EEF signs up as the IGA's first National Federation Friend

22. Nov 2022 / Category: Press Release

The International Grooms Association (IGA) is very pleased to announce the launch of their National Federation Friends program. The program was unveiled in a presentation by the IGA to the European Equestrian Federation (EEF) at the FEI General Assembly.  

This exciting new project signifies a new and formal working relationship between the IGA and National Federations (NFs) from around the world.

During the FEI General Assembly, the EEF pledged its support for the project and became the first official NF partner.

The mission of the IGA is to strive to achieve recognition with a collaborative voice, greater career opportunities, status and working environments for all grooms working within FEI level equestrian disciplines.

This new program is launched with the aim of working in partnership with the National Federations to develop their plans for the grooms that work in international equestrian sport in their country.  

By working together, the IGA and NFs can achieve a significantly positive development in the recognition of the role of the international groom, and uphold standards within horse sport.

IGA Founding Director Lucy Katan said “The key to achieving change is to work with the National Federations.  It is impossible for the IGA to create meaningful, long lasting change on our own. The NF’s are our friends and we would like to work in partnership as it is all of our responsibility.”

The IGA is delighted that the EEF was the very first ‘Friend’ and that over twenty other Federations pledged their commitment at the General Assembly. 

EEF President Theo Ploegmakers said “The grooms are an essential part of our sport, and we need to ensure they are properly cared for and developed not just now, but for the future. To ensure our sport is sustainable we need to continue to attract new grooms and ensure it is a viable career path, the work of the IGA is paramount to this, and we will do all we can to support their mission.”

The Federations who are joining this project are sending a very clear signal of their understanding of the importance of grooms in achieving sporting excellence.

 

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The International Grooms Association (IGA) is the professional association for grooms working internationally in FEI Disciplines. The IGA was formed at the request of the FEI and was enabled by start-up grant funding.

On 26th April at the FEI Sports Forum, the President of the FEI Ingmar de Vos and Lucy Katan, Founding Director of IGA signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding' on behalf of grooms working within the FEI.

The IGA gives a voice to the grooms that will be recognised internationally and with the FEI.

We exist to support members throughout their career as a groom, providing support, advice and education to all working in the industry and to speak up on the issues that really matter to both the FEI and international show organisers.

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