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WE UNDERSTAND YOU

The British Grooms Association (BGA) is the professional membership organisation for everyone who works with horses.

If you understand how chilblains feel, you've found your community! Check out our survival guide to chilblains, which includes tips on how to treat and prevent them.
READ THE GUIDE
 

CHILBLAINS

What are they?

Chilblains are small, itchy swellings on the skin that occur as a reaction to cold temperatures. They most often affect the body's extremities, such as the toes, fingers, ears, and often grooms' thighs.
 
Chilblains are caused by the blood vessels getting small when you are cold and if you warm up too quickly the blood vessels get bigger and the blood rushes back to the area.

The BGA is the membership organisation for all grooms who suffer from chilblains!
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You aren't alone!

We understand chilblains.

If you suffer from chilblains, the BGA understands you. We’re here to support you and thousands of other grooms with whatever you’re struggling with - from chilblains to employment issues, and everything in between!

  • TREATMENT: Creams and lotions exist and visit your GP if they are severe. Keep warm using layers of clothing and massaging the area to increase circulation.
  • PREVENTION: Wear warm clothes and if your skin gets cold, warm it up gradually. Getting too close to a heater is a cause of chilblains. 
Calamine lotion
Wear layers

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

JOIN A COMMUNITY

Belong to a community of thousands of grooms just like you.

It makes no difference if you are employed or a self-employed freelancer – we understand you and your job.

Whether you are just starting out or an experienced groom, the BGA is here to support you.

INSURANCE OPTIONS
Our grooms' insurance is designed for grooms and trusted by grooms. Our insurance memberships provide appropriate KBIS personal accident cover, should you sustain an injury whilst at work.
Silver and Platinum memberships include a weekly total temporary disablement income, should you be unable to work.
Our KBIS Freelance Groom Public Liability insurance provides cover against claims made by a third party for freelance grooms.
ADVICE AND SUPPORT

The BGA is dedicated to making the equestrian industry a better place to work for grooms.

Our team offers friendly and expert advice on all career and employment related matters.

We provide support, advice and education to all working in the industry and speak up on the issues that really matter.

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE BGA

Member Tips

Layer up

Jane works on a livery yard, her advice is; “I have found layering clothing helps to keep the skin warm to prevent chilblains developing – preventions is better than cure!”

Stay dry

Henry works on a dressage yard, he says; “Staying dry is a massive step to towards keeping warm and dealing with chilblains. Use waterproofs and ski wear to keep the wet away from the skin.”

Warm up slowly

Lyn speaks from experience; “Once you get chilblains, they can be painful, it’s worse if you warm up too quickly, so avoid leaning on a heater or jumping into a hot shower – warm up slowly!”

Grooms Insurance

Watch our video to find out what insurance you need.There are three types of insurance products to consider, personal accident insurance, Freelance Groom Liability insurance and travel insurance. Find out which suits you.