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Home /Grooms life/Taking action on equestrian mental health

Taking action on equestrian mental health

11th May 2026

Mental Health Awareness Week is a reminder that awareness alone isn’t enough, it’s about taking action.

This year’s theme, Taking Action, feels especially important for the equestrian world, where long hours, high responsibility, and emotional pressure are often part of everyday life for grooms.

At the British Grooms Association (BGA), we are proud to be actively supporting this campaign and continuing to shine a light on mental health in the industry.

Through our Grooms Minds initiative and wider support services, we have now supported hundreds of grooms both online and in person, offering advice, guidance, and a safe space to talk when things feel overwhelming.

Grooms Minds Matter

The Grooms Minds Hub has become a vital source of support for grooms across the UK. It brings together practical resources, wellbeing advice, signposting to professional help, and real-life stories from within the industry.

Whether someone is dealing with stress, anxiety, burnout, bullying, or simply feeling like they are struggling in silence, Grooms Minds is there to remind them they are not alone.

 

"This work is deeply personal to me. My experience of being bullied whilst working at a high-profile dressage yard was the catalyst for the formation of the BGA. It is something I will never forget, and at the time there was no organisation for me, as a groom, to turn to.”

BGA Executive Director Lucy Katan MBE

Lucy’s experience reflects a reality that too many grooms still face today, feeling isolated, unsupported, and unsure where to turn.

Since then, Lucy and the BGA have worked to ensure that no groom has to face those challenges alone.

Mental health in the equestrian industry is finally being talked about more openly, but talk must lead to action.

Through the Grooms Minds Hub, the BGA is committed to continuing that work, supporting grooms, and pushing for a healthier, more informed industry for everyone in it.

EXPLORE GROOMS MINDS 

 

 

 



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What the personal accident policy covers you for:

  • Whilst at work
  • All stable duties – mucking out, grooming, washing off, turning out
  • Clipping
  • Riding – including hacking and jumping
  • Hunting
  • Lunging
  • Breaking in
  • Holding horse for a vet and other procedures
  • Travelling horses both in the UK and abroad
  • Competing in line with your job including: jumping, dressage, eventing
  • Injuries that may happen to you whilst you are teaching - but you must also be grooming as part of your duties and not be a sole instructor

What the personal accident policy doesn’t cover you for:

  • Riding in a race, point to point or team chase
  • Stunt Riding
  • Accidents occurring whilst travelling to and from work
  • Riding and competing your own horse (but you can upgrade when applying for membership to include this)
  • Public Liability – this is a separate insurance policy - the Freelance Groom Liability Insurance
  • Care Custody and Control – this is a separate policy - the Freelance Groom Liability Insurance

If you require additional cover then please contact KBIS directly.

   GROOM  RIDER  EMPLOYER

When you are working for other people you do most of the following; muck out, turn out/catch in, tack up, groom horses, exercise Horses (including hacking, jumping and schooling), in the care of your employer/client.

 
YES

 
NO

 
NO
Predominantly ride horses for other people including schooling, exercising and competing.   
NO		  
YES
YES
 Provide grooming services for someone else either full time or on a freelance basis i.e. an employer or a client.   
YES
NO
NO
Employ staff – have an employers liability policy in your name NO NO YES
Buy and sell horses NO YES YES