Following on from the success of the 2004 Kuster British Equestrian Federation (BEF) Groom Award, Frank Kuster has generously confirmed he will once again lend his support and backing to the 2005 Award.
Grange Hotels, has once again offered a prize that will truly reward and recognise the invaluable work done by grooms.
A luxury 5 night trip to America awaits the winner of the 2005 Award. The winning groom and their guest will fly direct to Washington DC to sample all that America’s capital city has to offer. Their trip will also include two nights in the five star London Grange City Hotel.
Two lucky runners up will be treated to weekends in the luxury London hotel, with shopping vouchers to use whilst they are in town. The competition is open to all grooms, whether from a local riding school or Olympic Yard and entries from those who were nominated in the 2004 Kuster BEF Groom Award are very much encouraged.
Entry is easy; applicants may nominate themselves or be nominated by an employer, owner or friend. Please include 1. Details of why you believe the nominee deserves the award, 2. An example of how the nominee has displayed the X Factor required to win this coveted title and 3. Contact details of the nominee.
The 2005 Award will feature a new structure with nominees divided into six categories – Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing, Driving, Livery Yards/ Riding Schools and Other Equestrian Disciplines (please specify). Finalists will be drawn from each category ensuring strong representation from each sector at the final. Please state on your entry which category your nomination is to be considered under. All entries to be sent to:- Kuster BEF Groom Award, British Equestrian Federation, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2RN or emailed to info@bef.co.uk. Entries close 25th November 2005.
Six finalists and their guests will be invited to attend the final judging day, which includes a champagne lunch, courtesy of Grange Hotels on 21st Dec 2005 at the Grange Bracknell Hotel. Carl Hester, Alice Plunkett and Chris Saunders form the panel of judges. Finalists will be asked to display their depth of knowledge and passion for their job via a short, informal interview.
The winner will then be presented the perpetual Smash Hit Bronze, designed by Tim Nathan, at the prestigious British Horse Foundation Awards Dinner run by the Supporters of British Breeding, which will be held at The Grange City Hotel on 7th January 2006. Grange Hotels have extended their generous prize to allow the winner and guest to stay in the hotel for the night of the award.
Andrew Finding, BEF Chief Executive said “Frank Kuster is a great supporter of equestrian sport and has been most generous in supporting, again, this wonderful initiative to promote those who are so vital to the success of horses, riders, drivers and vaulters: the grooms.”
Frank Kuster from Grange Hotels commented, “Once again, I am delighted that this award will recognise the exceptional role that grooms play. Our industry could not survive without their hard work and dedication. “
Carl Hester, a 2005 Judge, commented, “I am thrilled for those who work so hard to get some recognition and gain the respect that is deserved for playing such a vital part of any team. Frank Kuster is to be commended for his continued support of British grooms.”
Related Links
British Equestrian Federation Announces New Award for Grooms
Recognition For Dressage Grooms At Hickstead