At Absorbine, we’re proud to partner with the International Grooms Association (IGA) to support initiatives that educate, recognise and champion the hardworking grooms at the heart of equestrian sport. The launch of International Groom Clean (IGC) is an important step in helping grooms understand their role in maintaining the highest standards of FEI Clean Sport.
The International Grooms Association 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 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 course*, meaning grooms can gain their initial International Groom Clean certification at no cost.
Lucy Katan, Executive Director of the International Grooms Association, said:
“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.“
Áine Power, FEI Executive Director of Sport & Games, 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.“
International Groom Clean is available to IGA members via the IGA website and is hosted on the FEI Campus in English, with French, Spanish and German versions to follow.
As a proud partner of the International Grooms Association, Absorbine is delighted to support International Groom Clean and the IGA’s wider mission to improve education, wellbeing and professional recognition for grooms worldwide. Grooms play an essential role in horse welfare and performance, and by supporting initiatives such as this, Absorbine is helping to promote best practice, confidence and professionalism across the equestrian industry.
*Terms and conditions apply. International Groom Clean must be completed within 14 days of joining the IGA to receive the membership fee refund.