BGA essential!

I think whether you are employed or a freelance groom, you should join the BGA. To know there is someone who understands what a groom does, and all the regulations is so important. I think a groom’s role is often seen as casual employment and we aren’t always treated the way we should be. The BGA recognises us and knows we deserve better.”