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“The bespoke information has been invaluable for my career and employment; I don’t feel alone anymore. I have the peace of mind knowing my income is protected with my BGA insurance.”
Jenny Hooch
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News
Nick and Big Star Retire
14th May 2017
This afternoon the equestrian world said a sad farewell to show jumping legends Nick Skelton and Big Star as they formally retired from competition at Royal Windsor Horse Show.
After 35 years of working for Nick, #supergroom and BGA Ambassador Mark Beever was of course at the duo’s side for the ceremony, which attracted thousands of people.
After a touching farewell the BGA caught up with Mark on his way home from Windsor, “It was a great ceremony and very emotional, but I held it together – which is quite unlike me” said Mark, “It’s been an amazing few months, but I do feel a bit gutted that Nick has retired and I feel almost a bit empty today. But what an amazing journey we have had.”
Mark was publically recognised by Nick following Rio 2016, crediting the #supergroom for his outstanding dedication in to nursing Big Star back to health, contributing to the legendary combination bringing home Team GB’s first ever showjumping Olympic Gold medal.
Today Nick and Big Star formally retired in front of British Showjumping Patron, Her Majesty the Queen, although Mark was lucky enough to meet Her Majesty last week, “On Thursday Nick, Laura and I met the Queen. It was just us and it was so surreal to be in the company of the most famous woman in the world, who was just so normal and lovely! That’s taken a bit to sink in and yet another amazing experience that I would never of had if I hadn’t of been working for Nick.”
As we spoke to Mark he was preparing to take Big Star back to stud where he will stand for the next few months before returning home to Nick where Mark will take over the care and riding of him again. In the mean time we ask Mark if he has any planes to retire himself, “I’m not rich enough to retire” jokes Mark, “I’m working for one of Nick’s clients over summer until she returns back to America, by which time Big Star will be home.”
Nick, Big Star and Mark have inspired a generation, “There were so many people there today, but Big Star is a celebrity in himself and he loves the attention. There will never be another Nick Skelton. It has been an amazing day and another one I’m proud to be a part of and one I won’t forget” concludes Mark.
Image credit: Jon Stroud
Want to join Mark in becoming a BGA member? Why not join today.
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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. |
|
|
|
| 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 |
The BGA is the national representative body for all
grooms working in the UK or British grooms abroad.
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