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Home /Grooms life/Partnership strengthens mental health support

Partnership strengthens mental health support

1st December 2025
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The British Grooms Association (BGA) and Riders Minds are pleased to announce a strengthened partnership to enhance mental health support for grooms working within the equestrian industry.

All calls to the BGA’s Grooms Minds support line will now be directed to the expert mental health team at Riders Minds.

This will ensure BGA members receive the highest level of specialist, confidential support, delivered by a team who not only specialise in mental health but also understand the unique pressures of the industry.

This joint initiative ensures that BGA members continue to receive free, confidential, and professional support, and see’s the addition of a text helpline, and webchat service, offering a vital lifeline to professional grooms working in what is often a highly demanding, fast-paced, and emotionally challenging environment.

 

“Supporting the wellbeing of grooms has always been at the heart of the BGA. By partnering with Riders Minds, we’re ensuring that every groom who reaches out is met with expert, confidential support from professionals who truly understand the pressures of our industry. This enhanced service – including the addition of text and webchat options – means grooms can access help in the way that feels most comfortable to them."

Lucy Katan MBE, Executive Director, British Grooms Association

The Riders Minds team, which already provides a comprehensive mental health platform for everyone in the equestrian community, welcomes the opportunity to extend its expertise to more grooms across the UK.

 

“We’ve had a great working relationship with the BGA for many years, so being able to support the association and its members in this way is fantastic. We’ve recruited a dedicated triage and counselling team made up of people who genuinely understand the realities and challenges of the equestrian world, and we are delighted to be the provider of choice for the BGA.”

Victoria Musson, Founder and Chair, Riders Minds

The BGA continues to advocate for the needs of grooms and ensure that appropriate support systems are in place for those working in a challenging and often under-recognised profession.

Both organisations encourage any groom who feels overwhelmed, worried, or in need of someone to talk to, to reach out. Whether the concern is workplace-related, personal, or simply the need for a safe, confidential space, the helpline team is ready to listen and support.

Together, the BGA and Riders Minds are committed to ensuring no groom feels they have to face those challenges alone.

>> BGA members can access the Grooms Minds mental health support hub: Grooms Minds
>> For Riders Minds support go to: 0800 088 2073 or text 07480 488 103

 

 



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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