On 3rd May, 2011, the British Grooms Association celebrated its fourth birthday.
Launched with great style at the beginning of May, 2007 at Badminton Horse Trials, the BGA aimed to unite the grooms of Great Britain. The brainchild of Lucy Katan, previously British Equestrian Federation grooms representative, the BGA gives grooms the opportunity to voice their opinions, be heard, and provides both grooms and their employers with a source of advice and guidance. Lucy hopes that the association will encourage local and community networking between often isolated members of the grooming profession and will emphasise the importance of career development for grooms. The ultimate aim of the BGA is to raise the standard, professionalism and overall retention of staff in the equine industry.
The initial response to the BGA launch in 2007 was immense and Lucy was delighted to have signed up just over 100 members during her three days at Badminton. In the period between Badminton and Bramham Horse Trials, Lucy signed up a further 120 members - by the time of its first birthday, the BGA had signed up over 700 members from all areas of the equine industry.
It is now a thriving association, supporting grooms throughout Britain having achieved is aim to raise the standard, professionalism and overall retention of staff in the equine industry.
For more information on the British Grooms Association please visit their website at www.britishgrooms.org.uk