Claire James, Mette Klose Nielsen, Jiliann Miller Dressage Reps for International Grooms Association

Dressage

IGA

Dressage grooms Claire James, Mette Klose Nielsen, and Jiliann Miller have been named the "Dressage IGA Reps" for the International Grooms Association (IGA) and will function as liaisons between the grooms, IGA and the FEI.

IGA Representatives

The IGA Rep groups for dressage, jumping, eventing and driving is a new initiative which will help the IGA stay in even closer touch with grooms around the world, and ensure new grooms know there are ‘friendly faces’ on the international competition circuit.

The Rep groups will be in regular contact with the IGA, an important next step in allowing the IGA to stay in touch with events at FEI competitions and create change at every level.

Dressage Reps

For dressage Claire James (GBR), Mette Klose Nielsen (DEN), and Jiliann Miller (USA) have been appointed as IGA reps.

"Having been in the industry for over 15 years I’ve had my fair share of the highs and the lows of grooming," said Claire James, who has groomed for Anne van Olst, Lottie Fry, and Fie Skarsoe amongst others. "The importance of having an outlet for that, to be able to speak to people who understand and can help to make the circumstances better and give advice is so important. The IGA is starting to make a real impact on conditions for grooms at shows and at home, and I am very proud to be a part of that progress!""

Staffing Crisis

Lucy Katan, Executive Director of the IGA, said “the horse industry is facing a major staffing crisis; it is vital for all of us to work together to understand how we might better meet the needs of the grooms and encourage longevity in the industry.”

She continued, "we have always planned to have a network of Reps working with us, and it is exciting to now have the infrastructure in place. The founding of the IGA, with the support of the FEI, was a truly historic moment for grooms as they were granted a formal voice to be heard in discussions with organisers and the FEI."

She stated, "introducing the Rep groups means a greater devolution of this voice, and the opportunity for these individuals to play a more active role in creating lasting change for grooms. "