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Equestrian leaders support Good Employment Week

21st November 2025
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As Good Employment Week draws to a close, we’re thrilled that this year’s campaign has garnered widespread support from influential voices across the equestrian world.

Good Employment Week is about promoting positive employment practices across the equine industry. It has sparked important conversations about valuing and supporting you, the grooms who form the backbone of our sport.

Leaders from across the equestrian industry voiced their support for Good Employment: 

 

"We are nothing without a safe, rewarded and prosperous workforce, and we all have a key role to play. I encourage all equestrian employers to get behind Good Employment Week.

Jim Eyre, CEO, Britsh Equestrian

This annual campaign has sparked meaningful conversations and shone a spotlight on the value of treating all equestrian staff with rspect and integrity. Legal pay, written contract of employment, and a positive work environment are essential if equestrian careers are to be sustainable and attractive long-term.

 

“Creating a supportive, fair, and professional workplace is fundamental to the success of our organisation and the wider equestrian community. Good Employment practices are essential to building a positive culture where people can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact on young people’s lives.”

Marcus Capel, CEO, The Pony Club

Throughout the week, employers and employees in all equestrian sectors have engaged with the campaign, sharing success stories, and celebrating the importance of Good Employment, including fair treatment, professional development, and workplace wellbeing.

 

“Championing Good Employment practices remains at the heart of everything we do at Haddon Training. They are not just a standard to meet, but a value we live by — shaping supportive, fair, and inspiring workplaces where everyone can succeed. When we invest in people and uphold the principles of good employment, we strengthen both our industry and the welfare of the horses in our care — creating a foundation for lasting success.”

Brian Edwards, Managing Director, Haddon Training

Leaders from across the equestrian industry have rallied behind our theme of Gold Standard Good Employment, underscoring its vital importance.

 

"The Equestrian Employers Association provides its members with support, advice and education in our industry, and it is hugely important that horsescotland works closely with its member bodies to ensure we have the relevant information to speak up and deliver action on the issues that really matter. In order to have the most up-to-date information, we need feedback on grooms experiences within Scotland. This information is crucial to support our efforts in making Scotland a better employer base within the equestrian sector, ensuring pathways for access, progression, performance and development within equestrianism." 

Sonya Campbell Perry, CEO, horsescotland

Good Employment practices don’t just benefit grooms, but are instrumental in ensuring the growth and reputation of the equine industry.

This week’s campaign has also showcased the positive impact of championing employment standards in attracting new talent to the equestrian world.

 

“Good employment practices are not just a legal duty, they are vital to the long-term health and sustainability of our sport. Our teams are our greatest asset: when we respect, support, and fairly reward staff, we not only build better workplaces, but we also raise the standard of care for our horses. British Eventing supports the EEA’s efforts and calls on everyone in the equestrian industry to commit to making good employment a priority.”

Rosie Williams, CEO, British Evening

Here at the BGA, we aim to educate and empower grooms to know where they stand and how to get support when something isn’t right. Too many grooms continue to face poor employment practices, including unpaid overtime, unsafe workplaces, bullying, coercive behaviour, or uncertainty over their terms of employment.

 

“Good employment and strong business practices go hand in hand, and being a compliant employer is a major part of running a successful, sustainable business. It’s so important to have these conversations to ensure everyone in the industry understands what the expectations are. Ultimately, happy, supported staff create safer, more sustainable workplaces — which benefits everyone, including the horses in their care.”

Cheryl Johns, Owner, Livery List & The Yard Owners Hub

As Good Employment week concludes, we’d like to extend our thanks to everyone who has supported this year’s campaign and give a nod to the thousands of grooms who are already members of the British Grooms Association. 

Are you ready to be part of positive change? Join the BGA today and add your voice to our message of Good Employment! 

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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