Liz Geldard - Paralympic Supergroom

Ahead of the para equestrian competition, we kick off our celebration of the para dressage travelling grooms by speaking with experienced paralympic supergroom Liz Geldard.

Liz has travelled to Paris together with supergroom Beth Revill who will both look after the four para dressage horses. 

The paralympic travelling grooms are freelance grooms who do not work with the horses every day; however, they still get to know the horses before a competition. Liz told us she is usually able to get to a few International competitions throughout the year to get to know the horses.

Liz started working with the para dressage team in 2017 which makes Paris 2024 her second Paralympic Games.

Is it still as exciting second time round?

“My journey as a competition groom has been an exciting and long one and no matter what competition I go to, it’s truly as good as the first one was 25 years ago!

I still have that same love and passion and I’m more emotional these days.

Watching what the riders must put themselves through to get to something like this is admirable”

Do you pack anything different when going to a Paralympics than you would if you were going to a normal event?

“With regards to packing, I just keep everything simple and the same! Generally, when freelancing my riders are taking their own items, but I do add a few grooming brushes that I can’t live without.”

What are you most looking forward to about the Paralympic Games being in Paris?

“There are many things I’m looking forward to in Paris, the atmosphere of the Olympics and Paralympics is like nothing else. Lots of Nations uniting, coming together and despite it being very serious competition everyone is always so supportive of each other.”

Grooms tend to work as individuals at events. You are working with another groom, is it more fun this way?

“Working with Beth Revill in Paris will be great. She is super organised and turns out her horses beautifully. Nothing gets left unturned with Beth, together we will be looking after the four horses and I know for sure we will be laughing every day, she’s such a supergroom and the whole team is very lucky to have her on board.”

Tell us about a typical day during the Olympics.

“I’m not sure there’s ever a typical day at a competition. Things can vary so much day to day. We normally would have a team discussion the evening prior to ensure everyone knows what’s happening with regards to feeding/riding times and work around that. 

Mornings normally start early with feeding, mucking out, haying and grooming."

"We also make sure they get some rest and quiet time where there’s no faffing going on around the stables. 

Plus we sweep up 100 times a day!! I even request a particular type of broom!! I can’t stand a messy workspace! 

There can be some very late finishes and early starts, but it’s also important to try and get some downtime for yourself, to keep you fresh and on your A-game! Some people like to go off and spend time by themselves, others would like to go and relax with friends. It’s important to find what works for you.”

Foodie Fast Five

Would you rather have:

Croissant or Pain Au Chocolat

Frogs Legs or Snails as long as they were in a creamy garlic sauce!

American pancakes or Crepe, I love pancakes but they don’t love me!

Quiche or Croque Monsieur

Wine or Champagne

Thanks Liz for speaking with us and good luck in Paris. 

Photo: Liz with Team Vet Rob Oulton who she worked with at the Pony Europeans last year - The pony is George Clooney who finished 4th in the Kür.