Adam Short - Athlete Manager

The Olympics are in full swing, the whole BGA team is watching, full of excitement delighted to see the hard-working grooms in action and all the horses looking amazing!

Before the team flew out to Paris, we caught up with Adam Short, Athlete Manager and travelling groom for Tom McEwen to talk about his first Olympic experience.

How are you feeling about being part of Paris 2024?

“This is my first Olympics and I am so excited! I think it is going to be extra special as I am with a great group of riders and grooms!”

Did you ever think as a young child that one day you would BE A groom at an Olympic Games?

“No – never – ever in my wildest dreams. I vividly remember watching the London Olympics in 2012. I remember sitting in front of the computer watching the London games, with the lady I was riding for at the time, and it never crossed my mind that one day I would be here!

I am still in touch with the riding school that I used to go to, their current students see that I started at that riding school and look where I am now. I feel proud to inspire the next generation to follow their dreams, it’s so cool to know that in some way I am helping.”

Do you have any advice for someone who is dreaming of being an Olympic Groom?

“I would say try to enjoy this special period, although the run-up to the Olympics is the most hideously tense time; wrapping horse and rider in cotton wool, hoping everything goes to plan.

It is important not to change things in the lead-up, try to keep everything the same if it’s working, and even if things don’t go to plan, remember where you are, remember how hard you worked to get here. People dream of the Olympics and sometimes never get there – you are in such a small minority of people who do get to experience the Games. Whatever you are, it is such an achievement to be recognised for it.”

Is there anything specific JL Dublin (Dubs) likes?

“He loves routine; he likes to eat half his breakfast and then he is ready for his grass. He loves to be outside either in the field or hand grazing.”

What has been your most used emoji over the past few weeks?

“It is always the crying laughing face – it covers so many bases!”

What are you hoping to see whilst you are in Paris?

“I am really looking forward to watching JL Dublin – it will be incredible to see him in action at the Olympics! I think we overlap a bit with the dressage lot, so it will be nice to see them too." 

If you could only take three items to a desert island, what would they be?

(Disclaimer, we said Adam couldn’t say vodka, wine, and cigarettes! – see his previous blog here!)

“I would take a comfy pillow, a knife for hunting fish with, my phone if I can, and maybe some tanning oil!!”

Huge thank you to Adam for being such a good sport. We wish him, Tom, JL Dublin and all their connections the best of luck for Paris.