Groom Gert Jan Bruggink, Ida Fossheim, voted best jumping groom Indoor Friesland 2024

Just like last year, Indoor Friesland also put the grooms in the spotlight this year. After all, these horse caretakers are ready day and night for the athletes of the riders. Many sacrifice themselves for the horses that are entrusted to them. Thanks to Indoor Friesland, Horse & Country TV, Duo Protection, HorseGrooms and an anonymous sponsor, the very best grooms were put in the spotlight during Indoor Friesland. Ida Fossheim, the loyal, highly motivated groom of Gert Jan Bruggink for over nine years, was unanimously chosen as the winner by the selectors.

The show jumping grooms were watched and assessed by undercover assessors during their weekend in Leeuwarden. From the horses' arrival on Wednesday, five different parties made rounds through the stables every day. Among others, a former groom and an FEI steward gave their assessment. How often do the horses come out of their stables, do they always have clean water, how much attention do the horses get, how well groomed do they look, how do the grooms deal with colleagues and other people; just a few points that were taken into account.

Exciting battle
It was an exciting battle because, just like during the dressage weekend, the level was high. All horses were happy and well-groomed. Nevertheless, Ida was unanimously chosen as the winner. Her accessibility was decisive in this. Despite the fact that she was always busy when someone came to her stables, she was friendly to everyone. It is also nice to mention that despite the fact that Ida is a show groom through and through, she remained loyal to her employer when he was injured for a long time and therefore could not compete. She missed the competitions very much during that time, but did not look for another rider to work for.

It started with Teun van Riel
Ida: “At first I didn’t understand it, I thought all the grooms had to come to the main arena. Other grooms did understand, there were already whispers that there was such an election last year. When I understood exactly what was going on and I had also won, I was in shock. I had never won anything before. I have been working for Gert Jan for over nine years and I ended up with him by chance. I worked for Timothy Hendrix and had already resigned. In my last month we were at a competition in Samourin and there I had coffee with Teun van Riel. I had just asked if they knew a new, nice rider for me. Then Gert Jan rode past. “That’s a good one for you”, they said and they called Gert Jan that he should also come for coffee after the test. He came, we exchanged phone numbers and a week later he called me. That’s how it started and I have never regretted it.”

Jenny Ducoffre's successor extra beautiful
“I think what makes this award extra special is that I am Jenny Ducoffre’s successor. She was a good friend who I could ask for anything. Help or advice, she was always there for me and other grooms. I looked up to her on all fronts. I do my best to be just as good as she was and also try to help younger or less experienced grooms. That was always very important to me. We have received great awards, but that is not what it is about for me. The recognition, that there is appreciation for the work that I do, that is what it is about.”

Not a boss, but a colleague
“This was my second time at Indoor Friesland and I love your competition. Everything is good and fun and everyone is happy. Your employees all do their best for us. We take care of the horses as best as possible, but you are also very good to the grooms. The only thing I didn't like was the long waiting time upon arrival, but if that could have been different, you would have arranged it that way. As a tip for other grooms I would like to say, be well organized, that works so much better and easier. It is so nice to work with horses, they are my children. I don't care if they have a pole or are clear, I love them. Finally a compliment for my rider Gert Jan. We are a great team and that is partly because he trusts me completely. He respects me and what I do is good. He trusts me and doesn't feel like my boss, but like a colleague. He was super proud of me that I won this prize and that felt really good.”

Second prize Alex Deramaudt, groom of Gerco Schröder
Alex: “I have been working at Gerco for ten years and never expected to win this award. I think it is great that you are putting the grooms more in the spotlight, it is always nice when there is appreciation for what you do. I come from France and how I came to Gerco is a long story. Through a Russian lady, through Jos Lansink, through a friend of mine and through Ben, Gerco's brother. This year was the first time for me at Indoor Friesland and I really enjoyed it. Compliments for the stables, your people, the breakfast and also the space we had for everything, I thought it was great. I also liked that the trucks were not that far away. Many young people want to become a groom, but don't think about it enough. Horses and competitions are fun, but the days are long and it is hard work. Being a groom is a lifestyle and not a job. You do it for the life that it gives you. The traveling, the contact with your horses, that is what it is all about!”

Third prize Mariëtte van Rijt / groom of Pim Mulder
Marriëtte: “I had heard the rumour, but I am always busy with the horses and had not noticed anything. I think it is a great initiative and I am very happy with my prize and the appreciation. I have been working for Pim for seven years and came to him through someone else. Before that I worked somewhere else, but I was not in my place there. It clicked with Pim right away. I am crazy about his horses. I have no preference, they are all equally dear to me. I really have contact with them and they seem to feel good with me. They are my passion and I work with them, because I want to and not because I have to. This is my first time at Indoor Friesland. Pim has been twice before, but then there was a different groom with him. I think your competition is great. It is cosy, beautiful and everyone helps you. There is real appreciation for the grooms and they think along with us. On Friday evening at the part with the Frisian horses I even sat in the stands. Not that I have much in common with Frisians, but because it was so nice that evening. My tip? If you have passion and true love for horses, you should do this job, but if you are a so-called Penny girl, don't start. It is hard work and the days you make are long."

Photo: Digishots
Text: Marjan de Wildt for Indoor Friesland