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Equestrians included in latest NMW Naming List

7th July 2025
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Three well-known names from the equestrian community have been included in the latest list of UK employers found to have underpaid staff the National Minimum Wage (NMW) between 2015 and 2021.

The list, published by the Department for Business and Trade, names more than 500 businesses across a range of industries.

The published data covers historic underpayments identified following investigations by HMRC and does not necessarily reflect current practices.

All three equestrian employers who have been named in this round of enforcement have repaid what was owed.

The BGA understands that at least one of the mispayments was as a result of a livery perk oversight. This highlights one of the many complex financial challenges equestrian employers navigate, which, if misunderstood, can easily lead to mistakes.

Name Trading Name Arrears No of Workers Arrears Period
Matthew Hicks Hicks Equestrian £5,439.43 3 2017 - 2018
Gemma Tattersall Gemma Tattersall £4,886.88 3 2017 - 2019
Pippa Funnell Pippa Funnell Eventing £2,746.65 2 2020 - 2021


In response to the listing, Pippa Funnell said:

“My small team mean the world to me, anyone who knows me knows how much I value them. This relates to an HMRC check completed in 2021 during the Covid pandemic. As part of the process, an administrative error was found relating to the change of rates and an age-related pay rise.”

“I implemented changes immediately to remedy this in 2021 with full approval of HMRC at the time. I complied with all HMRC requests, and the matter was concluded in 2021. I am regretful that it happened and apologised to my team when the error was discovered.”

 

In addition, Gemma Stevens (nee Tattersall) said:

“This relates to an HMRC check in 2018. As part of the review, it came to light that some of the change of age/rates of pay had been missed. This was immediately rectified, and all penalties were paid in line with HMRC guidance.”

“It was a genuine error, since which changes have been implemented to ensure I remain in line with HMRC requirements. I pride myself on having a brilliant team of long-standing staff who are greatly valued, and I would always want them to be remunerated correctly for their work.”



Good Employment Matters

The British Grooms Association (BGA) are committed to raising awareness of employment rights and responsibilities within the industry and is on hand to support grooms in understanding the NMW.

Common causes of underpayment of the NMW often include errors relating to: 

  • Unpaid overtime 
  • Incorrect apprenticeship rates
  • Overcharging for accommodation
  • Change in age rates

 

BGA says

“We understand that employment in the equestrian world can be incredibly complex, and that sometimes unintentional errors are made. The most important thing is that where underpayments have occurred, they are reimbursed and steps are put in place to avoid future occurrences. This is not about placing blame, it’s an opportunity for the industry to keep improving, and ensure that all staff are paid fairly and legally.”

Lucy Katan MBE, BGA Executive Director

 

The BGA’s sister organisation, The Equestrian Employers Association (EEA), offers a range of resources, guidance, smart online tools and a series of videos from the HMRC to help equestrian employers stay compliant.

The EEA also offers further support and a NMW Compliance helpline for employers through its partnership with the Fair Pay Hub.

Paying the correct NMW rate for every hour worked is not a choice, it is the law and failure to comply can be costly. Grooms who are paid incorrectly can report their employer to the HMRC.

 

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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.

 
YES

 
NO

 
NO

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