Lucy Scudamore 10 years and 2 Olympics with Carl

Have you been keeping up with the Dressage action in Paris?

Yesterday saw Team GB rider and seven-time Olympic athlete, Carl Hester, ride a superb test. Carl and the beautiful Fame delivered a confirmed score of 77.345% for the team campaign.

While many eyes are focused on the team riders, our sights are firmly set on the amazing grooms who put their heart and soul into caring for both horse and rider.

We couldn’t be prouder of all the grooms in Paris - your hours of dedication and extraordinary levels of hardwork over the past days, (months and years), are critical to the success of the team - so thank you.

Carl’s supergroom Lucy Scudamore has been working for him for 10 years, and last year he won the Absorbine Groom of the Year award.

We caught up with Lucy before she set off for the games.

You have been to the Olympics before; do you still get nervous?

“I was lucky enough to go to Tokyo in 2021 so this is my second Olympics. I would say it's more excitement and anticipation rather than nerves.

I find the run up to any major championship quite nerve wracking in terms of there being so much pressure to keep everything running smoothly, in what is a very intense few weeks leading up to the event.”

Did you ever think that one day you would be going to groom at your second Olympics?

“No, to be honest I didn't think I would get the chance to go to one Olympics let alone two! It's one of those things you are always working towards and hoping for. There is so much that goes into the riders and horses being selected, so it's amazing to be a part of that when it all comes together."

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

“My most used emoji is definitely the 'pray emoji!”

What is Fame like to look after? Does he have any quirks? 

“Fame is like a Shetland trapped inside a horse's body. He has got a cheeky personality, he's very confident but not needy.  Fame is totally obsessed with food, while he loves a cuddle and a groom, the way to his heart is always through food! When he's bored or relaxing in the cross ties, he claps his lips together non-stop... it's so loud you can hear it from the yard!”

Do you have any funny stories you can share?

“When I first started working for Carl, I was on work experience. Not long after I started, he asked me to come out to the outdoor arena with a rug so that I could take the horse he had just ridden for a hack down the drive to cool off, but I didn't realise the horse was spooky!"

If you had to compare yourself to an animal, what would it be and why?

“I'm definitely a Labrador; constantly thinking about food, love a nap in the sun but sporty enough to do my job.”

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to become a groom?

“My advice to someone wanting to become a groom, would be to just get as much experience as you possibly can. Take any opportunity that comes your way to learn from other grooms, riders and trainers, because you would be amazed how much benefit there is from being around people and observing. Go to competitions to help a friend out, do a bit of holiday cover work on a yard if you can. I have always found the best opportunities are offered to those who show most willing.” 

FAST FIVE

Croissants or Pain Au Chocolate? “Pain Au Chocolate”

Frogs Legs or Snails? “Frogs legs”

Crepe or American fluffy pancakes? “Crepe”

Croque Monsieur or Quiche? “Quiche”

Wine or champagne? “Wine”

Many thanks to Lucy for speaking with us and shining the light on this great career choice. 

Make sure you aren't missing out on the action in Paris, check out our guide of where to watch.