The IGA was very lucky to be represented at the ECCO FEI World Championships in Herning by Jenny Ellis, a groom with many years of experience at the top level of dressage, jumping and para-dressage.
Jenny shared with us how she found the show and her hopes for the future.
“I went to Herning to help spread the message of the IGA, and to talk to the grooms. It was also important to see, in person, all the things the Organising Committee (OC) had put in place for the grooms.
On my first day at the show, there were clearly some initial challenges that required fixing. There were a couple of complaints about the accommodation, and I found there were some problems with lighting in some of the stables.
Fortunately, as the show went the grooms experienced what the OC had put in place, and the energy shifted to be much more positive.
They did a fantastic job with the groom’s catering. It was in a good location, between the stables and the accommodation, with flexible hours, takeaway options, and snacks available all day. It was great to have TVs there so we could see what was happening in the arenas and the live results.
The Groom’s Lounge was very nice, and although a lot of grooms traditionally stay with their horses at a Championship, on this occasion the lounge was always busy and well used in the evenings.
The biggest difference I noticed between this and the other Championships I’ve been to was the level of recognition for the grooms.
Seeing the grooms named on the TV graphics, and of course, in the medal ceremonies was not just uplifting, but a highly significant change for the better.
Without grooms the show just can’t happen.
So often we’ve just been ‘the grooms’; I don't have any problem with this job title, but it was fantastic to see more individual recognition.
For the first time ever at a major Championship they made a real endeavour to show what a team effort it is to get to a Championship and included the grooms in celebrating success.
The OC really involved the grooms in the competition and the celebrations rather than them being an afterthought.
Now we need to see all of this ‘trickle-down’ to other shows, although we need to be realistic about what shows can do.
A 2* can’t afford to provide as much as a 5*. A temporary show on grass will always have limitations regarding its facilities compared to the shows at permanent venues.
But there are lots of things that do not cost money, like naming and thanking the grooms, or giving them a space to relax.
Treating grooms with respect, including us in the sport, listening to what we have to say, and working with us are the critical changes that I believe are starting to happen. This is great news!
At the end of my time in Herning, there was some real positivity amongst the grooms and towards the IGA.
There was a real shift in people’s attitudes, and I’m really pleased so many people have joined us.
Now that we have a voice it’s important to use it in a really meaningful way to make lasting changes at all FEI competitions, be it 1* or a major Championship.”
The IGA welcomes all grooms working for FEI-level athletes, whether at home or at shows.
