Written by Helen Babington-Smith
Though only two figures appear together in the competition arena, the athletic endeavors of our equestrian heroes are the result of the efforts of the vets, farriers, trainers and especially the grooms who work so closely with horses and riders daily.
Equestrianism is a team sport at its’ heart – and for far too long, the groom’s role in that team was widely underestimated.
The groom is not ‘just’ a groom. Their first role is to know their horses inside and out and to care for their health and happiness. But they are also logistics managers, drivers, amateur sports psychologists, assistant trainers… the list continues.
For grooms, the priority is always their horses’ welfare – and often their riders’ too. They work tirelessly to ensure their athletes are supported to be successful in competition; and to ensure their horses are loved and cared for whatever the outcome.
It is the grooms who are awake first in the morning and who work late into the night, who carry their riders’ hopes and fears alongside their own and often put their own interests to one side.
Grant Seger, 5* jumping rider:
“I have no doubt I couldn’t have my horses in their best form without my grooms. It takes a team to have the horses not only ready for competition but for the day-to-day upkeep and care it takes to keep top horses operating at their peak!
I’m very sentimental about my horses and anyone who is involved with horses knows that it begins and ends with the grooms. I was so happy to see the new additions of the groom title recognition on streaming platforms/start lists alongside rider and owner in top-level competition around the world.
My grooms are some of my closest friends and most important people in my own life and they deserve every ounce of credit or attention that I ever receive, if not more.”
Public recognition like this is becoming more common, not only from riders, but from shows too, where grooms are receiving generous monetary prizes – such as at Wellington International where the Grand Prix winning groom each week receives a $500 prize, sponsored by Double H Farm.
However, unfortunately it is not yet the norm for grooms to be confident of a positive working environment; there are still too many stories of poor employment practices and substandard working conditions, which contributes to a reported rise in grooms leaving the horse industry.
CREATING WIDESPREAD CHANGE
In 2022 the FEI supported the founding of the International Grooms Association (IGA) – an historic moment, as for the first time grooms were given a formal voice to be heard at the very highest levels of horse sport.
The IGA works in collaboration with the FEI and several shows, including Wellington International, to shine a light on the role of the grooms, and to bring positive development where it is needed.
This year, the IGA has strengthened the existing Board further, welcoming John Madden as Chair, to help guide this mission.
On his appointment, John said “I started in this industry as a groom. I loved the horses and I loved the challenge of our sport, which led me to build my whole future and business around them both.
It was one of my original goals in my own business to turn grooming from a “job” into a professional career.
I feel strongly that this sport wouldn’t exist without the hard work and diligent care from the grooms and that shouldn’t be overlooked.
The grooms deserve a strong organization like the IGA looking out for their best interests.”
THE VISION
The vision of the IGA is to see grooms regarded and treated as the true professionals that they are.
The equestrian industry as a whole is facing an increasing challenge in finding and retaining good staff.
It is vital that together we work to make the necessary change within the industry to better enable the grooms to care for their horses and support their riders.
By seeking greater recognition for the role the grooms play, the IGA strives to promote excellence in this profession, highlighting the importance of ongoing education and a clear career path for grooms from apprentices to managers.
IGA Rep and groom to Martin Fuchs, Sean Vard said of the IGA "I believe the work of the IGA is crucial to our sport in developing a more positive way towards fairer conditions for grooms and stable staff.
Hopefully with the improvements being made it will encourage more people into choosing this as a career option and enjoy the benefits of working with these incredible animals across the globe.”
POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT
Together we are creating a more positive future for the grooms who support the sport today, and the ones who will follow them.
This development will benefit not only the grooms themselves, but horse sport as a whole.
When there is greater recognition for the importance of the grooms’ role there is also more emphasis on personal development within their career.
When there is greater recognition of the grooms’ employment situation there will be more stability in the workforce, benefitting riders by allowing them to concentrate on their own performance.
When there is greater understanding of the challenges that grooms face on a daily basis there is greater scope to support our grooms to maintain a happy, healthy lifestyle and, ultimately, to be better for our horses.
THE IGA
The IGA is here to support these exceptional people in their indispensable role.
Although initially enabled by an FEI start up grant the IGA must continue as a self-sustaining organisation.
Our work with shows and our partners ensures that we can keep costs for groom membership as low as possible.
If you would be interested to find out more about our work, or to support the IGA go www.internationalgrooms.org or get in touch via contact@internationalgrooms.org.
