Statement on accommodation for grooms at WEG

The British Grooms Association (BGA) welcomes the public apology made by CEO and co-founder of Tryon, Mark Bellissimo that he has an emphatic commitment to the recognition and welfare of grooms following the sub-standard accommodation that was offered to grooms at the World Equestrian Games (WEG)  this week.

BGA founder, Lucy Katan said; “It is understandable, given the poor weather that contributed to the delay of building works in Tryon, that various buildings were not prioritised. 

What is troubling, however, is that the accommodation for grooms is one of these that became an appeared afterthought. It is a great shame that grooms were not considered as equally as important as the equine athletes they care for; horses who wouldn’t make to the Games if it wasn’t for the grooms care and expertise.

We at the BGA hope that important lessons have been learned, and that greater efforts will be made for grooms in the future.

The BGA looks forward to possibly working to develop a set of guidelines for any venue where grooms stay overnight in accommodation, in the hopes of preventing an issue like this ever again."

To read the full statement click here

The BGA is the professional association for people that work with horses. We exist to support members throughout their career as a groom, providing support, advice and education to all working in the industry and to speak up on the issues that really matter.

To make sure you can benefit from our expertise and be part of a professional network, join now