Kuster BEF Groom Award Winners were presented their awards at London International Horse Show at Olympia

Kuster BEF Groom Award Winner

Jenny Ellis, 47, from Ashbourne in Derbyshire has worked with horses for more than 30 years, both as veterinary nurse and groom, and has also been instrumental in supporting and developing other younger, less experienced grooms. She made it through to the shortlist thanks to nominations from; International Dressage rider Richard Davison, International Show Jumper John Whitaker and Para – Equestrian Dressage rider Simon Laurens – all of whom were full of praise for the work Jenny did for them and the support she showed her colleagues.

As Richard commented; ‘Jenny is wonderful with horses and so experienced in all aspects of horsemanship. She remains very encouraging to younger, less experienced grooms and has worked very hard to raise the status of grooms within the industry - she is fully deserving of this accolade.’

Jenny’s expert skills have also been recognised by the World Class programme where she has supported the development of more inexperienced grooms. She was also the official stable manager for the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany.

Kuster BEF Newcomer Groom Award Winner

Rachel, 24, has worked at the ILPH Hall Farm in Norfolk for two years and joined with no equestrian experience whatsoever – but she made the switch from Tesco to horses very easily. Today, along with her usual yard duties, and despite having no previous computer experience, Rachel also ensures the databases are updated, including the horses’ veterinary, dental and farriery records.

Her nominator Sue Hodgkins, centre manager of the ILPH Hall Farm, commented; ‘Rachel is one of our greatest assets. We have never employed a groom with no experience before and now we invite almost everyone for a trial – we wouldn’t want another Rachel to slip through the net. She’s one in a million!’

‘We were particularly impressed by Rachel and her swift transformation from a Tesco check out girl to an accomplished groom and member of ILPH staff,’ said Richard Pitman.

	Jenny Ellis with her employer, Richard Davison.
	Rachel Henning with her Mum !
	Kuster BEF Groom Award Coordinator, Lucy Katan, presents Award Sponsors, Frank Kuster, with a gift to recognise his support of grooms.
	Rachel and other guests watch the Olympia performance.