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WHY I AM A MEMBER
“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
BGA Member
GROOMS JOB BOARD
Groom/rider or competition rider apprentice
Buckinghamshire
Sector Dressage
Search all the latest grooms jobs
WATCH OUR VIDEO
News
Experienced Grooms Being Forced Out of Industry
A recent survey conducted by the BGA found that significant numbers of experienced grooms are being forced to leave working the equestrian industry.
The findings revealed that this exodus is not voluntary, but instead overwhelmingly caused by poor, and in many cases illegal, employment standards.
The survey, which took place in July 2018, saw nearly 800 grooms across a variety of disciplines take part.
The results revealed that there was an overwhelming correlation between substandard employment conditions and grooms who have left or are considering leaving the equestrian industry.
The report found that:
• Over half of the grooms surveyed who were considering leaving (51%) and of those who have now left the profession (56%) were rarely able or unable to take their annual leave entitlement.
• 61% of grooms who are considering leaving working with horses do not feel able to talk to their employer about issues. Almost 20% would fear for their employment if they spoke to their employer about an issue.
• 41% of the grooms surveyed said that they left the profession due to frustration over their employment rights being ignored.
• Grooms are leaving due to illegal pay. A third of grooms surveyed left, and 22% are considering leaving working with horses because they were not being paid at least the National Minimum Wage.
This is a pivotal issue, with both grooms and employers voicing concerns. Grooms are forced to leave a profession they enjoy by poor treatment, and employers are losing valuable, experienced staff.
BGA's Executive Director, Lucy Katan says, “This is a critical issue, and unfortunately I am not surprised by these statistics. We are seeing an increasing number of employers voicing their concerns, as well as a worrying number of experienced grooms not renewing their membership to the BGA citing that they are leaving the industry. The survey shows a very clear correlation between good, positive employment and the retention of staff.”
To view the full report and findings click here
The Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) was founded to provide equestrian employers with a complete toolkit for employing staff and managing the challenges of an equestrian business.
"I joined the EEA as I was struggling to keep my staff, I couldn't understand why they kept leaving. The Contract Creator, Staff Handbook Creator and really helpful Employers Zone made me change the way I managed the HR admin. of my employees. It really has made a difference; my staff are happier and I feel protected as an employer - all just for £37.50." Charlie Brodie, event yard owner.
NEWS ARCHIVE
- 2024 (23 ENTRIES)
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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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