BGA AREA REPS.
The British Grooms Association is proud to have some passionate members who want to see the Association grow and strengthen. They have formed a group called the BGA Area Reps and each takes responsibility for promoting the BGA in their local area and on the show circuit.
ESSEX |
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Joanne Hooker is a Head Groom at Oldbury Farm Stables, a livery yard in Great Wakering, Essex. She works alongside the Yard Manager to run a yard of 27 liveries ranging from shetland ponies to show hunters.
"Being a groom entails a huge amount of hard work, dedication and a vast range of knowledge. I am looking forward to working with the BGA to help grooms in my area and across the country get the recognition they deserve. I want everyone to be as proud to be a groom as I am." If you would like to contact Joanne email: joannehooker_bga@hotmail.co.uk
or 07947 643626 |
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Gemma Willetts works as a freelance groom in and around the Essex and Hertfordshire Borders. Gemma is currently working in a showing yard, sole charge of 11 horses. “My aim as a BGA Area Representative is to provide you with the support that the equestrian industry has been waiting for and so desperately needs. The BGA has been created for YOU! As a groom our dedication and hard work is so often overlooked, its one of the hardest professions to work in. Be proud to be a groom” If you would like to contact Gemma email: gemmawilletts_bga@hotmail.co.uk |
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Tracey Ross is Head Girl for dressage rider Gemma Green at Headley Stud, Newbury, Berks. "It is fantastic to finally have a professional association designed for grooms & I am really looking forward to encouraging both grooms & employers to join. Well trained & appreciated grooms mean better care for the horses &, at the end of the day, their welfare is why we all chose this career." If you would like to contact Tracey email: traceyross_bga@hotmail.co.uk |
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Lianne Barrett is a Stud Manager at Bloodstock Agency/Stud. "It is fantastic to finally have an organisation that will be looking out for us grooms. My aim is to help the BGA become more established and increase the membership numbers so we can have a voice in the industry and improve the working conditions for everyone who gives their time,energy and dedication to working with horses." If you would like to contact Lianne email: lianne.barrett@googlemail.com |
NORTH WALESand CHESHIRE |
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Lou Gillings has worked in show jumping yards for over 12 years and now has an administration role at a competition centre in Cheshire. “It’s good to know that we are finally recognised as professionals within our industry. I hope to raise awareness of the BGA in the area and inform grooms of the advice, support and recognition it will ultimately provide. We all need help from time to time I just want everyone to know it’s available." If you would like to contact Lou email: louney_bird2003@yahoo.co.uk |
NORTH WALES |
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Sophie Garnett works as a full time groom for event rider Laura Deas in Wrexham, North Wales. "I am really looking forward to working with the BGA, mainly to promote the career options involved within the industry, to encourage people to get in to it in the first place, and make people realise how much fun and job satisfaction you can get out of a job you love! I love the idea of promoting the BGA because it stands as a voice for all grooms everywhere. We should all be proud to be grooms!!!" If you would like to contact Sophie email: sophie_garnett@live.co.uk |
SHROPSHIRE |
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Beckie Smillie has worked with show jumpers for the past 18 years. As Head Groom for Lisa Hales she is responsible for her yard, horses and training development of junior staff. Beckie handles their top class horses such as Arko III and Azertyuiop. "The BGA provides me the opportunity to provide some practical advice to others. This will help to develop grooms of the future for our industry. Being a groom is a way of life not a job and if you really want to succeed and experience the international circuit like I have then horses have to come first every time. My motto is help us to help you !!!" If you want to contact Beckie email: beckiesmillie@hotmail.co.uk |
BUCKS |
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Ronnie Dawes has worked as a groom for 30 yrs and has spent the last 20 yrs in top International showjumping yards. "My aim is to help to promote the awareness of how great the horse industry is to all newcomers as well as the existing members. In becoming an Area Rep I hope to pass all of my experience and knowledge onto anyone that needs advice or is willing to learn more as well as being a friendly face on our circuit." |
KENT |
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Claire Turley is a Yard Manager of a Livery Yard of happy hackers and eventers in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. "I am so proud to be a groom, and I would like to encourage non members out there to join their Association. It takes hard work and dedication to be a groom and I would like to help promote this so we are recognised as professionals." If you want to contact Claire email: claireemily6@hotmail.com |
DERBYSHIRE |
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Jenny Ellis is a freelance groom and works for Richard Davison, John Whitaker, Nick Skelton... just to name a few. She was the 2007 Kuster BEF Groom Award winner and won the 2008 FEI International Groom Award. "By having an Association we at last have support, advice, a voice and most importantly a sense of belonging. For decades the sport has had the benefit of our passion for our job for very little reward. It’s time to move into this Century. All grooms MUST join this association designed for us.” |
SUFFOLK |
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Katie Clark has worked as a riding instructor before spending the last 10 years working in the racing industry. "Becoming a racing representative for the BGA is going to be a great way for me to keep involved in the sport that I love. My aim is to show everybody what a great industry racing is to work in and to make people aware of the many different job opportunities that there are within the sport." If you would like to contact Katie e-mail katielouiseclark@hotmail.com |
SUSSEX |
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Kate West is Head Groom for Gary Docking Carriage Horses. Kate spends much time breaking horses and ponies, driving and preparing them for national and international shows. "Having been in the equine industry for 13 years, I know how grooms can be treated. When the BGA was created I immediately signed up, as I was pleased to have a medium from which our voices could be heard as one. I hope to raise awareness of the BGA, and to encourage many other grooms to sign up, as we have to stick together and support each other." If you would like to contact Kate e-mail west.kate@hotmail.com |
NORTHANTS |
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Kimberley Wotton is a freelance groom who has worked within the Industry for the past 15 years. "I am proud of the fact that I am a groom and although it is long hours and hard work its very rewarding. Finally we have an Association which is there to help and support both grooms and employers - this is a big step forward." |
DORSET |
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Janice Rhodes is yard manger of Skylands a private yard which offers training for horse & rider, owned by Clare Turner. “The BGA is a fantastic concept that has been along time coming. Modern grooms are hardworking professionals who deserve recognition for the role they play in the equine industry. I am enthusiastic about giving support to grooms in the Dorset area & ensuring that they are well cared for & have someone to turn to in difficult times. I look forward to promoting the BGA. The role of groom is changing & we need to encourage more people to join in during this exciting time, the BGA is at the forefront of this change & we all need to be in it together.” If you would like to conatct Janice email: janicerhodes_bga@live.co.uk |
EAST YORKSHIRE |
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Rachael Williams has worked in the industry for the past 9 yers and has recently been the yard manager of Milton Keynes Eventing Centre. "Having been both an employer and employee I understand the need of such an association as the BGA. I think its fantastic that there's finally recognition for all grooms no matter what their age or experience. I'm very excited about being a member of the Area Reps Team and playing such a big part for the BGA." |
International Circuit |
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Darren Pote works as Yard Manager for Olympic rider Thomas Velin (Scanvet Stallions) in Fredensborg Denmark. "My aim as International Circuit Rep. for the BGA is to tell all on the European Circuit how useful and informative our Association is and why after so many years we have finally got a Professional Organisation to ask questions to. My aim and goal is to promote the BGA with full conviction and I can not urge people enough to join!" If you would like to conatct Darren email: potedarren@hotmail.com |
GLOS |
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Emily Richardson works part time for an event rider and also freelances as an instructor and groom.
"Our industry has lagged behind when it comes to employee representation. The BGA now offers all those working within the industry the opportunity to have a voice, know what their rights are, receive up to date advice and most importantly stand as a whole to combat the lack of recognition and boost the image of our chosen careers. I hope I can help to inform grooms in my area of the fabulous support available to them simply by being a member of BGA." |