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Kate Dodd on getting selected for the European's

2nd August 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 Team GBR showjumping grooms are David Honnet (Scott Brash), Lesley Veall (Amanda Derbyshire), Cormac Kenny (Ben Maher), Ludo Langton (Laura Renwick) and Kate Dodd (Holly Smith).

We caught a few minutes with BGA Member Kate Dodd, Head Girl and travelling groom to Holly Smith to find out more.

What does it mean to represent your country?
It means a lot to represent the country and part of Team GBR. We’ve been a part of a number of Nations Cups now, which are always fantastic shows, so it’s so nice to see it through to the European Championships.

Describe Hearts Destiny
Hearts Destiny (Ted) thinks the whole world should revolve around him - and why shouldn’t it?! He’s a big kind horse who loves attention. He’s very easy to do generally and a lovely horse to ride. I’m very lucky! It’s so nice to have been with Ted since the start of his career with Holly and to have seen them through it all.

What’s your favourite part about being a groom?
There are so many things really! I love waking up and being able to do what I love every day. Our yard is very mixed which suits me down to the ground! One day we could be cross country schooling babies, or hunting and the next we are travelling around the world.

We have a great team at home and Holly and I get on very well so I enjoy being away too. I really enjoy travelling about. I try and throw myself into anything and everything.

What are you most apprehensive about?
Not getting lost on the way?!! Nooo, ummm obviously keeping Ted fit and ready to go. For me keeping everything the same is important. Our horses are very lucky that they have a great routine and set up at home which got us this far, so we will just keep going with that!

Holly is great she puts no pressure on me or the horse and she trusts us to do the job so it makes for a really relaxed and fun atmosphere.

The British Grooms Association is for grooms of all levels. Have a look at our membership options and become a member like Kate. 

BGA MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

 

 

 



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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.

 
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