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.

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 

BGA MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS