One Big Thing: IGA and FEI launch first anti-doping education course designed specifically for grooms
Photo by Janos Borbely.
The International Grooms Association (IGA) has launched the first dedicated anti-doping education course created specifically for grooms.
Developed with the support and content approval of the FEI, International Groom Clean (IGC) provides accessible, practical online education to help grooms understand and navigate FEI Clean Sport requirements. To encourage participation, the FEI will refund the IGA membership fee required to access the bespoke education, meaning grooms can gain their initial International Groom Clean certification at no cost.
Executive Director of the International Grooms Association Lucy Katan said of the initiative, “Our research among elite competition grooms revealed a concerning lack of confidence in understanding anti-doping protocols. We also know that accidental contamination by grooms has resulted in anti-doping rule violations in FEI horses. There is a clear need to provide anti-doping education designed specifically for grooms working at all levels. Completing IGC gives grooms, their riders and owners confidence that they understand their responsibilities and know how to work within FEI Clean Sport regulations. We are hugely grateful to the Jumping Owners Club and our other generous donors, whose support has made this important project possible.”
FEI Executive Director of Sport & Games Aine Power also said, “We were proud to support the IGA in developing International Groom Clean. International horse sport depends on the dedication, professionalism and expertise of grooms, and providing them with user friendly, high-quality educational resources benefits everyone involved in the sport. We hope all grooms working with FEI horses, whether at FEI Events or at home, will take this opportunity to expand their knowledge and achieve their International Groom Clean certification.”
What You’ll Learn
Through the International Groom Clean e-learning course, IGA and FEI hope to educate grooms globally on:
- What Clean Sport means and why it matters
- What constitutes equine doping
- How to prevent accidental contamination
- The responsibilities of grooms within anti-doping regulations
- What to expect during equine testing procedures
How to Access the Course
International Groom Clean is available exclusively to members of the International Grooms Association, but joining the IGA is quick, affordable, and open to grooms worldwide. The FEI will refund the cost of your IGA membership when you successfully complete your International Groom Clean for the first time within 14 days of joining the IGA.
International Groom Clean is available to IGA members via the IGA website and is hosted on the FEI Campus in English, and will shortly be available in French, Spanish and German.
[Click here to learn more and sign up for the IGA]
Major International Events This Weekend
Burgham International Horse Trials CCI4*-S (GBR): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]
Strzegom Horse Trials CCI4*-S (POL): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [Live Stream]
US Events This Weekend
Hoosier HT (IN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Revel Run HT II (MI): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Bayou Gulch HT (CO): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Full Moon Farm’s Midsummer HT (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
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Chewy Pick of the Day
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