Latest from Horse & Hound in Grooms

‘I learnt to do showjumper plaits on TikTok!’ – meet Georgie Driver, groom to Badminton competitor and showjumper Gemma Stevens

Pippa Roome — Sat, 09 May 2026 09:02:49 +0000

“The plaiting is very different for showjumpers… I did learn how to do jumper plaits from TikTok!” says Georgie Driver, travelling head groom for Gemma Stevens.

Even before arriving at Mars Badminton Horse Trials this week, Georgie had had a busy seven months since joining Gemma’s team last October.

She travelled to the Sunshine Tour with her showjumpers in both the autumn and February, as well as accompanying her event horses to Kronenberg and one-day events such as Thoresby, where Gemma won the Lycetts Grantham Cup.

Georgie grew up quite near Badminton and before joining Gemma’s team she worked for eventer Kat Raybould.

Badminton final scores

She said: “Obviously when you’re younger, you’re always like, ‘I want to ride’, but then I was like actually, ‘No, I don’t want to ride’. But I never wanted to go to uni, I was desperate to work with horses as soon as I could. I literally moved to Kat the day after I finished my A levels.”

What attracted Georgie to grooming?

“I think it’s the love of the horses. I like seeing how you get them and then they go on,” she said. “I’m quite competitive, so I like seeing them do well.

“It’s obviously so much pressure for the riders, so it’s nice to be that person with the horse where it’s nice and quiet and they can trust you. You get such a nice relationship with the horses when you go away.”

Like fellow Badminton groom Meigs Rutherford, Georgie mentions that time management is essential to be a good groom.

“I think you have to be really organised. Also, the riders are under so much pressure, so you’ve got to make sure the horse never feels that pressure,” she said.

Georgie is the head travelling groom for Gemma Stevens’ team of both showjumpers and eventers, while others take the responsibility for riding and running the yard at home.

“We’ve got a really good group of girls at home who have been so helpful for me coming into a new team – they’ve told me everything I need to know about the horses,” she said. “It works really well. We can get home from an event and have two days at home and be gone again and know that everything’s OK.”

Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight at the 2026 Badminton first trot-up. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Georgie’s charge this week is Christopher and Lisa Stone’s Chilli Knight (Alfie), the winner of the 2021 Bicton Horse Trials five-star.

“He’s very cheeky – he’s an easy horse look after, but he knows what he wants,” she said.

“I have got stuck on the lawn multiple times this week, because he wants to stay there and eat grass all day. I tricked him on Friday morning with some treats, but he’s definitely not going to fall for that again. He doesn’t make Gemma’s life easy at times, but he’s pretty special.”

Georgie has actually spent more time with Gemma’s small string of showjumpers than her eventers since joining because of their two trips to the Sunshine Tour in Spain.

“When you go eventing, it’s like a family and you seem to know everybody, whereas jumping is more like a business,” she said, joking that the jumps in pure showjumping warm-ups are too high for her to reach as she is quite short.

“Generally we look after the showjumpers pretty much the same,” she added. “They have a different fitness regime because they’ve got to be able to go and perform for a short amount of time, while these guys have got to be able to go and run across country for stupid amounts of time.

“I still graze the showjumpers for hours when there’s time – I spend my life watching horses eat grass!”

Georgie says the busy lifestyle with a lot of travelling suits her.

“I’m not very good at sitting still, so it works quite well. I don’t know what my own bed is, but that’s fine,” she said.

And how does she keep her energy levels up?

“Good snacks! And I’m quite good at napping.”

How to watch and listen to Badminton Horse Trials

To watch Badminton Horse Trials live or via catch up, including the trot-ups, from the comfort of your home anywhere in the world, you need a 2026 Badminton TV Pass. Badminton TV is once again powered by ClipMyHorse.TV, but you do not need a full ClipMyHorse.TV subscription to watch – you can just subscribe to Badminton TV for £22.99. Go to badminton-horse.tv to sign up. If you are already a ClipMyHorse.TV premium member, Badminton TV is included in your subscription. Also check out the Badminton app, which provides free live results and much more this year. Sign up for Badminton Plus membership for £4.99 to access the live Radio Badminton broadcast and receive exclusive offers from on-site exhibitors. Search for Badminton Horse Trials in your app store.

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To ensure you keep up to date with all the breaking news, behind the scenes insight, and the best of the action throughout Badminton Horse Trials with no limits on how much you can read, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website from as little as £1 a week. Sign up now. And don’t miss our bumper 28-page magazine report on Badminton, including in-depth analysis and exclusive comments from top names, in the issue of Horse & Hound dated 14 May.

‘They treat their horses as horses and not like glass animals’: Cassie Sanger’s groom Meigs Rutherford on learning from Ros Canter’s yard

Pippa Roome — Fri, 08 May 2026 07:55:52 +0000

When a rider packs up and moves across the world, sometimes a groom uproots their life to go with them. And so it was for Meigs Rutherford, groom to the US’s Cassie Sanger, the youngest rider at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials this week.

Cassie, 21, and her team of horses have been based with double Badminton and Burghley winner Ros Canter for a year.

“We’ve learned an immense amount from being there,” Meigs told H&H. “It’s been really helpful to see how they treat their horses as horses and not like glass animals or such. That’s meant we can take the pressure off the horses and not be so worried about them looking perfect every day.”

Meigs previously worked for US-based British rider – and now top trainer – Leslie Law. She had a mare she competed at grassroots level.

Badminton final scores

“I ended up retiring her and took a break for a couple months,” she explained. “Then Cassie was looking for somebody to help her part time – she was riding with Leslie at the time – so I took over part-time working for her. Once she left Leslie’s, we transitioned to me being full-time and managing everything.”

Meigs has now been working for Cassie for about four years.

“I do go back and forth a bit to the States to visit my family and take care of some things at home and then I come back. I love it,” she said.

Meigs said she finds Ros’s system very horse friendly, which really suits Cassie’s Badminton ride Redfield Fyre (“Yogi”).

“He is kind of a finicky horse, so it’s really worked out for him to be out 24/7 and just be a horse,” said Meigs.

Cassie has a team of six horses at Ros’s, including four-star ride Fernhill Zoro, three-star horses Mt Luxaan and Never Enough, plus two younger ones.

Meigs says she finds eventing here different in many ways.

She said: “But I think the biggest is that here, it’s not as over the top for everything – you do dressage on grass and usually at home it would be on a surface, and the same for showjumping.”

Cassie’s ride this week, Redfield Fyre, is a 13-year-old who has already finished in the top 20 at Kentucky Three-Day Event and Burghley Horse Trials.

“He’s a funny horse,” said Meigs. “He’s super, super sweet, but he doesn’t show it to everybody, and he’s brave as a lion, until he sees something that catches him off guard and he’s like, ‘What was that?’”

Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre in the 2026 Badminton dressage. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Cassie and Meigs came to Badminton two years ago to watch cross-country, but otherwise this is their first time at the event.

“I know Cassie and Yogi are going to have a blast on Saturday – he’s definitely a cross-country horse. It’s what he’s here for. But I just hope they have a great ride and have fun,” said Meigs.

“I don’t get super nervous for cross-country now with him and I can definitely watch. Sometimes I get a little more nervous about showjumping because it’s not our strongest phase, but he’s been really coming along and I just hope that it comes out on Sunday.”

Cassie is stabled next to Ros, in a block that also includes Alex Bragg and Quindiva. Experienced event groom Sarah Charnley is looking after Ros’s double Badminton winner Lordships Graffalo again this week.

“Sarah and I are like a married couple. We pick on each other, but we’re there for each other,” said Meigs.

And what qualities does Meigs Rutherford think make a great groom?

She replied: “I think there’s a bunch of different things, but I think the ability to have time management is big and then also just being able to accept the pressure from the rider and if they get short or snappy with you, you just have to understand that it’s just in the moment.”

How to watch and listen to Badminton Horse Trials

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‘He’s small, cheeky, happy and loves having a fan base’: Meet a British hope for Cheltenham’s Stayers’ Hurdle – and the groom whose nails match his silks

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 08:51:49 +0000

One of the leading fancies for Thursday’s Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival is the Emma Lavelle-trained gelding Ma Shantou.

The seven-year-old son of Shantou is a huge character on the yard and is looked after by devoted groom Libby Alvis, who told us all about the brilliant “Mash”, as he is known at home.

Ma Shantou and jockey Ben Jones win the Grade 2 Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle for trainer Emma Lavelle and owner Mighty Acorn Stables. Credit JTW Equine Images / Alamy Live News. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Ma Shantou in the Stayers’ Hurdle: ‘He loves a squeal and a buck’

Ma Shantou has won three of his last four hurdle races, all round Cheltenham. He arrives at the Festival as one of the leading fancies for the championship race on day three, the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle. It was Ma Shantou’s dominant success in the Cleeve Hurdle in January that really stamped him as a contender for the Stayers’ Hurdle.

Trainer Emma Lavelle won the Stayers’ Hurdle in 2019 with hurdling hero Paisley Park, but the two horses are chalk and cheese to look at. Ma Shantou may only be small, but he has all the heart to win, says groom Libby Alvis, who joined the Wiltshire stables in September. Keep a look out for Libby’s nails, which are decorated to match the red, white and blue silks of owners, the Mighty Acorn Stables.

“He’s been my ride since day one,” says Libby. “Luckily he kind of fell into my lap and we clicked instantly.

“I was told to watch out because he can throw a buck here and he can do this and that and I thought, ‘Yeah, whatever, he’s harmless – look at the size of him! But I soon found out that Mash is a very happy boy!

“Anyone can get on him and he’ll be a very good boy, then I’ll get on him the next day and he’s squealing, grunting and he’s happy again.”

‘He has a pony personality’

According to Libby, she and Mash are so well matched because “we both have very childish personalities”.

“He’ll squeal and then I’ll squeal louder,” she says. “Daryl Jacob recently came to do a piece on him and I said ‘He’s going to squeal here and buck here’ and he totally showed me up – he was foot perfect.”

In the stable, Mash is cheeky and he loves attention.

“He has a pony personality,” says Libby. “He’ll have a play with you as well.

“He’s totally predictable though – we have the same routine every single day. He knows and I know exactly what’s coming next.”

Libby with Ma Shantou in his stable. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Neck tickles are top priority

Harry Cobden is booked to ride Ma Shantou in the Stayers’ Hurdle but Libby does all the riding on him at home.

“He is so fun to ride,” she says. “He’s one of those horses that when you get on them they just grow in height because of their personality.

“You’ll be happy hacking along and then all of a sudden you’re doing a piece of work and he is then 16.3hh, and you’re like, what, where did he come from?

“At home, you wouldn’t know how good he is, though. Mash only does what Mash needs to do and then he’ll step it up when he has to, but he’s smart. He doesn’t ever overdo it.

“I didn’t know quite how good he would be when I arrived here,” she continues. “He had obviously had a few wins, but I didn’t know quite how good he’d be until I worked him on the grass – out of nowhere he just came out of a shell and I just thought, wow!”

At the races, Libby’s trick is to lead him round while giving him “little tickles on his neck and saying his name, just saying things to him”.

“He loves it, he thrives off it,” she explains. “He just loves being hyped up, he loves having a fan base.

“So I’ll do that for a bit, then they tell me I have to trot him up and I’m like, oh, no and he’ll have his little squeal and a buck. There’s absolutely no malice in him. He’s just so happy all the time.”

Libby shows off her nails in the red white and blue silks of Ma Shantou’s owners the Mighty Acorn Stables. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Ma Shantou and King’s Threshold at the Cheltenham Festival: ‘It’s going to be fun!’

Libby Alvis was hoping to have a relatively quiet free days in the build-up to Thursday’s big race, when it will all become very busy. As well as Mash, she looks after King’s Threshold, who runs in the 5.20pm race on Thursday, the Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup of amateur jockeys, with Harry Swan riding.

“I’ve got lots of hyping to do, but it’s going to be really good fun,” she says. “Mash will need my attention more than Threshold – Mash likes to be the centre of attention and he likes to be told he’s a good boy. But he’s feeling very, very well so I’m just trying to keep a lid on him – and me!”

Ma Shantou runs in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle at 3.20pm on Thursday 12 March. You can enjoy the bumper magazine report from the Cheltenham Festival in H&H magazine, which hits the shops on Thursday 19 March.

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If you’re considering becoming a freelance groom, this is what you need to know before going alone

bethany.stone@futurenet.com (Bethany Stone) — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 08:15:59 +0000

Catherine Waterfall spoke to individuals currently working as freelance grooms, and Bethany Stone caught up with Lucy Katan of the British Grooms Association for the essential information

Wondering how to become a freelance groom? The idea of being your own boss is appealing to many, and the freedom to choose your hours, clients and rates sounds liberating on the face of it.

Rachel, a 34-year-old former senior manager in the corporate world, decided to become a freelance groom in 2018, giving up her lucrative career for a brave new lifestyle. “I love the variety. Instead of doing the same thing day in, day out, I have a whole pool of clients, which keeps the job fresh,” she tells H&H.

Cheshire-based Rachel says her high-paying corporate job was “amazing”, but it wasn’t making her happy. “My daughter was three and I was missing all these milestones,” she explains.

“So I quit. My husband asked: ‘What are you going to do?’ I said, ‘I’ll play with ponies for a bit,’” she laughs.

Rachel worked for a livery yard for a year to improve her fitness and then started attending competitions with a local event rider to “get my eye back in”.

“Everything has grown at an enormous rate – it’s just been incredible,” she says. “I’ve been fortunate, as a lot of my work has come naturally through networking and word of mouth, so talking to people is a skill you have to develop.

What is a freelance groom?

According to Lucy Katan, executive director of the British Grooms Association (BGA), a freelance groom is self-employed, and essentially their own boss. They:

Choose their clients and the services they offer
Set their own rates and negotiate terms
Submit invoices and manage their own business finances
Are responsible for paying their own tax and national insurance (NI) via HMRC self assessment
Must provide or pay for their own insurance
Can work for multiple clients

Self-employed grooms are not entitled to employee rights such as:

Statutory sick pay
Holiday pay
Maternity/paternity leave
Employer pension contributions

Freelance grooms choose their clients, rates and services. (Image credit: British Grooms Association)

What insurance do I need to be a freelance groom?

Good insurance cover is a must, and should include public liability, which protects against claims made by third parties who suffer an injury or property damage due to a freelancer’s negligence.

As well as public liability cover, Lucy recommends:

Care, custody and control cover – animal-specific clauses that protect you if a horse in your care is injured or dies due to your negligence
Personal accident insurance – essential since freelancers don’t get statutory sick pay and accidents do happen with horses

How much do freelance grooms charge?

While rates of pay vary depending on experience, services provided and distance travelled, the average for working at a local yard is around £15 per hour, whereas competition grooms charge an average of £25 per hour.

“A lot of people think going freelance means charging more, but every extra cost becomes your responsibility – sick days, holidays, equipment, transport. You have to build everything into your bottom line,” Rachel warns.

Becoming a freelance groom: what is the reality of the job?

Many grooms take the plunge into a freelance career are happy to swap job security for more independence, as is the case for 31-year-old Becca Nicholson.

“I decided to go freelance to have more flexibility and a healthier work-life balance,” she says. “Before, I’d never be able to switch off and would feel guilty taking holidays or time out. So it was time to think of myself.”

But while freelancers have the freedom to choose, the work isn’t easier. “Any competition day is generally long – averaging about 12 hours,” Becca adds. “So you must be prepared for early starts and late finishes.”

Variety is a huge part of a groom’s life. “I’ve worked for Andrew Downes for nearly six years, but I also have a showjumping client who only uses me twice a year,” says Rachel. “I love joining Team [Harry] Meade for their five-stars each year, and some jobs are one-offs.”

Rachel adds that it’s important to be flexible, and slot into whatever team you’re working with. “Being personable and willing to listen is vital,” she adds. “You have to be a sponge as there’s no ‘your way’.

“One of the ongoing challenges is ensuring that invoices get paid,” she continues. “Being upfront about costs, payment terms and what you expect from clients makes all the difference.

“The resources on the BGA website are brilliant for people who are just starting out, and communication really is key.”

Freelance grooms change an average of £25 per hour for competition work – but they must factor in their costs, too. (Image credit: British Grooms Association)

Tax and finances for freelance grooms

Insurance isn’t the only cost to a self-employed groom. “There are accounting and bookkeeping costs if you choose professional help, as well as time spent on marketing, admin and client relations,” says Lucy. “You may also have the cost of a work uniform and equipment, such as clippers, to think about.”

While employers pay through pay-as-you-earn (PAYE), which deducts NI and tax automatically, and provide statutory benefits such as sick pay and a pension, self employed grooms are responsible for this themselves.

“You must register with HMRC as self-employed (usually as a sole trader) if your freelance grooming income exceeds HMRC thresholds,” says Lucy.

“Once registered, you file a self assessment tax return yearly and pay income tax and NI on profits.

“If your turnover rises above the VAT threshold (which is high at £90,000), VAT registration becomes relevant — but most sole-trader grooms are below that.

“If you earn less than a set amount, you may not need to register right away – and HMRC’s thresholds change – but the safe rule of thumb is to register before you send your first invoices once you expect to earn significant income.”

Lucy emphasises the importance of tracking your finances, which includes:

Filing tax returns/self assessments on time
Holding a separate business bank account
Setting aside money for tax and NI contributions

How can I make my business a success?

Paperwork and finances are a big part of how to become a freelance groom, but not all. “Hard work, passion and having a professional, friendly nature go a long way and get you noticed,” says Becca.

“I love meeting people, getting to know how different riders do things and learning,” Rachel adds. “Building a confidential and trusting relationship is essential as they need to feel they can rely on you completely.”

In practical terms, Lucy says freelance grooms can build their brand by listing themselves in relevant directories, such as the BGA freelance grooms directory.

“Using client agreements and having insurance shows clients you’re serious,” she adds.

She also recommends standardising your business process with clear booking terms and cancellation policies, as well as implementing formal quotes and invoicing.

She also advises joining an industry body. “BGA membership gives you insurance deals, contracts and marketing tools and professional credibility,” she adds.

Make sure to use written agreements, signed by client and freelancer. (Image credit: Getty)

Be aware of false self-employment

“False self-employment is a huge problem within our industry,” says Lucy. “We speak to grooms on a weekly basis who have been told that they are self-employed, when the reality is that they should be an employed member of staff.”

If a client starts treating you like an employee, they might:

Set fixed hours
Dictate your rate of pay
Not allow you to work for others

Lucy says it is wise to stop and reassess the situation. Steps you can take include:

Review your client agreement and clarify your status
Assert your independence (you decide your hours, negotiate terms, take on other clients)
If the situation doesn’t change, consider renegotiating your role as a proper employee or politely walking away
If necessary, get advice from the BGA or Citizens Advice

Employment law can be complicated, so it is well worth seeking professional advice. “A groom is never, ever told that they are self-employed or freelance – it’s a decision that an individual will make themselves as they are setting up their own business,” Lucy adds.

“HMRC can reclassify you as an employee, forcing back-payments of tax and NI and meaning statutory rights should have applied — this can be costly for both you and your client/employer.

“If unsure whether you are falsely self-employed, you can use HRMC’s employment status checker or contact the BGA for advice.”

Visit HMRC’s self-employment hub or britishgrooms.org.uk and join today for more information.

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‘He’s a unicorn, but he will use his muck as a pillow sometimes’ – meet Hannah Chowen, groom to Piggy March’s stallion at Blenheim

Pippa Roome — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 19:32:57 +0000

Hannah Chowen, travelling groom for Piggy March, has the responsibility of looking after the only stallion on the British team this week at the Agria Blenheim European Championships.

“He’s a real-life unicorn, gorgeous in every way,” said Hannah of Jayne McGivern’s Halo. “You wouldn’t really know that he’s a stallion because he’s so well mannered and behaved, so you could almost get a bit complacent. You do always just need to be switched on so that everyone is aware and you’re aware of who’s around you.”

Hannah added: “This time of year is usually quite good for Halo – it’s not like mares are coming into season like they do at the start of the season.”

When she takes Halo out grazing, Hannah tries to keep him away from everyone else.

She said: “I also try and find some quite good grass that not too many other people have been on, because otherwise he spends a lot of the time just sniffing, just trying to follow the scents of everyone else, and you want him to eat! So it’s just managing that, but we’re very fortunate. He is very good, as easy as they can be at this level.”

Halo is also a grey, so Hannah said there’s “a lot of purple shampoo used to keep him very white”.

“He will use his muck as a pillow sometimes,” she said. “He used to be really tidy, as stallions generally are in their boxes. But the last couple seasons, I definitely think he’s got a bit more casual and he likes to have a good roll. It makes my job a little bit harder, but we don’t mind. It’s all part of it.”

Hannah is from New Zealand and moved over to Britain around three-and-a-half years ago, working for Jesse and Georgie Campbell originally. She is in her third season working as a groom for Piggy March, having originally been a home groom and rider.

She explained: “Then this season, she asked if I would do her travelling for her, so I’ve taken on that role and we’ve had a pretty exciting year. I was the number two for travelling before, so I’d go along if there were three or more horses, so I’d had a taster of it and knew the drills, so it was quite an easy role to slip into.

“Obviously being a home rider groom is still just as important. But it is nice to come and be among it on the day and see your ponies perform and support Pig.”

Hannah loves to watch Halo and Piggy perform.

“I always have a really good feeling with him. I always feel very confident, that they’re safe and they’re a great team. They know each other so well now – she’s had the ride on him for quite some time. It’s really exciting that he’s got to this stage. Hopefully there are many more cool things that he will be doing with us.”

Three of the grooms on the British squad, which runs in partnership with Agria, are new to championships, including Hannah, while three are old hands.

“We’re very lucky – the British team are amazing, even at your normal events. They’re always around to support us in the wash downs and so on,” said Hannah. “This week there’s just a bit more camaraderie and it’s nice to feel at the heart of something.

“And if you ever need anything at all, there’s always someone to help. Obviously we all know each other from the circuit and it’s a great opportunity for us grooms to kind of bounce off each other and know that we’ve got that support from the more experienced grooms as well.”

Hannah said that her role as groom for Piggy March makes her feel that “my little Hannah would be so proud to see what I’m doing now – this was her dream”.

“I just love being a part of it all, being among any elite level live performance, and to feel like you’re taking part and contributing,” she said.

Asked the most challenging part of her job, she said: “I don’t think there’s anything challenging in a negative way, because challenges are good. I think it’s just working under the pressure. You work long hours and it’s making sure that you look after yourself and the horses and being that athlete manager, to be at your best at all times so that you’re always well prepared.”

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‘I didn’t realise the cross-country jumps were so big!’ – meet Bubby Upton’s groom Kirsty Campbell, who’s switched sports from showjumping to eventing

Pippa Roome — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 19:32:49 +0000

Kirsty Campbell, groom to Bubby Upton and her ride Its Cooley Time at this week’s Agria Blenheim European Championships, has only worked for the British event rider since last November, having been in the showjumping world before that.

“Showjumping is more relaxed. In eventing, with the three different phases, you’ve got to be a lot more on it,” she says. “Showjumping was quite chill – if you’re a little bit late it doesn’t really matter, but here you’ve got to be on time. So it’s harder, but I do think it’s more rewarding.”

Kirsty was born in Scotland, but grew up in New Zealand. She worked for the Gredleys on the thoroughbred stud side before moving across to Tim Gredley’s showjumping yard, where she groomed for stable jockey Joe Clayton.

“Joe taught me a lot – he’s an amazing rider and amazing with the horses. Then Bubby sent me a message on Instagram, because she had heard Joe was leaving, so we had a conversation. We got on really well, so I thought I’d give it a go,” she says.

“I’ve only just learned how to sew plaits and do quarter marks! But I love it. It’s my favourite job so far, I’m so happy. And Bubby’s amazing, she’s been very patient with me.”

Kirsty’s charge this week is the Bramham Horse Trials winner Its Cooley Time, known as “Finn”.

She says: “He’s so easy, chilled and happy to be here. He loves to go for a walk around and he’s so nosey – he likes to see what’s going on. He’s such a lovely horse to work with and I’m very lucky to be able to look after him.”

Finn spends a lot of time in the field at home, so Kirsty tries to replicate that at competitions.

“I try get him out as much as possible. I’ll give him an hour at lunch to rest and have some some feed and chill out because horses need their time to be left alone as well. But he likes being active,” she says.

With Finn being grey, washing is likely to be a big part of Kirsty’s week.

“He’s been quite clean so far! But normally he loves rolling in a hole of mud so I’m sure he’ll do that before his dressage tomorrow, which is a bit stressful. He likes being muddy.”

Kirsty can ride and does some hacking out, but looking after the horses from the ground and then seeing them excel with Bubby is more her style.

Asked what is most rewarding about her role as groom for Bubby Upton, Kirsty says: “Just watching the horses do their thing. Bubby works so hard with them and then to be able to see them go out and perform and see how happy Bubby is after she’s done a test or a round is so rewarding. When you put so much work into making them look great and do all the hard work, then to see the end result is just amazing.”

Kirsty had a shock when she walked the course at Burghley Horse Trials earlier in September.

She says: “It never looks as big on screen, so I didn’t realise how big the cross-country jumps were, so after that, I’m very nervous about watching the cross-country. I love the dressage and the showjumping.

“I’d like to walk the course here – we always say we’ll do it afterwards but there isn’t time so we have to do it before, but if I walk it I probably won’t watch it.”

She adds that the British camp has been very welcoming, saying: “Everyone’s so helpful. I ask so many silly questions, but everyone’s there to help you and look after you, so you feel at home.”

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‘I can’t take all the credit!’: Burghley groom’s prize winner on dashing to a wedding, and what it’s like to manage Austin O‘Connor’s Colorado Blue at a top event

bethany.stone@futurenet.com (Bethany Stone) — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 07:30:34 +0000

This year’s Defender Burghley groom’s prize recipient says she owes much of her success to her mum and fellow groom, Jess Elliott.

Francesca Denning, who looks after The Salty Syndicate’s Colorado Blue at events, won the SPILLERS Horse Care prize. However, on Saturday (6 September) she had another important duty away from the cross-country course.

“It was my best friend’s wedding on the Saturday,” she says. “I had to travel two hours away, and my mum and Jess, who grooms Austin’s other ride Sixmilewater, stepped in.”

Francesca says Salty, ridden into second place by Austin O’Connor, could not have been in safer hands. “Jess is super experienced. She knows exactly what she’s doing.

“My mum’s been to Badminton with me and knows how I do things, and we’re lucky to have Tim O’Hagen, the Irish team vet, with us.”

Francesca’s day job is working and riding for Jane O’Donald.

“I’m lucky that Jane lets me go off for a couple of weeks of the year to look after Salty at the big shows,” she says.

“I used to work for Austin when I first came out of university, and we’ve been friends ever since.

“I was lucky that when he went to Tokyo 2020, he asked me if I wanted to go and groom for him, and since then I’ve done all the shows with Salty, including the Paris Olympics, where it was a totally different atmosphere to Tokyo with the crowds.”

Burghley groom’s prize: caring for a crowd-favourite horse

He has talent in spades, but Salty is also the perfect gent. Francesca says he’s a pleasure to care for at a five-star.

“Salty loves being out for grazing, so I try to keep him out of his stable as much as possible,” she says. “He’s a really chilled character and so sweet, I just go in and do what I need to do.

“I do have to drag him down to the wash bay, though. You can tell he’s thinking “not again”, being a grey! But it’s a real pleasure to come and look after him, because he’s such a nice person. It makes it that much more enjoyable.”

The crowds know 16-year-old Salty well. Plus, as a head-turning grey, you can hardly miss Francesca’s handiwork.

“He’ll come out at the trot-up and the crowds will start laughing at him because he’s just Mr Cool. You see some horses get really lit up, but he’s like ‘whatever, I know what I’m doing, I’ve been here enough times now!’ and he struts his stuff.”

Francesca, who rides at two-star herself with her own and Jane O’Donald’s Rossa Seven, says she’s succeeded if Austin is free to maintain a clear head.

“The main thing I want to do is make it so Austin doesn’t have to think about anything but getting on his horse and riding. I don’t feel pressure from Austin or the team. As long as I’ve got the horse ready at the time we discussed, I’ve done my job – and the team generally is so supportive and relaxed.”

Francesca says the pair’s runner-up placing was their hard work behind the scenes “shining through”.

“Austin worked so hard on his dressage, and it paid off.

“It’s a special partnership,” she continues. “Everyone can see they have a great bond and know each other inside out, and they really come into their own on cross-country day.”

Francesca drove to Austin and wife Amy’s base in Didcot, Oxfordshire, after Burghley to “put Salty to bed.”

“It was so good to see him and Buster (Sixmilewater) having a roll and a well-deserved rest the next day.”

For Francesca, winning the Burghley groom’s prize is “amazing,” but she’s quick to share the success with Team O’Connor.

“Really, I can’t take all the credit,” she concludes. “It was a big team effort with my mum and Jess. And the team at home, who manage Salty every day, are the ones who had him looking in great condition out there. That’s all down to them.”

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‘I completely fell in love with it – I was hooked’: how a riding school sparked a life-long love of horses in top eventing groom

Lucy Elder — Fri, 09 May 2025 18:48:18 +0000

It was at a Welsh riding school where Jade Roberts’ love of horses first blossomed. David Doel’s groom is caring for Galileo Nieuwmoed at Mars Badminton Horse Trials this week – a horse she has seen grow from a youngster into a powerful globe-trotting five-star stalwart.

“There was a riding school probably a 10 minute walk from where I come from in north Wales,” says Jade, who comes from a non-horsey background.

“I persuaded my parents to let me have a half-hour lesson on a Saturday, which then turned into me working there all day for a lesson – then it became a weekend thing, and I just completely fell in love with it. I was hooked straight away.

“I went to college and did a national diploma in horse management and started grooming from there.”

On finishing college, Jade went straight to France to work for a big stud, before moving into eventing, which has always had a special place in her heart.

Badminton final scores

“I’m going into my sixth year of working for David,” she says. “I originally did four years as travelling head girl, then went away and spent a couple of years for the Prices, did some travelling, and then came back. I started freelancing and David said, ‘Would you like your job back?’ So I’ve been back full-time since December 2023.”

She adds: “I was there when Galileo Nieuwmoed first came to us. He’s quite boisterous, but he does actually have quite a soft side. Sometimes I’ll find, if I’ve mucked him out, he’ll follow me around the stable and want to cuddle – but he won’t let anyone else see it; it’s on his terms.

“If he wants attention and you’re walking past the stable, he’ll almost try to nip you from behind, not get hold of you, just a little tease. He can be a handful to deal with, but he’s so cool.”

Jade Roberts: “I love watching the partnership grow”

David has previously spoken to H&H about how his now strong partnership with Galileo Nieuwmoed did not start with love at first sight.

Jade recalls how the horse just kept on stepping up to the task at hand, rising through the levels until she found herself watching him here at Badminton in 2022.

“I watched him showjump and I had tears streaming from my eyes, it was amazing to watch the partnership grow,” she says. “It’s really good to be back working with him and to know him and just keep growing the bond.

“We went to Maryland last year – that’s probably the most surreal place we’ve been to, Luhmühlen, and I actually took him down to Pau for a CCI3*-S, that was great – it was his first proper, big [overseas] event.”

Jade Roberts on Badminton Horse Trials

She adds that it is “always amazing” to be here at Badminton.

“We try and keep his routine as much the same as possible,” she says. “He can be quite a handful. If I try and bring him in from grazing and he’s not finished, he does get quite boisterous and tries to bite my knees! But otherwise, once he’s settled down, he’s quite easy to do.

“My favourite part of being a groom is growing the bond with the horses and figuring out their personalities – what they like, what they don’t like, and then watching them being produced up the levels.

“Watching them go from a four-year-old to being part of the ‘A-team’ is amazing. [Being a groom] is unbelievable, it’s a surreal experience – horses have taken me to some extremely cool places that I wouldn’t have been to otherwise.”

How to watch Badminton Horse Trials

If you want to watch the live action from Badminton Horse Trials from the comfort of your home, wherever you are in the world, you will need to subscribe to Badminton TV. This year, Badminton TV has teamed up with ClipMyHorse.TV, but you do not need a full ClipMyHorse.TV subscription to watch Badminton – you can just subscribe to Badminton TV for £21.99. Go to clipmyhorse.tv/en_GB/badminton to subscribe or to activate your account as an existing Badminton TV subscriber. If you are already a ClipMyHorse.TV premium member, Badminton TV is included in your subscription. As part of Badminton TV, you can enjoy the documentary programme Legends and Legacy, a fly-on-the-wall insight into the 2024 event and preview of 2025.

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To ensure you keep up to date with all the breaking news, behind the scenes insight, and the best of the action throughout Badminton Horse Trials with no limits on how much you can read, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website from as little as £1 a week. Sign up now. And don’t miss our bumper 22-page magazine report on Badminton, including in-depth analysis and exclusive comments from top names, in the issue of Horse & Hound dated 15 May.

Leading show criticised for giving winning grooms shampoo voucher as a prize

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 12:01:49 +0000

The subject of recognising and rewarding showjumping grooms has come to the fore after equine shampoo in the form of a gift voucher was offered at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) last year, as part of a prize for each winning groom.

In her exclusive H&H column, British rider Jodie Hall-McAteer said she was pleased to see grooms recognised at HOYS by having their names read out and receiving a photo of the occasion, calling it a “massive step forward” – but that the nature of the prize seemed “tone-deaf”.

“Shampoo is something that should be provided by your employer and it would have been more appropriate to offer something the grooms themselves would appreciate,” she said.

Paul Drew, who has been head show groom for leading British showjumper Tim Gredley for five years, said the HOYS incident made him feel “aggrieved” on behalf of those who received the shampoo.

“I know it’s difficult for shows as they don’t have unlimited funds, but if they’re going to offer prizes to grooms it should be something for the person, not their job,” he told H&H. “It’s definitely not just HOYS though, it’s nearly every show, where recognising grooms feels like an afterthought.

“I don’t know what the answer is for HOYS, and we’ll probably end up back with nothing, which is also fine because at least you know what to expect, but we’d really appreciate a cash prize or restaurant voucher – something grooms can use for themselves, not that they need for their horse.”

HOYS event director Emma Wardell said, “HOYS is passionate about not only commending the work of our riders. We understand grooms are an integral part of the foundations of equestrian sport and together we wanted to use the opportunity to show recognition of their importance.

“We recognise the immense value sponsorship brings, and when a partner aligns with our values, we do our utmost to provide them with an opportunity to showcase their products or services through exciting prizes or coveted experiences. CleanRound specialises in biosecurity; the prize of a gift voucher reflected this and in addition we presented a prestigious bottle of champagne.

“The support from sponsors is fundamental to the success of HOYS, and we aim to provide an incredible experience to every patron of the show, inclusive of our valued grooms.”

Paul, who travels all over the world with Tim’s horses, said the new Longines League of Nations (LLN) shows are head and shoulders above the rest for recognising and rewarding grooms on the international circuit; winning grooms are also invited to the podium to receive their prizes.

“We received a goodie bag at every LLN show, and a lovely backpack from the final in Barcelona,” he said.

The LLN final in Barcelona is one of a growing number of shows where grooms’ names are added to class starts list, and streaming services often do similar.

The GC Playoffs and Super Grand Prix, the finale of the Longines Global Champions Tour, have taken it to the next level, devoting a significant portion of the prize-giving ceremony to grooms as well as horses, and presenting each with a trophy.

“That just shows it can be done really well, but sometimes it feels we’re taking a step backwards instead of forwards,” said Paul. “A lot of grooms do things themselves – getting involved behind the scenes with shows and things like that.”

Irish international rider Cian O’Connor, via his company Karlswood, sponsored a €10,000 competition for international grooms at last year’s RDS Dublin Horse Show “in recognition of the expert and vital work grooms provide to the horse industry and equestrian sport”.

But while the top-level international shows are leading the way, Britain’s national circuit has a lot of catching up to do, says Nat Tinworth, long-time groom to Guy Williams.

“Things definitely are improving when it comes to recognising grooms. I wasn’t too bothered about what happened at HOYS; I can see why some people weren’t too impressed, but I’m always happy with a bit of shampoo for the horses,” she said. “A cash prize would always be nice though, because then you can buy what you want, which makes it more personal.

“It’s definitely better at bigger international shows; Hickstead is brilliant and presents grooms’ prizes for the top three at their big shows. But I don’t think I’ve ever been to a national show where they’ve given out grooms’ prizes.”

That could be about to change, if Kelsall Hill’s recent winter classic is anything to go by. The winning groom in each class at the January show was presented with a £50 cash prize, which was very well received.

Meg Watson, from the Cheshire venue’s show team, told H&H the initiative “stemmed from a desire to recognise the hard work and dedication of grooms, who are truly the backbone of our sport”.

“[Organiser] Mike Florence came up with the idea, which was enthusiastically supported by our sponsors, Millring Horseboxes,” she said. “Millring Horseboxes wanted to show their appreciation for both riders and grooms, acknowledging the crucial role they play in making every event happen seamlessly.

“The response was overwhelmingly positive – both riders and grooms were thrilled with the gesture, it really created a buzz, and it was fabulous to get the grooms into the arena for a picture and be involved in the action. It was wonderful to see the joy and recognition it brought to the grooms, who are so often the unsung heroes of the equestrian world.”

Which venues are stepping up and giving grooms the recognition they deserve? What more can we do to reward grooms? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com.

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‘Keep it simple and let horses be horses,’ says Olympic groom Sofie Karlsson as she reveals her top management tips

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 08:30:42 +0000

Olympic showjumping champion Christian Kukuk’s travelling groom Sofie Karlsson has been working with the German rider for nine years and is one of the most respected grooms on the international circuit. So what are Sofie’s horse care tips?

Sofie was born in Sweden and has ridden all her life but moved to Holland after she left school.

“I realised that further south in Europe, the sport is bigger and more established,” she says. “It was always a dream of mine to move abroad, so when I left school, I moved to Holland and was there for a year and a half.

“I then moved to Ludger Beerbaum’s stables, where Christian was based, and I have been there ever since.”

She says she has learnt that “less is more” when it comes to the careful management of these equine athletes.

“You have to do a lot of work, but I think the horses are usually happiest when we keep it simple,” she explains. “We try not to do too much around them and let them be horses. Hopefully, this helps them be in good shape for the competition.

“Additionally, when the rider is feeling good, the horses feel this and feel good themselves. They react to the energy of the people around them. Success feeds success, so sometimes when one horse starts to become successful, the rest of the horses improve as well.”

Sofie Karlsson’s horse care tips: “I still learn every day from the grooms around me”

Sofie’s top tip for aspiring grooms is “watch and learn as you go”.

“I still learn every day from the other grooms around me,” she says. “It is a tough job but you get to experience things that not many other people get to experience. I remember when I was sitting in the crowds at horse shows, I never imagined that I would be part of anything like this.”

Among her charges are Christian’s gold medal-winning partner Checker 47, his recent CHI Geneva winner Chageorge, who she describes as “very talented” with a “promising future”, his London Global Champions Tour runner-up Just Be Gentle and Tokyo Olympic stallion Mumbai. She describes stable star Checker 47 as “a very strong personality”.

“He doesn’t like it when it gets very crowded around him,” she says. “He really relies on one or two people.”

The 11-year-old mare Just Be Gentle can be quite spooky and is another “strong character”.

“She is very independent,” says Sofie. “She is so in her world that she does not really let people in.”

A passion for horses – and Bayern Munich!

Sofie attributes much of Christian Kukuk’s success in the ring to hard work behind the scenes.

“He is very committed to the horses,” she reveals. “It is his only passion, apart from FC Bayern Munich!

“He is extremely focused on and dedicated to his career. He has been able to learn from Ludger Beerbaum and his advice has been invaluable. However, I think he would have been successful anyway.”

Life on the road as an international showjumping groom can be hectic, but Sofie says she enjoys attending the Majors, including the forthcoming Dutch Masters, CHIO Aachen, Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament and CHI Geneva.

“The Majors are incredible – they always go a step further and do extra to ensure that everything is great for the grooms, riders, and horses,” she says. “These are also the shows with the most history and they have such long traditions. All of the organisers ensure that every little detail is as good as it can be for us and the horses, and this makes a big difference.

“As Christian is German, the CHIO Aachen is something very special. In general, when we get to these shows, it feels different. It is truly a unique feeling when you are around these arenas.”

With thanks to Rolex Grand Slam.

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A small act can go a long way – equestrian bosses urged to join Give Your Staff a Pizza Day

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 13:32:03 +0000

Equestrian bosses across the industry are being urged to take part in Give Your Staff a Pizza Day today (22 November).

As an annual initiative to round off its good employment week (18-22 November), the Equestrian Employers Association promotes this “tasty celebration as a simple yet deliciously fun way of rewarding grooms for their hard work and dedication”.

“The idea is simple: treat your team to pizza as a way of saying thank you,” an EEA spokesperson said.

“This small act of recognition can have a big impact on workplace morale, helping grooms and all equestrian employees to feel valued and creating a positive work environment.”

EEA chief executive Lucy Katan said taking time to recognise the hard work of staff is essential.

“Staff are the backbone of every business,” she said. “A gesture like providing pizza might seem small, but it shows your team that their hard work is noticed and appreciated.”

The EEA’s sister organisation the British Grooms Association added: “Today is all about recognising the great work that grooms do every day.

“Happy Give Your Staff a Pizza Day to all the fantastic yards who embrace good employment and have already told us they’ll be taking part.”

Training provider Haddon Training backed the call, saying small acts to show appreciation can go a long way to help boost morale and show staff they are valued.

The EEA’s Good Employment Week is an initiative “aimed at championing fair, professional, kind and compliant employment practices across the equestrian industry”.

“This important campaign highlights the importance of creating positive, supportive and legally compliant workplaces that attract and retain talented grooms,” an EEA spokesperson said.

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‘Your love and care is priceless’: more than 1,000 say thank you to hard-working grooms

Lucy Elder — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 19:25:29 +0000

Grooms at World Horse Welfare have received more than 1,000 messages of support as part of an initiative by the charity to celebrate its hard-working yard staff.

World Horse Welfare asked supporters to secretly send in messages for its 46 grooms, which would be read out to them. A video showing staff reading some of the messages was shared yesterday (15 November).

For example, “Keep going, your love and care is priceless and I thank you for everything you do for these wonderful beings” and “your love, dedication and patience […] is so precious and saves many lives”.

The charity is now marking the date as World Horse Welfare’s Groom Appreciation Day.

“One of the most challenging day-to-day experiences as a groom at World Horse Welfare is having to accept that there will be some ongoing long-term effects of neglect on horses, no matter how well cared for, after their arrival,” said Kathryn Coombes, who has been a groom at Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Snetterton, Norfolk for more than two years.

“But it is very rewarding to know you are having a positive impact on the horses’ lives.”

Abi Tuckwell, a senior groom at Belwade Farm in Aberdeenshire, added: “I came to the farm as a groom in July 2015, I must love the place as I have been here nearly 10 years!

“All of us love the horses we care for and when things go wrong, we really feel it, as this isn’t just a job for us. If we didn’t love them all, we wouldn’t be working here to try and make a difference.”

Tony Tyler, deputy chief executive at World Horse Welfare, said that anyone who has worked or works with horses will understand the daily challenges they face, especially during the winter months.

“For our grooms it can be particularly hard work with horses and ponies that have been neglected, mistreated and poorly handled,” said Mr Tyler.

“We felt their investment in the welfare of these horses, ponies, donkeys and the occasional mule is something to be celebrated.”

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(Image credit: World Horse Welfare)

Jodie Hall McAteer: ‘Why appreciating our grooms is key – we can’t do it without them’

Jodie Hall McAteer — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 10:28:43 +0000

British showjumper Jodie Hall McAteer on appreciation for grooms and getting her mojo back after a disappointing time at Dublin

I was recently invited to speak at the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) annual conference about my upbringing in a riding school. One of the subjects I touched on was the problem of attracting staff to the industry, not just at the elite level, but also at grassroots level, in riding schools and show centres.

They are one of the entry points for involvement in the sport, and where people learn to uphold the necessary standards of behaviour. We live in an era of greater scrutiny and we all need people around us that we can trust.

It’s really important that we value our staff, are respectful to them and make them feel a part of something, because keeping the show on the road is a real team effort.

Conditions at shows have improved for grooms and it’s good to see them being better recognised. Now, at the Nations Cup final, the groom’s name is displayed when horses go in the ring and written on the start list.

At bigger shows, they are usually provided with meal vouchers for breakfast, lunch and dinner, which used to just be for riders. However, there’s still a lot more to be done as it’s a demanding job.

I was pleased to see grooms being recognised at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) recently. When I won the accumulator, my groom Kristina Ribicic was called into the ring, and she received a photo, which is a massive step forward.

Given this progress, I was surprised to discover the grooms’ prize at HOYS was a year’s supply of shampoo for the horses.

While it was nice they were being acknowledged, it did seem tone-deaf. Shampoo is something that should be provided by your employer and it would have been more appropriate to offer something the grooms themselves would appreciate.

Time for an upgrade?

I spoke to Graham Fletcher at HOYS, who mentioned what a huge show it used to be and how comparatively empty the seats now looked.

HOYS still has a great buzz about it and it’s a week I always look forward to but it does need support.

Julien Anquetin, who won the grand prix, was the only international rider who made the trip. He said it could easily have been a four-star or five-star show. He had a great weekend, paid his way and made it worthwhile, but for most continental riders, Brexit has really impacted cost-effectiveness. Riders just won’t make the journey for a three-star.

HOYS has the scope to be both bigger and better, so perhaps there is the opportunity to upgrade – which all comes down to funding and sponsorship for the organisers.

Time to regroup

I am currently competing in Spain with some of the younger horses who have had less opportunity to jump this year.

Since I moved back home from Holland, I have probably doubled the amount of horses on my list and it’s sometimes hard striking a balance between being competitive with the more established horses and producing the younger ones.

I’ve been trying to develop my own system and it is a learning curve. I didn’t have the best time at Dublin this year and it knocked my confidence going to bigger shows and not having a result.

I focused on some smaller shows during the summer to get my mojo back and regroup, and HOYS was my first big date back.

It can be hard with horses going from hero to zero and I learned to stop checking my ranking, which had dropped 150 places. All that matters is still being able to get into some nice shows while we develop a strong system and are patient with the next generation of horses coming through.

● What more can be done to recognise the value of grooms? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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Poor working conditions linked to anxiety and depression in grooms

Lucy Elder — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 17:48:16 +0000

Poor working conditions are linked to anxiety and depression within the equestrian workforce, according to a new survey by an industry body.

An online survey by the British Grooms Association (BGA), which ran in October and was then independently analysed, revealed the human impact of poor working conditions for grooms in the industry.

The survey report concluded that its results reveal “the serious impact poor employment practices have on the mental health and wellbeing of grooms in the equestrian industry.”

“The survey findings point to a clear answer to the core question; yes, poor employment practices, such as unpaid work, lack of contracts, unsafe conditions and excessive hours, are linked to high levels of anxiety, depression and burnout among workers,” it stated.

“These conditions not only harm individuals but also destabilise and threaten the industry, contributing to high turnover, dissatisfaction, and a sense of vulnerability among the grooms who responded.”

It added that by “prioritising fair employment practices and mental health support, the industry has an opportunity to reduce stigma and foster a healthier, more supportive environment for its workforce”.

“Encouragingly, good employment practices, where they exist, can make a positive difference,” stated the report’s conclusion.

“Grooms who feel valued, supported, and safe report greater job satisfaction and improved wellbeing. Expanding these positive practices industry-wide is not just an ideal but a necessity and a legal, moral and ethical obligation. Taking these steps can foster a healthier, more resilient workforce, ultimately benefiting grooms, the horses they care for and the wider industry.”

A total of 551 people completed the survey and respondents come from a cross-section of the industry. The largest groups that took part work in livery yards (15.25%), eventing (13.61%) and various freelance or private yard roles (14.34%).

More than 63% of the respondents are aged between 18 to 35, and nearly 62% are BGA members.

A total of 91% of respondents believed that poor employment can greatly affect mental health and wellbeing, with 65% reporting experiencing anxiety and 58% describing feeling miserable.

More than half reported feeling depressed, which the report states is “likely linked to the ongoing stress and exploitation that many workers face”.

Only 11% of respondents reported no emotional impact from their work.

“Ignoring the employment and mental health issues highlighted by this survey not only harms individual grooms but also risks wider consequences for the equestrian industry as a whole,” added the report.

“Poor mental health among workers can lead to high turnover, increased absenteeism, and decreased productivity. These outcomes create a cycle where understaffed teams face even more intense workloads, exacerbating stress and mental health challenges.

“This self-perpetuating issue underlines the economic and operational costs of not addressing worker wellbeing, making a proactive approach to employment practices a matter of sustainability for the industry.”

On the flip side, the majority (59.67%) of respondents also reported that they had experienced good employment conditions, which made them feel valued and safe.

“This is significant, as it shows that fair practices, such as reasonable working hours and respectful treatment, foster higher job satisfaction, loyalty and mental wellbeing among employees,” added the report.

“Many respondents noted that positive employment experiences contributed to their decision to stay in the industry, demonstrating how supportive work environments encourage retention and contribute to a more stable workforce. This finding highlights the impact of employers who prioritise safety, fairness, and employee well-being on long-term retention.”

The report also said that responses showed that where good employment practices are in place, they contribute positively to employee morale.

“[This suggests] that an industry-wide commitment to fair practices could improve the overall quality of work life. Addressing systemic challenges could further extend these positive outcomes, helping create a more inclusive and supportive work culture industry-wide,” it stated.

The survey was analysed by Simone Sear, who has an MA in health research – specialising in organising health and wellbeing – and spent 15 years overseeing the development and delivery of Racing Welfare’s wellbeing services.

“The quantitative survey results reveal significant issues with employment conditions among grooms, reflecting high rates of breaches of employment rights alongside negative mental health impacts,” said Ms Sear.

“There is a strong connection between poor employment practices in the equestrian industry and adverse mental health outcomes for grooms. Wage-related issues, unsafe conditions, and excessive workloads contribute to high levels of anxiety, depression, and anger, suggesting systemic issues rather than isolated cases.”

BGA executive director Lucy Katan added that the association wanted to explore the potential link between poor employment and poor mental health in grooms.

“The results are not surprising to us as we receive a volume of calls stating the synergy, but they are shocking and a stain on our industry,” she said.

“Integrity is critical at this moment in time. We simply must urgently stamp out these illegal practices that are far too commonplace and will, before long, put our sector in the public spotlight, again.”

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‘Keep pressure outside the stable and believe in yourself’: top groom Mathilde Schmidt shares her horsey mantras

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 18:28:28 +0000

French showjumper Kevin Staut has had leading groom Mathilde Schmidt by his side for the past three years, looking after some of his top horses including Dialou Blue PS, Visconti Du Telman and Beau De Laubry Z.

Here she shares some of her top horsey tips, mantras and trade secrets in her role as an international showjumping groom.

“I always wanted to work with horses in the sport but I did not know how to start out,” explains Mathilde. “There was a large school in France where we could learn about the different careers in the sport – I did a course specifically designed for aspiring grooms. At the end of my time at this school, my professor spoke to me as he knew about a vacancy at Kevin Staut’s stables. I went there to try it out and I have been working for him for around three years.”

According to Mathilde, moments like Kevin’s victory in this year’s Rolex Grand Prix of Dinard riding the 11-year-old Beau De Laubry Z in front of their home crowd in France, has been just one of the highlights.

“The horse gave everything to Kevin and that is when the magic really happens,” she says. “It was particularly special to win in front of our home crowd – it is a memory that I will cherish for a long time.

“[The Majors] are some of the best shows in the world – everything is excellent from the stables to the arenas,” she adds. “It makes our job as grooms much easier when the facilities are designed for the horses and this is definitely the case at the four Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping Majors. It means that the horses are relaxed so they can fully focus on the classes.

“When they enter the arena, it is a very special feeling. I always have a huge rush of adrenaline – the atmosphere at those shows is like nothing else and the crowds are electric. It is an amazing feeling competing there, especially when you have good results.”

“Horses are like humans” says Mathilde Schmidt

Mathilde says the most challenging part of the job is dealing with the pressure, but the key is to form close partnerships with all the horses she looks after.

“They are like humans and these relationships are very important to them,” she explains. “It is essential for the horses that they have routine so that they know when it is time to work and time to rest. Each horse is an individual and therefore they have their own unique qualities and personalities. You need to know each horse by heart for them to be as successful as possible.

“I try to keep the pressure outside of the stable for the horses so they stay relaxed before the competition. Of course, as you get tacked up and go to the warm-up the pressure builds, but there is not too much you can do about that. When they enter the ring, I start shaking from beginning to end, so the video is not the best!”

“The horses give Kevin Staut all their heart in the ring”

It is Kevin Staut’s love for his horses that makes him so successful, reckons Mathilde.

“He is really hard working, both at home and at the shows,” she reveals. “He is dedicated to the sport and his horses. He gives them everything and they in return give him all their heart in the ring.”

Spending so much time on the road, Mathilde says her priority is to make sure each horse enjoys an easy and comfortable journey.

“Travelling can be tiring for them,” she explains. “We try to make sure that the drive is smooth, they are at a good temperature, that they have enough hay and that we make regular stops.

“When we arrive at the show, the most important part is to make their stables as nice as possible so that they are able to fully relax and rest.”

Mathilde nominates the Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament, which she travelled to for the first time in September, as one of her favourite shows, for “the place, the experience, the classes, the history”.

“Everything is sensational,” she says, adding that “travelling to the other side of the world is something else”.

“It was like a dream,” she says. “As grooms, we have a really tight community, so getting to experience these moments with your friends makes them even better.”

Mathilde’s final horsey mantra she would pass on to any aspiring groom is to “believe in yourself no matter the situation – it is the mantra I have with some of my friends.”

With thanks to Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping.

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Horse world faces ‘perfect storm’ of wage and tax increases

Lucy Elder — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 17:22:03 +0000

The equestrian industry is facing “the perfect storm” as minimum rates of pay will rise further than predicted next spring.

Businesses face soaring wage bills on top of the well-documented ongoing issues, including high interest rates and increased pressure on everyone’s finances.

There are also concerns that some in the industry have failed to move with the times over the years – they have been warned that non-compliance with the law is not an option and that HMRC is cracking down.

The living wage – the minimum rate of pay for people aged 21 and over – will rise from £11.44 to £12.21 an hour in April. The rate for 18- to 20-year-olds will increase from £8.60 to £10, as part of the phased move to a single hourly rate. Apprentices’ minimum wage will be boosted from £6.40 to £7.55.

This will mean those on low incomes will have significant pay rises. But there are serious concerns about what this will mean for businesses’ viability, and if it may lead to a rise in false self-employment, and a narrowing gap in wage progression between less and more experienced staff.

Equestrian Employers Association president Tullis Matson told H&H he is “really concerned” about the effects.

Mr Matson stressed that the workforce in the equestrian industry needs to be properly paid, and that businesses will need to reflect on where to find the money.

“It’s like the perfect storm for the industry, which is quite worrying,” he said. “This really is a tricky time for the equine industry. We will fight our way through, but I worry about the impact on certain businesses and individuals.”

He added: “The belt is already tight and it can’t go any tighter.”

National Insurance (NI) contributions for employers will rise from 13.8% to 15% on workers’ earnings. The threshold at which employers start to pay NI will change from £9,100 per year to £5,000 per year, for each employee. But the employment allowance – the amount employers can claim back from their NI bill – will increase from £5,000 to £10,000.

British Grooms Association chief executive Lucy Katan warned that the equestrian industry is already behind when it comes to good employment, so the impact of this budget will be keenly felt.

“My advice, as I’ve said before, is that the entire industry has to reduce its hours,” she told H&H, adding that for many, these rises will not be sustainable.

“By bringing it down to a 40-hour week, you reduce the impact substantially.”

She added: “They’re investing in HMRC, so we are going to see many more investigations – and targeted investigations – and our industry is already flagged. If you are an employer that is not adhering to the national minimum wage, you are going to get found out.”

What’s the difference?

Rough examples based on a 50-hour working week (wages alone, not including increased pension contributions or NI, so overall totals will be higher).

Age 21, living wage (£11.44/hr rising to £12.21/hr):

Current: £29,744
From April: £31,746

Age 19, minimum wage (£8.60/hr rising to £10/hr):

Current: £22,360
From April: £26,000

Example yard: two workers over 21, one 19-year-old, one apprentice:

Current: £98,488
From April: £109,122
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Rider credits groom’s training for big win: ‘She’s been doing United’s flatwork as well as his happy time in the forest’

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 15:30:56 +0000

After Germany’s success in the inaugural Longines League of Nations Final in Barcelona, Spain, team rider Richard Vogel credited his groom Felicia Wallin for his double clear performance with the stallion United Touch S.

Richard and the Untouched x Lux Z 12-year-old were one of only four faultless performances on Sunday (6 October) and their contribution helped to seal a momentous win for the German side. But, with Richard having been competing in North America in recent weeks, the fitness, training work and preparations with United Touch S ahead of Barcelona has all fallen to Felicia, who has worked with Richard for the past four years.

“I have to thank Felicia. She actually had him mostly in training since the Paris Olympics,” says Richard, ranked number 10 in the world.

“We gave United a bit of time off then we did Spruce Meadows and then he had another bit of time off. So since Spruce, I wasn’t riding him or around him much because I was competing in America.

“She took over his training and clearly did a pretty good job! So I guess we have to keep it that way now. The plan works! She rides him very well. Normally, I’m the one that does the flatwork that is more educating for him, which is also important. She’s the one that goes in the forest with him and gives him a happy time – it’s very important to have the right balance there.

“But since I was away for two weeks, I said to her that not only should she be riding in the forest, but could she also do the work in between – and she did it very well!”

German showjumper Richard Vogel: “We’re very happy to have Felicia by our side”

Richard explains how Felicia is a vital member of his team at his yard near Marburg in central Germany.

“I’m very glad to have her by my side and the horses are very happy to have her by their side,” he says. “Felicia did some showjumping in her youth but realised where she’s extra good is in the care of the horses. We’re a young team – she is 24 and I am 27 – and we are heading in the same direction; we have high hopes for the future.”

Richard describes United and Felicia as being devoted to each other.

“If United could pick between me and Felicia, he would always go to Felicia – not that he doesn’t like me, but their bond is very special,” he says.

The grooms of the German showjumping team receive their awards at the Longines League of Nations in Barcelona, Spain. (Image credit: FEI)

Felicia and Germany’s other winning team grooms, Sofie Karlsson, Heidemarie Jaeckel, Ulla Uusitalo and Johanna Klare were all presented with special awards during the prize giving ceremony in Barcelona (pictured, above).

Daniel Coyle’s mare Legacy: “She’s like a pony at home,” says groom Francesca Garavelli

Another groom taking the spotlight at the Longines League of Nations Final in Barcelona was Francesca Garavelli, who looks after the great mare Legacy, owned by Ariel Grange and ridden by Daniel Coyle. She led the 14-year-old mare in to receive the award for the best horse of the season for her performances during the Longines League of Nations series.

“She’s unbelievable, the simplest horse to look after, she does it with all of her heart,” says Francesca. “Legacy is just the boss. I’ve never met a horse like this.

“She’s like a pony at home – she’s in the paddock all day, she enjoys grass as much as possible. You can do anything with her.”

Daniel Coyle with groom Francesca Garavelli and the great mare Legacy. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Daniel and Legacy also shared the €200,000 bonus for jumping a double clear in Barcelona and Francesca says she loves watching the pair in action in the ring.

“Legacy always puts in such a good performance – she tries her hardest every time,” says Francesca, who joined Daniel Coyle’s team shortly before the Paris Olympics. “She’s a bit lazy to ride at home but she’s clever – she’s saving her energy. Home is her relaxing time.”

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Calls for riders to talk to – not about – each other on World Mental Health Day

Becky Murray — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 14:44:04 +0000

Mental health in the workplace has come into the spotlight again, as equestrians are encouraged to seek support and talk to each other.

Workplace mental health is the theme of the World Federation for Mental Health’s annual World Mental Health Day today (10 October). The charity said that 15% of UK workers are estimated to have a mental health condition, 875,000 suffered from work-related stress, depression and anxiety in 2022/23 and the fifth most common reason for sickness absence from work is mental health.

“There are many things that contribute to a mentally healthy workplace, from providing staff training on mental health to tackling discrimination and bullying. Importantly, a mentally healthy workplace supports open conversations about mental health,” said a spokesperson for the charity.

Equestrian Employers Association president Tullis Matson told H&H that ensuring workplaces meet good employment requirements not only provides compliance with legal obligations, but can help in managing mental health issues at work.

“By following good employment practice, such as providing employees with contracts and adhering to national minimum wage amounts, stress and anxiety at work can be reduced for both employees and employers,” he said.

“As an employer, you also have a responsibility to operate with an open door and listening management approach. I ensure that my team understand who their line manager is, as well as how seriously we take mental wellbeing, and within our staff handbook our processes are clear in relation to this.

“Both these actions significantly benefit the atmosphere at our establishment and assist with creating a calmer and happier environment.”

Mental health is a key talking point in the veterinary industry, and the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has updated its mental health online resources, which include podcasts, continuing professional development resources and advice on preventing injuries at work and eating healthily.

BEVA council member Sophie Eaden told H&H vets can experience “big extremes, emotionally and mentally” during their working day.

“You can go from putting down an elderly pony to a vetting. Ultimately, you’re in the car on your own, so you really have to have quite a lot of resilience to navigate those emotionally and mentally challenging situations and then be able to compose yourself and be prepared for the next call,” she said.

“I think we dismiss that quite a lot as a profession because it’s just what we’ve always done and what we always do, and sometimes we don’t necessarily recognise the toll it’s taking. We hope that by sharing these resources, BEVA members have got things they can turn to when things are feeling a bit challenging and piling up.”

Mental health charity Riders Minds is encouraging the equestrian community to “share a cup of tea and talk” on World Mental Health Day, in a campaign to “inspire to ask, care and talk to those around them”.

Riders Minds chair and founder Victoria Wright said: “There is so much time in the horse world spent talking about one another rather than to each other. It’s time to change that and unite. Let’s have conversations on the yard that discuss ideas and are positive.

“Take the time to ask how others are doing today and be the reason they smile and you smile too. Life is too short to waste time with negativity, it’s down to us personally to create positivity.”

The charity also encourages people to “ask twice”, if they suspect someone might be struggling with their mental health.

“The simple act of asking again, with interest, can help someone to open up for the first time,” added a Riders Minds spokesperson.

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Tom McEwen’s groom Adam Short on the Paris Olympics: ‘The medal ceremony was like when Adele steps out on stage’

Pippa Roome — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 07:57:45 +0000

Adam Short has been a top-level eventing groom for eight years, but he says the Paris Olympics, where he looked after Tom McEwen’s team gold medallist JL Dublin, was when his friends from home finally started to appreciate what he does.

“They were watching TV or seeing pictures and thinking, ‘Oh, he’s actually doing something with his life – I don’t get what it is, but wow, it’s good, because he’s at the Olympics.’ It was a bit of an eye-0pener for them,” he says, grinning as he revisits the Paris memories five weeks after the Games.

Life has been busy for Adam since he returned – it’s been a non-stop whirl of other events, plus he’s been in demand for media interviews.

“I’ve got a big mouth – I find talking too easy,” he smiles. “But it’s really nice to be able to share the experience with other people and I have an unusual story because I came from a riding school and I’m very much still in touch with them.

“The riding school is Stepney Bank Stables, it’s in the middle of Newcastle and it’s a charity too. It’s showing the young people who are there now what is achievable. I’m always so grateful for them and where I started. It’s nice that I can now give back to them and return what they gave me when I was young.”

Adam says the Paris experience was different to the previous year’s championship, the Europeans, as there were only four British grooms at the Olympics compared to six at Haras du Pin.

He says: “It felt really close knit and like a family vibe. We all get along so well and it was the perfect group of people. We also spent quite a lot of time with the support team – Liz Brown the vet, Vicky Spalding the physio, Greig Elliott the farrier, Dickie Waygood and Chris Bartle [performance manager and coach].

“The Olympics is really serious but we had a lot of fun as well, so it was just doing what I normally do, but with a smile on my face and treasuring every moment.”

The eventing grooms all stayed in a hotel five minutes cycle ride from the stables, which Adam said created a great communal atmosphere among the grooms of different nationalities. Their meals were provided there free, there was a bar and one night they had a grooms’ party. The Brits also went to the Olympic Village to take photos with the Olympic rings once the competition was over.

“When I stood by the Olympic rings and went in the food hall, that really opened my eyes up that this is the real deal,” Adam says.

Adam’s charge JL Dublin, owned by Jo and James Lambert and Deirdre Johnston, loves an atmosphere and is easy to look after.

“He’s perfect in every way. You take him for a walk and he doesn’t drag you around and he eats all his food. You say action time and he performs, you say chill time and he chills out.”

Adam is still in touch with Ruth Asquith, who looked after “Dubs” when he was ridden by Nicola Wilson.

He explains: “It was really helpful that when he first came to ours, she gave us three or four pages of notes saying everything about him. If I had any questions or concerns, I was on the phone to her – she knows him like the back of her hand – and now every time we go somewhere, I get a good luck message or I’ll let her know what we’re doing.”

The highlight of being a groom at the Paris Olympics for Adam Short was standing in the arena for the medal ceremony, which he describes as “the most surreal thing I’ve ever experienced”.

“The noise was incredible – so many people, clapping, stomping their feet, the cheers. I had goosebumps from head to toe and from the minute I walked in, I was beaming. It was like when Adele steps out on stage. Our horses just stood so perfectly, soaking it all in,” he says.

Adam Short cheers for Tom McEwen and his British team-mates during the medal ceremony at the Paris Olympics. (Image credit: Getty Images)

This week, Adam is at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials grooming for Tom and CHF Cooliser (Eliza), as he did when she was 12th here in 2022.

“When I loaded her to come here, she kind of stopped for a minute and looked and said, ‘No one else?’ And I said yes, all the attention for you. She’s just so precious.”

Tom McEwen is currently advertising for more staff – “it’s always good to have fresh blood and young people that want to learn, and more experienced people with different opinions,” says Adam – and Adam is ambitious to continue his career with more championships, including the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

He says: “Now Paris is finished, you forget about the run-up, which is not always a very nice time. You don’t find out until the last minute you’re selected, and then you’re wrapping your horse in cotton wool. Dubs is a really solid, sound horse, but anything can happen. So the run-up is not always the most relaxing time. But when you go and you have a successful time, you forget about all that, and you’re thinking about the next one.

“Paris would definitely be a big standout in my career and I’d love to do other Games, and keep carrying on doing all these Badmintons, Burghleys, championships for as long as I can, because that’s what puts fire in my belly, what I enjoy.”

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€10,000 in grooms’ prizes offered at major show, for ‘expert and vital work’

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 22 Jun 2024 18:51:00 +0000

Grooms at the 2024 RDS Dublin Horse Show have the chance to win cash prizes of €10,000 (£8,457) in total, in recognition of their “expert and vital work”.

Irish Olympic medallist Cian O’Connor’s Karlswood base is sponsoring the competition, for international grooms, at the CSIO5* event (14-18 August).

“The RDS is delighted to facilitate the novel and generous initiative, which highlights the important role that grooms play within the industry,” a spokesperson for the society said.

Former international grooms Jimmy Doyle and Marie Yorke will assess the turnout of horses competing in the Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes, the Nations Cup and the Dublin Stakes. There will be €5,000 for the winner, €3,000 for second place and €1,000 for third.

Cian said: “This competition is about ensuring good horsemanship remains at the core of everything we do and rewarding those who do it best. Finding good quality staff is one of the major challenges facing our industry presently.

“Grooms who excel at their work must be acknowledged and rewarded and there is no place better to do it than at the RDS Dublin Horse Show. While it is undoubtedly a very fulfilling profession for those with a passion for horses, grooming also offers many possibilities for those with a good work ethic and who are interested in professional progression. Our two judges are a case in point, they both dedicated many years and excelled in the profession.”

Show director Pat Hanly said the RDS is delighted to welcome the initiative.

“It highlights the importance of the groom in the success of any rider or stable,” he said.

“It is the grooms, and the background team who provide the detailed care and ensure the day-to-day wellbeing of the horses. For many it is a labour of love, the hours can be long, the work is physical and the attention to detail required is vital.

“It is the riders and horses that most often get the limelight and the glory, so it’s wonderful to see the grooms rewarded for a job well done.”

The presentation to the winning grooms will take place at 2pm in the main arena on the Sunday of the show.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Subscribe today and enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus unlimited website access and digital versions of the magazine dating back to September 2012.

It shouldn’t happen to a groom (but it has…)

Sarah Jenkins — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 07:30:13 +0000

Jenny Ellis, former elite groom for John Whitaker, Geoff Billington and Richard Davison and also supported Britain’s para dressage team at Beijing 2008

“I remember a funny incident taking horses on a plane to Las Vegas for the World Cup in 2000. It was the oldest plane you’ve ever seen. They built a ramp to get the horses in that I can only describe as something you’d walk up into a chicken coop.

“Once we were on and had worked out how to build the crates around the horses, I asked where the emergency chutes were and was told there weren’t any. I saw the pilot had his golf clubs with him so I thought he must be optimistic we were going to get there at least.

“I was travelling with Tez Harrison, who worked for John Whitaker for 18 years. Some people were standing or sitting on the floor but there were a few seats, and Tez and I sat together. As we took off we realised the seats hadn’t been strapped in, and we shot to the back of the plane.”

Jenny checked on the horses, who were fine, and was able to walk around and chat to the flight engineer, pilot and navigator up front. “The pilot had to stand up and shuffle round so we could get to the loo,” she recalls.

They stopped in Newfoundland to refuel.

“There was no water on the plane so we had to go across the runway and get it in buckets,” says Jenny. “The flight engineer came down and we were chatting away. I asked what was coming out the engines, and he got animated saying it was aviation fuel. Someone had a cigarette on, so we got that out quick, and the fire engines came. All the foam they were spraying went into the horses’ area – we went back into the plane looking like abominable snowmen trying to get the foam off them.”

The route home was a little less eventful, though no less disconcerting.

“I saw the crew in a bar in Vegas and said, ‘We’ll be loading at midday, is there any chance of air-con to cool it down before we load the horses?’ The engineer said, ‘That’s a great idea.’ So they did it. But then we were all on board and waiting for ages – I was joking they’d forgotten to fill it up with diesel. There we were, sat out on a runway in the desert, with the horses sweating while the plane refuelled.

“As we got near Ostend, Belgium, I went up and asked how long until we land and the pilot said, ‘We’re just looking for the airport.’

“We often say the grooms today work so hard and the horses are on the plane a lot, but they aren’t on planes like that now — on one flight Tez had to plug up the holes in the walls.”

Rachel Tolley — groom to former five-star event rider Tina Cook

“I was glad to see the back of long-format eventing. That used to be horrific,” she recalls, remembering one occasion where Tina was riding Captain Christy at Pau. “The steeplechase was a country mile away, they’d gone off on the chase, my shuttle hadn’t appeared, and you always had to weigh up if it was quicker to run or wait for the next shuttle.

“You had to take so much spare stuff with you it was like carrying another horse. I ran the whole way, but by the time I got back I’d missed the whole of the 10-minute box preparations, Tina was coming into the finish, and I thought I was going to pass out.

“The kids who do it today wouldn’t know what hit them. At the time we complained about them changing the format, but I don’t know how we did it.”

Talking to a number of elite grooms about the challenges they have faced around major events, the logistics of travel feature heavily. Rachel remembers a trip to Boekelo in 2007.

“Miners Frolic [Henry] had been second at Blenheim, but selectors weren’t interested in him for the Beijing Olympics in 2008 unless he gained more experience,” she says. “He was fit and well, so we took him to Boekelo. We thought we’d be clever and take him by himself, then an hour into the journey we got stuck in a road block. The police car chase had passed us by.

“Our lorry then broke down, and we had Tina’s young daughter with us, so there we were stuck on the side of the shut road with a two-year-old child and a horse who didn’t like being on his own. The breakdown service came but we were seven hours late for the boat.

“However, Henry went on to finish third, and then selectors wanted him as an Olympic horse, where he won double bronze.”

Alan Davies — former full-time groom to Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin

“At the World Games in Stockholm in 1990 the lorries were parked way out of town and grooms had accommodation in town, so we had bikes to get from the showground to the hotels. We were all assigned keys at random for bikes with locking systems, and I walked out to find I’d been allotted the brightest pink bike you’ve ever seen. I was the laughing stock, but I loved cycling round Stockholm on my luminous pink bike.

“Then when we were in Rio in 2016, a bunch of grooms tried to get to the beach to have lunch one day and I stayed back, which was lucky because they got stuck in traffic and they were gone for about four hours. I ended up feeding several nations’ horses that day – the other grooms were completely freaking out stuck out in fog.”

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