Tryon Equestrian Centre.

By Equestrian Life

Reports have emerged from the 2018 World Equestrian Games that the event has underestimated the amount of the accommodation needed for grooms. Initial delays in providing enough housing meant that many are initially staying in hotels off-site, with shuttles needed to transport them to and from the equestrian centre.

Around 900 grooms are expected at the venue over the two-week event. With grooms preferring to stay on-site and close to their horses, the event has provided last-minute dorm-style tents to accommodated them. Over the weekend, additional housing pods were installed to help address the situation.

The event released the following statement on 9 September:

Grooms’ Accommodations Statement

I made a personal commitment to housing grooms on-site and
I underestimated the demand. I was too optimistic. I made a mistake and I apologize. We are doing everything we can to rectify the situation.

Our organization has always been committed to recognizing the importance of grooms. They are a critical component to the success and well-being of these equine athletes and we have the utmost respect for their daily work. We introduced an award three years ago across all of our venues recognizing and honoring grooms during the prize giving ceremony supported by a monetary prize and we plan to do the same here at the FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018.

Without our grooms there would be no equestrian sport. You have my word that we will resolve all issues related to the grooms accommodations. We at TIEC, and the FEI, have enormous respect for the grooms and the vital work that they do. It is our greatest commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of the horses competing and the individuals who are responsible for their care. Unfortunately, our plan for all grooms’ accommodations to be on-site could not meet the demand, but our team is working proactively and around the clock to improve the situation and ensure that all accommodations and personal needs are met.

We have made multiple options available and are offering on-site Residential Vehicles (RVs), and two-bed cabins with toilet and shower, and off-site accommodations at Rumbling Bald Resort, 35-minutes away with multiple daily shuttles provide. We were asked by the National Federations to provide more on-site options and explored providing, as a very temporary solution, air-conditioned dormitory tents with showers and bathrooms provided close by until more RVs and cabins are available. However, this option has clearly not met our stringent standards.
We are aware that it is not viable in the long-term and are urgently seeking alternatives.

We also are offering financial compensation to National Federations for any accommodations secured off site and many National Federations have chosen this option.

In addition, there is an on-site grooms’ lounge where they can relax in a comfortable environment. The National Federations and the FEI are working extremely closely with our team to ensure that our grooms are treated with the respect they deserve and given the opportunity to choose an environment that suits them and their horses best.

Mark Bellissimo

Source: FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018 website

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