Not that many years ago, if you were a spectator at an event, the grooms didn't feel like a huge presence — the team behind the scenes, sometimes glimpsed as their horse entered and left the arena, but not figures in the drama themselves.
Today, at the FEI World Championships in Aachen, grooms are being celebrated as part of the fabric of the sport.
Grooms at Championships - and at CHIO Aachen - are usually well looked after with food, welcome gifts and dedicated grooms' lounges.
The difference at this show is that it is quite possible the casual spectator would come away knowing more grooms' names than trainers!
Grooms' names are printed on the start lists, they are named and shown on the big screen when their horse enters the arena. The commentators name them and they appear again on the archway between the tunnel and arena.
Some are even shown on the screens with a heart rate monitor while their horse is competing.
On the podium
Most striking of all: in the prize-givings, the medalling grooms are invited onto the podium, presented with gifts, and receiving huge applause from the crowd in the stadium.
What a moment.
The motto of this incredible show is 'Welcome Home', marking 20 years since Aachen hosted the World Equestrian Games.
With that in mind it is wonderful to see grooms being welcomed to their rightful place in the sport.
Zooming out
The progress has happened fast, and it will benefit all of horse sport. The stories of our grooms, the moments with their horses, give another dimension to the story of our equine athletes.
For years the bond between horse and rider has been front and centre, but in 2026 the third part of the equation is in the spotlight too.
You might ask, "well, how does this help the groom at a 2*?" They aren't being given three meals a day and shown on TV.
But what is important here is the shift in attitudes. Grooms used to be largely unknown; now some are household names (in the horse world!). It gives the public a greater understanding of the groom's skill and role, and it helps make this a profession and a career choice.
So when we see these visible signs of groom recognition, it is vital to take the time to celebrate that. And to thank the people who support the mission of creating a better future for grooms worldwide — the finally recognised part of the equation.
