From bucket list to reality - with Rhi Watson

As the FEI World Championships draw to a close, we’re celebrating the grooms who have played such an important role behind the scenes.

For BGA member Rhi Watson, being selected to groom at the Championships was the realisation of a long-held ambition – something that had been firmly on her bucket list throughout her grooming career.

From the excitement of pulling on the British Equestrian team kit to the little piece of home she carried with her, Rhi shares what representing her country meant, what she hoped to bring to the team and the advice she has for the next generation of grooms.

Q. How did it feel when you found out you'd been selected to groom at the FEI World Championships?

A. "When I found out I had been selected to groom at the FEI World Championships, I was incredibly excited and proud to be a part of the team.

It’s something that, as a show groom, I had on my bucket list for a very long time, and I was never sure if I would ever get the chance to experience it.

I feel extremely grateful and motivated."

Q. What's one thing you packed that you couldn't do without?

A. "One thing I packed is a little souvenir from home – a little silver snaffle bit ring. It has come on every adventure with me throughout my grooming career, and it would not feel right to leave it at home for this next adventure.

It’s almost an essential to pack, as it’s very sentimental to me."

Q. What does wearing the British Equestrian team kit and representing your country as a groom mean to you?

A. "Wearing the GB kit is a moment of feeling proud to be a part of something so special. It’s not every day you get an opportunity to work within a team representing your country, alongside such amazing and incredible horses and people.

It definitely inspires and motivates me to want to work my hardest. It makes me want to learn more, see more and experience more of the things that being a groom has to offer."

Q. What did you enjoy most about your week in Aachen? 

A. "I was looking forward to getting to work and making sure that I could really give it my all and bring everything I had to offer – not only as a solo groom for my horse and rider, but as a team player.

I really enjoyed experiencing what it is like to work within the team at such a prestigious show venue."

Q. What message would you give to the next generation of grooms hoping to follow in your footsteps?

A. "A message I would like to give to the next generation of grooms is: be kind to yourself. Keep trying, practising, learning, being a team player and reminding yourself what your goal is.

Yes, there is a lot of pressure, patience and extremely hard work involved, but it’s a job that does eventually pay off, whether you are within a team or as a solo groom.

Having your horses looking and feeling their absolute best is a big reward in itself. But also being able to watch your horse and rider combination succeed in their chosen discipline, at any level, is an even greater reward."

Thanks to Rhiannon and well done to all the British team grooms for a brilliantly successful FEI World Championships!

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