WORLD CLASS GROOMS' DAY

21st January 2010

Click thumbnail to see larger image:

As a rider with horses attending the World Class Equine Pathway, Gareth's competition groom Stephanie Sharples was invited to attend a World Class Grooms' Day, arranged by the British Equestrian Federation.

This was a fantastic opportunity for Stephanie to meet the people involved with the World Class Programme.

Stephanie commented "It was a day full of information, it started with an introduction from Will Connell who is the BEF World Class Performance Director. Will talked about the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky this year and the 2012 Olympics. He was followed by Dr Rachel Murray who is a veterinary surgeon based at the Animal health trust in Newmarket, who talked us through Equine anti-doping and medication control. Yogi Breisner the BEF World Class Performance Manager then spoke to us about the team environment and world class challenges and benefits.

Following Yogi Breisner we had a chance to meet two International grooms and discuss their experiences, which gave us the opportunity to ask advice and get an understanding of what our role as competition grooms really means.

Danielle Olding the BEF World Class Performance Lifestyle Advisor spoke to us about fulling our potential, opportunities for learning and looking after me, as well as Life after grooming. Danielle also spoke to us again later in the day regarding HGV Licences.

It was a very interesting day and certainly worthwhile, I have gained an insight into what it is like to be part of team GBR."

Source: Aspen Grove Dressage