Meet the team of International Grooms Association (IGA) Founding Directors:
Lucy was an international dressage groom for eight years, representing Team GBR at European and World Championships. She is the founder of the British Grooms Association (BGA) and the IGA. She runs the IGA office and coordinates all developments.
In her spare time, Lucy works on major events including recently London 2012, COP26 and the G7 Summit.
John E. Madden entered the equine industry as a groom. He went on to work as an assistant trainer for six years before founding John Madden Sales, Inc., in 1984.
John served as vice president of the FEI and was the chair of the FEI Jumping Committee until 2017. Most important of all, he is Beezie Madden’s husband, who he calls the best horse person, and person in general, that he knows.
Read more about John here.
Helen worked as a dressage groom for the Eilberg family for years, including travelling to two Europeans and WEG 2014 alongside Alan Davies.
She works with Lucy and Courtney to coordinate membership, social media and the progress of the IGA.
Away from the IGA Helen teaches flatwork and sometimes works as a freelance competition groom.
DRESSAGE
Alan has represented Team GB at 4 Olympic Games, 4 World Championships and 11 European Championships.
As part of Team GB, Alan has become one of the most well-known grooms in the UK and the World, and is committed to improving recognition for grooms everywhere.
EVENTING
Jackie is an international groom who has attended 5 Olympics, 5 Worlds and 8 Europeans and about 16 Badmintons, Burghleys, Lexingtons and Paus.
Well known for being one of the most experienced grooms on the eventing circuit, Jackie is passionate about mentoring future eventing grooms.
EUROPE
Mel is a career international jumping groom who has worked at multiple Championships and currently works for Marcus Ehning.
Based in Germany, Mel is passionate about seeking improvement for the jumping international grooms.
NORTH AMERICA
Courtney, head groom for Doug Payne Equestrian for the last 6 years, has become one of the most well-known grooms on the American scene.
She has groomed through the CSI4* level in Jumping and CCI5* level in Eventing, including the Tokyo Olympics and Lima Pan American Games.
She has recently joined the IGA 'behind the scenes' team as our US Coordinator.
JUMPING
David has worked for Great Britain's Scott Brash for the past 7 years, and is a well-known face at the top level of show jumping.
He previously worked for Cameron Hanley, and is a voice for positive development across international horse sport.
Max spent over 10 years as the top groom for the O'Connor Eventing Team based in the United States. In addition to many of the world's 5* events, she has groomed at 3 Olympic Games, 3 World Championships, 2 Pan American Games and 19 Kentucky's!
Max also has worked for Organising Committees as a stable manager and assistant organiser.
YOUTH
Ashley has recently joined the IGA Board to represent the voice and interests of the newest generation of grooms.
She previously worked for Stephen Bradly and currently works for Allison Springer Eventing, based in the United States.
Linda is a very experienced Jumping groom, and has worked all over the world up to 5* level.
She is currently working as Groom Manager at Split Rock Farm, and working with the team to make improvements for grooms on the Split Rock Jumping Tour.
Linda is dedicated making improvements for grooms and recognising their contribution to the sport, especially at 2-3* level. She is keen to see the IGA grow in the US to bring about widespread change in attitude and culture.
Debbie is a career freelance groom, and a well-known face on the eventing circuit. She has travelled to Olympics, Asian Games and major 5* events. She also works as a jumping groom.
Debbie is really passionate about improving recognition and conditions for grooms, and about helping younger grooms to manage their career in a way that will support their future. As Freelance Director, Debbie will work to share her knowledge and experience to help the next generation of grooms.
