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Home /News/Lewis coppin on european selection

Lewis Coppin on European selection

30th July 2019
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With European Team GBR selection announcements happening this week we wanted to catch up with some of the #supergrooms ahead of the FEI European Championships, which take place in Rotterdam from 19 – 25 August 2019.

The Para-Equestrian dressage team grooms are Rob Waine (Mari Durward-Akhurst), Melissa Smith (Nicky Greenhill) and Lewis Coppin (Sophie Wells and Georgia Wilson).

We took a few minutes out with the lovely Lewis to find out more about him ahead of the Championships.

What does it mean to represent your country?
It’s a great honour. It’s indescribable really. You are not just part of Team GBR, but part of a family. It’s quite overwhelming but very exciting.

Before going to WEG I never dreamed I’d be here representing my country. I remember watching the Olympics and seeing the grooms and I never thought it would be me. It’s such a pleasure and an honour to be part of the team.

Describe C Fatal Attraction (aka George)
George is the most charismatic horse going. He’s not predictable and can be quite dramatic, but he’s the most loveable horse and the easiest to do. He is always the one with his head over the door and everyone loves him.

What is your biggest challenge ahead of the Champs?
It’s bringing back all those feeling of WEG (World Equestrian Games), where you are excited and nervous. My biggest apprehension is forgetting something. We’ve already started packing!

What are you most looking forward to?
As well as being part of Team GBR and the experience I think that for us it’s the opportunity for George to perform to his maximum potential, to give him the best experience and show the world what we can do.

To see them [George and Sophie] day in and day out and then see them perform in perfect harmony, knowing all of the hours and weeks of training that have gone in to this moment is very special.

Being behind the scenes makes it ever more special. Knowing that I have done my best to prepare and present George to the absolute best of my ability and then it’s over to Soph and George to show the world what they can do.


I’m so honoured to be part of the team and with wider team family.

What would you say to other grooms wanting to groom at Championship level?
When I was at uni [doing a degree in Equine Sports Coaching] I used to think that I couldn’t see myself as a groom, mucking out and tacking up. But the reality is that being a groom is so much more than you think. I love my job, every day is different. It builds character, skills and is the most amazing experience. I’d say to people to take the opportunities that come to you.

 

You can hear more from Lewis shortly in his BGA Blogging on the road to Rotterdam.

If you work with horses we’d love to have you as a BGA member. Have a look at how we can help to support and celebrate your career.

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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.

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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.

 
YES

 
NO

 
NO
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