Shaping a safer, more respectful future

More than 30 years ago, when I worked as a dressage groom, I experienced shouting, bullying, and behaviour that at times left me feeling miserable and worthless.

On some occasions, horses and competition opportunities were used as instruments of coercive control — a form of manipulation that I was too immersed in at the time to fully recognise.

To be clear, not all my experiences were negative.

I was also fortunate to work for employers who were kind, professional, and respectful, and I remain deeply grateful to them.

While I did not personally experience physical or sexual harassment, a couple of my friends and colleagues did.

Their experiences, alongside my own, have stayed with me ever since.

One would hope that, over the past three decades, the treatment and respect afforded to grooms have improved — and, in many respects, they have.

Yet, far too many grooms continue to face illegal employment conditions, harassment, and coercive control in their workplaces.

Although recent campaigns have highlighted the mental and emotional impact of poor employment practices and bullying, there has never been an industry-wide research initiative dedicated to understanding the experiences of those who earn their living working with horses.

Until now. >>> Share your views.

Earlier this year, I approached the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) to propose a collaborative effort to better understand the realities faced by our workforce — particularly in relation to harassment and other forms of unacceptable behaviour.

Our workplaces should be environments where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. Every individual deserves the opportunity to pursue a fulfilling and sustainable career working with horses — free from fear, intimidation, or abuse.

At the British Grooms Association (BGA), we seldom receive reports of sexual misconduct. However, the absence of reports does not necessarily mean the absence of incidents.

Both employed and freelance grooms may be experiencing misconduct that remains unreported.

That's why I'm encouraging every groom - BGA member or not - share their views in our Equestrian Workplace Behaviours Survey. 

The results of this survey are important. They will be used by the BEF Workforce Working Group to shape future plans, support, education and processes.

We're listening. And we hope you'll share your story.