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The Unbelievable Happens!

11th December 2023
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As the year is coming to an end, now is the perfect opportunity to look back and reflect on the time gone by. Have you had a good year, free from accidents?

Not everyone is so lucky to finish the year without having been injured, long-term BGA member, Katie Evans was left unable to work for 13 weeks due to a freak accident.

Katie is sharing her story in the hope to raise awarenss for the importance of protecting yourself, as like many others, Katie never really thought she would use her insurance.

“I love my career as a freelance groom, my workload is so varied, I do a bit of everything, including working for a showing stud, plus lots of riding and the occasional house sitting. Like most grooms, before my accident I didn’t really consider myself to be high risk.

However, at the end of March I had an unfortunate accident whist riding. The horse stumbled and I went over his shoulder, managing to land on my feet. Unfortunately I landed in a hoof print which resulted in me breaking my ankle. I heard the snap, but think adrenalin kicked in as it wasn’t too painful to begin with.

Once at the hospital, the x-ray showed I had snapped the talus bone in half, it was a clean break. I also fractured the fibula. Surgery was a must and now have two screws in my ankle.

I was off work for 13 weeks, I managed four days of relaxing but after that, I was very bored, which led to internet shopping! I don't think any groom is content being laid up with injury, being out of action was so hard.

 

At least I didn't have the added pressure of worrying financially - thanks to insurance with my BGA membership!

The BGA were so helpful and friendly when I needed to make a claim, I was very grateful to be insured.

 

As I wasn’t working, it was great to know I would be able to pay for my own horse and all my bills. I really didn't need any more stress; having insurance meant I didn’t have to worry about how I was going to manage financially.

 

As soon as I had the surgery and knew how long the recovery time would be, I was able to submit the claim and KBIS paid out a couple of days later. The process was quick and easy, I am so thankful - I urge all grooms to make sure they are insured!

 

Although the physio is still ongoing, I am now riding again. I don’t think anyone really appreciates the time it takes to fully recover from an accident, unless you experience it.

I have a new outlook now; I will always make sure I am insured.

Thank you BGA, you guys are brilliant – I tell everyone to join!”

 

The BGA team wishes Katie all the very best in 2024 - thank you Katie for sharing your story.

Next year this could be you - are you prepared?

Protect yourself with personal accident insurance. 

 

ARE YOU INSURED?

Not sure which insurance is right for you? Visit the membership options section of our website for more information.

Alternatively you can contact contact Fi, our Membership Manager, on 07590 258907 or membership@britishgrooms.org.uk.

 

Freelance groom, employed groom or equine student on work placement - whatever you do, the BGA is here for you and your insurance needs.

The BGA has the best grooms insurance for all who work with horses.

Join 1000’s of other grooms and belong to your professional association.

 

BGA MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

 



BLOG ARCHIVE

 
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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