MEET THE FEI GROOM AWARD FINALISTS

And the FEI Groom Award Finalists Are…

We all know how awesome our grooms are and the FEI Best Groom Award seeks to highlight those grooms who really go above and beyond for their horses and riders. We caught up with the three finalists to find out a bit more about them.


Jackie Potts (GBR) 
After spending the last 22 years as eventer, William Fox-Pitt’s right hand woman, Jackie is one of the most well respected grooms on the circuit. She has groomed at four Olympic Games, four World Equestrian Games and eight European Championships on top of countless 3 day events around the world.

How did you feel when you found out you were nominated for this award?
I was surprised and thrilled to find out I had been nominated for this award, it’s a great honour! Though there are so many grooms who are just as deserving and because they are not in such a high profile discipline don’t always get recognised.

What makes a super groom?
To be successful as a groom I think you need to be 110% dedicated as it is not just a job but a way of life. I am always trying to improve and hopefully learn something new every day.

What are you looking forward to in 2015?
I am looking forward to the oncoming season as it’s always fun to see the horses progressing up the levels especially when they have been at the yard since novices. With the more established horses it is great to see them still hopefully performing well and enjoying their job.


Alan Davies (GBR)
As international groom for Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin, Alan has had his fair share of top moments over the last few years. Grooming since he left school, Alan has worked for riders including Michael Matz and Emile Faurie before joining Carl in 2011.

How did you feel when you found out you were nominated for this award?
I felt really honoured to be nominated, it's so amazing that the FEI are recognising the hard work of all the grooms from all disciplines.

What makes a super groom?
I think there are a lot of super grooms who do amazing work behind the scenes and a super groom is the one who does their best for their horses under any circumstances.

What are you looking forward to in 2015?
I'm looking forward to lots of challenges in 2015, hopefully seeing Valegro stay at the top and to see some of our young horses coming out & perform.


Jessica Benbow (GBR)
For every groom working at the elite level there are countless others supporting our sport from the roots up - Jessica is one of those grooms. Working at Somerford Park Farm in the UK, Jessica prides herself in her job and always prioritises the welfare and care of her horses. 

How did you feel when you found out you were nominated for this award?
I couldn't believe it. At first I thought it was an error on my laptop; until I checked all social media and saw that it was actually true! I was honestly speechless and couldn't wait to tell my friends and family that my hard word was getting recognised finally.

What makes a super groom?
A super groom in my opinion is three things - hardworking, dedicated and reliable. Taking pride inyour job when working with horses is so important. I don't see my job as ‘work’; I see it as another day of fun around people who share the same interests. I think grooms should have this approach.

There are always things to learn and improve on, and being able to learn and work every day is a great skill to have. A super groom is a smiley groom!

What are you looking forward to in 2015?
2015 has many things to offer. I'm most looking forward to the new upcoming young riders and I am hopefully going to take my riding to the next level. My hard work is starting to pay off! 


Good luck to all three - the winner will be announced in Baku, Azerbaijan at the FEI General Assembly on Sunday 14th December