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Survey uncovers the need for International Grooms Representation

At the start of the year the British Grooms Association (BGA) worked in collaboration with Show Grooms International to identify how international competition grooms may require further support and their opinions on possible resolutions.

Despite being an irreplaceable part of equestrian sport, international competition grooms are often underrepresented; so this survey sought to give these grooms a voice and discover which issues are most important to them.

Questions focused on whether there is a need for an FEI recognised Grooms Representative, what that role might be and whether international grooms believe that an independent representative organisation would be beneficial.

  A concerning 79% felt that they did not have currently their voices heard  on the international circuit, with an overwhelming 89% said that there a need for a FEI recognised Grooms Representative at competitions.

The responsibilities which were important included being a point of contact for grooms in the stables, reporting any issues to a show representative and acting as a mentor to younger/less experienced grooms.

77% would prefer the Grooms Representative to be selected from a pre-identified group that have been selected due to their experience. Some grooms, when given the opportunity to comment on the selection process, raised a concern about how to keep the selection process fair and unbiased.

90% of show grooms felt that was a clear need for an independent representing organisation, which should be formally recognised by the FEI.

Overall, the findings of this survey indicate that there is much to be done for world wide international competition grooms. They require greater recognition, better education and support for their employment rights, and opportunities to have a say on issues in the sport that directly affect them.

This could be developed through the creation of an independent organisation that would support grooms and the invention of an FEI recognised Grooms Representative to allow them to have their voices heard.

There is clear support for both of those solutions.

The results were presented to the FEI and as a result the BGA is continuing the conversation with them regarding the formation of an independent representative body, which is able to welcome membership from international competition grooms from around the world.

In response to the survey work is continuing behind the scenes to build and develop the International Grooms Association. We will continue to keep you updated on developments.


Download the International Competition Groom survey results 

 Click on the arrow 



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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