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Improving injury support for grooms

6th August 2025
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The British Grooms Association (BGA) has partnered with Hartpury University to launch a vital new research project.

Phase one launches today and will use a short 5-minute survey to explore how equestrian grooms are affected by injury, and how the industry can better support them.

All UK-based grooms, whether injured or not, are invited to take part.

Every response will help the BGA and Hartpury University build a stronger picture of what life is really like for grooms, and what needs to change to better support their health and safety.

We know that grooms work in physically demanding and high-risk environments. But while injury is often seen as “part of the job”, there’s very little research into how injuries really affect grooms; particularly when it comes to mental wellbeing, recovery, and returning to work.

This study aims to change that.

Take the survey now

As a thank you, grooms who complete the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Amazon voucher and a BGA hoodie.

 

“Grooms are at the heart of our industry, yet their experiences with injury are too often overlooked. This important research will help us better understand the support they truly need.”

Lucy Katan, Executive Director, British Grooms Association

This research will shine a light on how injury impacts the people who keep the sector running behind the scenes giving a vital insight into workplace culture, safety, and wellbeing.

 

"Grooms are the heart of the equestrian industry, but we still know far too little about their health, safety, and the injury risks they face. Our previous research in the horseracing industry highlighted the physical and psychological demands placed on staff, and this project builds on that work to focus on the wider equestrian workforce.

We’re really excited to be working with the British Grooms Association so that this research reflects the real-life experiences of grooms and can help drive practical changes to improve safety, wellbeing, and sustainability across the sector.”

Dr. Emma Davies, Senior Lecturer (Research), Hartpury University.

This is a real opportunity to shape the future of how the industry understands and supports grooms like you — and to be part of something that could lead to lasting positive change.

Take the survey now

 



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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