New handbook for equestrian employers

Employers in the equestrian industry will soon have somewhere to turn to for practical information and legal advice on managing staff.

The Equine Employers Handbook, which costs £37.50, will be launched next week by the British Grooms Association (BGA) and is the first dedicated guide to employing equine staff.

The book is endorsed by the British Equestrian Federation and offers clear advice on management, dismissals, sick leave and resignations.

“We’ve been contacted many times by employers and realised there was nowhere else for them to turn so decided to tackle this issue — for the ultimate benefit of the grooms,” said Lucy Katan, executive director of the BGA.

Jill Carenza, who runs a riding school, livery and hunter hireling business in the Cotswolds, and employs five full-time staff, thinks it is a good idea.

“I pay a fee to a company to look after my business legally, but I wouldn’t imagine many employers have this, so an easy-to-access guide definitely would help,” she said.

Event rider Mary King agreed: “I am thankful that at last there is an informative guide relevant to the equestrian industry and its demands.”

Visit www.britishgrooms.org.uk or tel: 0845 331 6039.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (7 January, ’10)

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