IGA Reps

Jenny needs little introduction - the very first winner of the FEI Best Groom Award in 2008, she has groomed in multiple disciplines at Olympics and Paralympics.

She is now Groom Liason at the London International Horse Show and has travelled to a number of shows representing the IGA.

Shay has worked as a groom for the past 11 years, and currently works for Irish show jumper Nicky Galligan, Australian team show jumper Paige Jardine, and US U25 rider Stella Buckingham

"I think these Rep groups are an extremely exciting development. I think there’s still a lot we can do to continue to lift up/recognize grooms and to continue to improve working conditions so they can continue to take the best care of their four and two legged athletes. I’m so honored and excited to be a part of that progress!"

"For me the groom is the key to a happy, healthy and successful horse. A motivated and happy groom is able to go the extra mile and give his/her horses all the care in the world.

But this is only possible in an environment that gives us the chance to do so. That’s why it’s in my opinion so important that we get the chance to talk about good and bad conditions at international shows and what needs to be changed so we have a better chance to give our everything for our horses."

Sean grew up in a horsey family, and started as a show rider, before turning to work as a groom 12 years ago. 

"I believe the work of the IGA is crucial to our sport in developing a more positive way towards fairer conditions for grooms and stable staff. 
Hopefully with the improvements being made it will encourage more people into choosing this as a career option and enjoy the benefits of working with these incredible animals across the globe .

I’m always free to chat to anyone that might find it easier to approach me as a friendly face on the circuit rather than writing officially through apps and email!"

Jess has worked for the last 16 years as Head Girl for Harry Meade.

"I think it’s really important for grooms to be able to have a voice, be heard and speak out. Any positives or negatives at competitions should be allowed to be brought up in a constructive conversation. We shouldn’t have to sit in silence.

I hope with this new and exciting set up I can be of help with anyone new starting off in the industry and also other current grooms who feel they can’t come forwards and speak out."

Jade has worked as a groom on and off for 12 years, working up to 4* eventing and Grand Prix dressage

"Grooms are becoming scarce in New Zealand and I believe the IGA will bring about the positive changes needed to make grooming an enticing career again! The horses need us."

Brooke works in both jumping and eventing.

"The competitive equestrian industry would not exist without grooms. That being said,  I believe it's so important to provide a voice for the people that care for horses down to their fundamental levels. We go above and beyond for the horses, and it's important to take care of ourselves as well."

Dave is a freelance groom, working mostly in Eventing up to 5* level, but he also works at some jumping shows.

"I feel strongly about supporting other grooms and working with both the IGA and BGA to support them in supporting me and fellow grooms. I think very strongly about grooms having a voice as we are the backbone of most if not all disciplines, and we are often forgotten about at events, but always the ones that are first there and last ones to leave."

Jenni has worked across the disciplines in New Zealand and Australia.

She is now working freelance, and coordinates a series of grooms' prizes in New Zealand.

"I feel that it is important  to spread the word about the IGA because grooms need to be seen and respected as professionals and that is sometimes hard in small countries. Often here the groom might be a friend or family volunteering- but they are still playing an absolutely vital role, and should be thanked and respected for that."

Sarah is Head Groom at Plain Dealing Farm, where she has worked for nearly 8 years, running the yard and working at events up to 4* level.

"I take great pride in being a groom for an awesome team and caring for our horses/riders with the utmost attention to detail and care. I take every aspect of Horsemanship seriously and am always striving to learn and grow. I'm excited to help promote and advocate for grooms' rights within our industry through the IGA!"

Mette has worked as a Para-Dressage groom for the past 12 years, including travelling to World Championships and Paralympics.

"For me as a groom it’s very important to have a voice and to use it because of the enormous responsibility that lies on our shoulders. We are the “bodyguards”  for the only ones on our teams, who are not able to speak for themselves! So we really need a voice - for them and for us."

Jiliann works for an International Grand Prix rider based in the US, and has been a groom for 4 years.

"I believe the IGA is important so grooms have a safe space to voice their opinions and share concerns in a respected manner - whether it be about show conditions, horse care, or tips and tricks.

By having the Rep Groups, hopefully grooms will be more comfortable talking and sharing to other fellow grooms in this role."

"Having been in the industry for over 15 years I’ve had my fair share of the highs and the lows of grooming.

The importance of having an outlet for that, to be able to speak to people who understand and can help to make the circumstances better and give advice is so important. The IGA is starting to make a real impact on conditions for grooms at shows and at home, and I am very proud to be a part of that progress!"

Lars works for Danish dressage rider Cathrine Dufour.

"It is so important for grooms to have a voice and make a difference. The most important person behind the rider is the groom. Respect and gratitude is very important. As a groom I practice my passion on a daily basis. I do everything I can to make the horse feel comfortable, and organize the daily routine so that the rider can concentrate fully on the horse and the competitions. All of this simply needs to be acknowledged with more respect."

Hélène has groomed at the top level of international driving sport, including World Championships. 

"Grooms are a big part of the horses' life and competitions. Behind every driver/rider there is one or few grooms. They are the eyes, the ears, the heart, the link ... without grooms, no competitions are possible."

"I discovered driving competition with my first job in 2002. Then, I have been a groom for draft horses, ponies and saddle horses in all categories (single, pair and team). In 2011, I became the groom for Maxime and Laetitia Maricourt. 

I think the grooms are real members of the whole team. I do it for and with pleasure : Maxime, Laetitia and the other groom, Arthur, are my friends and we try to do our best in each competition.

It is important and necessary that our role be recognized by all the other actors in driving competition : national federation, international federation, organisers... IGA is a great opportunity to do that!"

Emma works for Boyd Exell, and is also driving competitively herself. She was among the final four nominees for the 2022 FEI Cavalor Best Groom Award.

"If you give the grooms a chance to voice their opinions, everyone will come out better for it. Especially the horses."

“Grooms are an integral part of equestrian sport. Happy grooms make for happy horses, which is why the IGA is so important in what they do.”