Why the pressure is on

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

The Team GBR Dressage Grooms are Alan Davies and Lucy Scudamore (Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester), Steph Sharples (Gareth Hughes) and Claire James (Lottie Fry).

BGA member and Ambassador Alan Davies is #supergroom to both BGA Patron Charlotte and to Carl and needs no introduction. We caught up with Alan ahead of his ninth Championship event.

What does it mean to represent your country?
It’s everyone’s dream to be part of such an amazing team alongside Charlotte and Carl and with two up and coming horses only in their second year of Grand Prix is very special. It’s a huge honour to represent your country and it is what everyone works for.

There is a lot of focus on the grooms to keep the horses in peak condition and working towards the main goal of Championships and I’m thrilled that everyone is seeing what a big part of the team grooms are. When you get the call to say you have been selected it’s a sense of relief and trepidation, mixed with excitement.

How would you describe Mount St John Freestyle [Ridden by Charlotte] and Hawtins Delicato [ridden by Carl]
Freestyle is a true performer who loves to work and likes to please. She would tack herself up if she could. She is an out and out trooper and always looking for the next challenge.

Delicato is a more sensitive flower and he doesn’t know his own talents. He’s not as confident as Freestyle so you have to make sure he knows he’s a superstar.

They are both very different but both gentle and delightful to take care of. I’m so lucky to travel with these two.

What do you love most about major Championships?
It’s so exciting to go and be with all of the top horses, riders and grooms in Europe and exciting and nerve wracking, to a part of a major team. We medalled unexpectedly last year at the World Equestrian Games so there is more pressure this time as people are expecting the horses to perform at their best.

I love the atmosphere of the Championship shows and it’s such a thrill and a buzz to be up there at the top of the game.

What are you least looking forward to?
My least favourite part is the last couple of days before I leave because it’s nerve wracking making sure that I haven’t forgotten anything!

What is your biggest challenge ahead of the Champs?
I think the biggest challenge is keeping the horses happy, calm and in a normal routine. It’s all about getting the horses to peak at the right moment and not overdoing it with them before the Champs. As well as keeping the horses fit, healthy and gleaming we also want the riders to be confident and happy over the next few weeks.

Alan will be travelling alongside #supergroom Lucy Scudamore who has been part of the team for the last 18 months. This will be Lucy’s second Championships working alongside Alan.

You don’t need to be grooming at Championship level like Alan and Lucy to join the British Grooms Association, if you work with horses then the BGA is for you.

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