HorseGrooms and the International Grooms Association (IGA) each believed in the other’s mission and officially partnered in 2023. The goal of this partnership was to combine forces and to empower both organizations with the mission of bettering the lives and working conditions of grooms; providing spaces to share knowledge, experience and resources for grooms; and keeping horsemanship alive and in the forefront.
The IGA is the official voice of grooms within the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). Recognized by the FEI in 2022, the IGA is an independent, not-for-profit association that was established to create a louder presence, greater acknowledgement and better work environments for grooms at internationally-sanctioned events.
At the end of the 2024 winter circuit at Wellington International, in Wellington, Florida, HoresGrooms took time to speak with Lucy Katan, founding director of the IGA, about recognition of grooms, good employment, the goals and the accomplishments of the IGA and why every FEI groom – even those aspiring for that level – should be or become a member of this important organization.
There still much to work to do, but we’re proud of the strives made. Let us know if and how you have seen the grooming world change over the past few years.
Click here to become a member of the IGA.
HorseGrooms is a platform of resources, education, and support for grooms by grooms. This is an online community, hub of resources, and spotlight of industry highlights born out of love for the horse and love for the sport. But our mission goes beyond simply providing resources and creating content.
Our goal is to create a space to keep horsemanship alive; for grooms to support and educate each other; and to help advance the craft of grooming. HorseGrooms is dedicated to ambitious grooms everywhere.
