Jenny Ellis - Silliness in Sydney

The big day is fast approaching; the opening ceremony for the Paris 2024 is this Friday!

The Château de Versailles is ready, waiting for the horses to move in, later this week. In the meantime, we reflect on previous Olympics and we knew who to ask to share a funny story.

Jenny Ellis has had a successful career as a top-level groom, she has worked within showjumping and dressage, grooming at three Olympics and one Paralympic Games. Jenny is also a recipient of the FEI Groom Award.

With a lifetime of experience, we knew Jenny had a story or two to tell, the hardest part of our chat with Jenny, was to find a memory we could safely publish!

In this blog, Jenny shares a story which is 24 years old, and life as a groom is still just as exciting...

Sydney Reminiscing

Jenny went to Sydney 2000 as groom for Geoff Billington with It’s Otto.

“The journey to Sydney began with the horses spending two weeks of quarantine in Nottingham at Malcolm Pyrah’s, before flying to Sydney where they spent another four weeks in quarantine ahead of the Games.

Travelling Horses

I remember all the grooms were quite stressed about the travelling. Although the showjumpers had travelled to Calgary a lot, not many of the other horses had that much experience with flying so far. The British teams flew the horses from Stanstead airport. Thankfully, none of the horses got sick and they all travelled brilliantly - a huge relief for all the grooms and riders.

Team Kit

Once the horses had safely arrived in the Sydney quarantine, the grooms were flown to Brisbane to spend time in a holding camp. This was where all the grooms collected the Olympic kit; we were told we had to wear the Team GB kit for the whole duration, including the quarantine period.

We were all happy to oblige, proud to represent our country. Quarantine allowed all the grooms to get to know each other, we enjoyed learning the different disciplines.  I recall the showjumping grooms letting everyone know how challenging it was being a showjumping groom.

Olympic Community

At mealtimes we sat with other people connected to the Olympics, it was a fantastic experience and great to make so many connections.

The grooms were able to mix with the rowing teams, gymnasts, and everyone connected to the Olympics who was at the holding camp. It was obvious who was Team GB as we were all wearing the Olympic kit. Quarantine was a great opportunity to make friends and relax a little after the stress of travelling the horses.

Party Time

Knowing the horses had arrived safely and were being looked after, everyone had time to relax. We enjoyed the beach, and someone left some of their Team GB kit on the beach, which we were all reprimanded over.

We all went out in Brisbane to party, it was great to let our hair down, before the stress of the Games started.

Before we flew back to Sydney, I remember all the grooms were told off by some very stern-looking people, for having too much fun. I recall being told that we were in big trouble and that we had been reported to our Chef d’equipe, Ronnie Masarella!

Once we arrived in Sydney, Ronnie looked at us and said “Good night girls? That’s my girls!”

Ronnie knew how hard all the grooms had worked in the run-up to the Olympics, and how hard we would continue working throughout the Games. Ronnie always appreciated what a brilliant job we did!”

Thanks Jenny, for sharing an insight into the social side of life as a groom.

While working with horses may be a busy career choice, it also provides amazing experiences, lifelong friendships and plenty of transferrable skills as well as fantastic opportunities.