FEI Groom Award
Congratulations to Michelle Robson, an Australian eventing groom who has won the Best Groom Award at the first ever FEI Awards.
25 year old Michelle has worked for Olympic event rider Shane Rose for six years and received her award, which was presented by Clare Balding, at a glittering ceremony in Copenhagen on 19th November. (Michelle pictured left)
“I was very excited when they rang me and told me I had been shortlisted for the award. I was stunned for a little while and it took a minute or two to register. I told the girls who I work with and they were jumping around all over the place!” tells an excited Michelle.
“I didn’t actually find out who the other nominations were until we arrived in Copenhagen and I didn’t think I had a chance against Jackie Potts. I know she does a wonderful job with all William Fox-Pitts’ horses, so it was a big shock when they told me I had won.
“The ceremony was very good and we all had a great time. Everyone was very supportive of the awards and the winners. All the winners were seated together which was great because it was nice to have a little support. I didn’t have any friends or family with me so it was nice to have someone else to talk to. I was a little nervous going up on stage, I don’t particularly like the public spotlight, but Clare Balding was lovely and she made everyone feel very welcome. Princess Haya was also lovely and very happy that we had all made it for the ceremony.”
Michelle’s boss and his partner Niki Chapman nominated Michelle for the award. “Niki wrote a lovely letter to the panel and I’m sure she is the main reason that I received the award. I am very grateful towards her and Shane. It was great to know that they really appreciate the work that I put into their horses and business.”
The judging panel was headed by FEI President HRH Princess Haya and included Mark Todd.
“Winning the award is fantastic and to be recognised for the work grooms do I think is great for people thinking of starting a career in grooming. We really put a lot of time and effort into the horses and it’s very uplifting to know that we are now being recognised on an international stage. I think it was a great initiative of Princess Haya’s to introduce the awards” adds Michelle.