In this episode, I’m joined by Jackie Potts from the International Grooms Association for an honest conversation about life behind the scenes in top-level equestrian sport.

Jackie is a highly experienced international groom, having spent 33 years as a member of William Fox-Pitt’s team, and more recently Japanese rider, Kazuma Tomoto.Jackie brings a huge amount of lived knowledge about the realities of grooming at the highest level.

We talk about safeguarding within the sport, the standards of accommodation grooms are given when travelling to events, and the ongoing conversation around room sharing and welfare for grooms working internationally. Jackie also explains the work the International Grooms Association (IGA) is doing to improve conditions across the industry — including having IGA representatives present at events, so grooms have someone they can speak to or confide in if they need support.

We also discuss the mental health challenges that can come with such an isolating and demanding job, the importance of fair working environments, and why grooming should be recognised and supported as a professional career in its own right.

It’s a thoughtful and insightful conversation about the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the sport running.

You can learn more about the International Grooms Association here:
International Grooms Association