- Join Now
- Login
- Member Zone
- Your Career
- Freelancing
- International Grooms Association
- BGA Training
- Healthy Yard Healthy Horses
- Transporting horses
- Brexit
- Safe workplace
- Student Zone
- Member Discounts
- BG Magazine
- Member services
- My employment
- Am I employed correctly
- Grooms Minds
- Legal Helpline
- BGA guide to the National Minimum Wage
- Training & Careers
- BGA CV Creator
- Horse groom training
- Where to Train
- BGA E Learning
- Career choices
- Change to Racing
- Parents
- Pro Groom School
- Grooms Jobs
- Grooms Life
- About
- News
- Contact
WHY I AM A MEMBER
“The bespoke information has been invaluable for my career and employment; I don’t feel alone anymore. I have the peace of mind knowing my income is protected with my BGA insurance.”
Jenny Hooch
BGA Member
WATCH OUR VIDEO
A GROOMS LIFE BLOG
We were recently contacted by a groom who had seen a post on a public forum about employers giving a BIG Christmas bonus. This post talked about offering a £5,000 Christmas bonus as an incentive. Yes £5,000!!! Hands up if you receive that where you work? We didn’t think so. While the BGA would love all grooms to receive a bonus like that, (or any bonus!), is it realistic in today’s world and particularly in our industry? Our sister company, the Equestrian Employers Association (EEA), hears daily of riding schools and other equestrian establishments, struggling to cover costs and some businesses are having to close - often these establishments have been in families for generations. It is simply not feasible to pay such a bonus. While we actively champion correct employment and paying at least the National Minimum Wage, should a bonus be expected and how much? BGA Membership Assistant Zoe Hargreaves recalls; The member who contacted us about this unrealistic offering was very passionate about this situation. They felt rattled and after spending the weekend unable to stop thinking about it, contacted us. Our member is a yard manager who deals with the day-to-day running of the competition yard where they work. Over the past 18 months, they have seen prices of everything rise. These are just the basic items needed, not anything luxurious. Costs are rising for feed, bedding, hay, all the essential items that can’t be avoided. Our member shared her concerns with us; When the circumstances do not allow for a financial bonus, why not consider other ways to show appreciation; offer a lie-in, an afternoon off on a quiet day, an extra lesson, or a box of biscuits in the afternoon. Little displays of gratitude that won’t break the bank are excellent ways to say thank you and show how much staff are valued. What do you think? Share your thoughts on our social media, let’s get talking. The BGA is your organisation that supports, represents, and champions the career of all grooms. As a BGA member you will enjoy discounted insurance policies, education, and support. 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, available for less than 50 pence per week.
£5,000 Christmas Bonus
“Twenty years ago, I was very lucky to receive a £100 bonus from some of the horses’ owners at the yard where I worked. Back then, that was a huge amount and so greatly appreciated. It was lovely to receive the recognition from them and we were very lucky to be supported throughout the year by all the owners and my employers.”
“I believe most grooms are now coming out of the other side of the bad working conditions, thanks to the hard work of the BGA and EEA. But a post like this one can ruin all the good that has been done. Statements like this saying employers should be giving their employees a huge £5,000 bonus as an incentive gives unrealistic expectations, especially to the younger generation who will believe they should be getting a massive Christmas bonus.”
Why Join the BGA?
BELONG TO YOUR PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
BLOG ARCHIVE
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. |
|
|
|
| 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 |
The BGA is the national representative body for all
grooms working in the UK or British grooms abroad.
MEMBERS OF:
Your item has been added to the basket
You need to create an account, or login before you can add this item to your basket.