The British Grooms Association (BGA) is warning members they may lose money if they are not properly insured.
As part of its second birthday celebrations, the BGA has launched a premier membership scheme that covers grooms for loss of earnings if they are unable to work after an accident.
It costs £59.60 and includes cover from South Essex Insurance Brokers for personal accident, injury, temporary total disability and dental care.
The standard membership premium is £17.50, and current members can upgrade to take advantage of the insurance.
“We are acutely aware that many grooms work without personal insurance,” said the BGA’s Lucy Katan.
“If a groom in employment gets injured, the standard rate for statutory sick pay is just £79.15 a week. If they are freelance and therefore self-employed, they will get nothing.”
Grooms are covered for all aspects of their job under the policy — including general yard duties and travelling horses.
Groom Sarah Yeoman is upgrading: “Sometimes you think ‘it won’t happen to me’, but it can. I have friends in wheelchairs from riding — it’s a major wake-up call.”
• For more information visit: www.britishgrooms.org.uk
This article was first published in Horse & Hound (7 May, ’09)
