Foxborough, MA — September 24, 2021 — The Grooms Award, Ltd., a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization that recognizes and rewards professional grooms, participated in the American Gold Cup and Traverse City Hunter & Derby Finals in Traverse City, Michigan. The Grooms Award presented gifts to the grooms of the horses that competed in the week’s featured event, the $230,000 American Gold Cup, as well as the $50,000 Traverse City 3′ Pro Hunter Finals.
“We were very excited to be part of one of show jumping’s most iconic events,” said Georgia Coyle, who represented The Grooms Award, Ltd. at the Gold Cup together with Denise Quirk. “We thank the Morrissey Management Group for allowing us to present gifts to the grooms of the horses in the Gold Cup and the 3’ Pro Hunter Finals and also for adding extra items to what the grooms received. They have been big supporters of our efforts to recognize grooms for all they do to keep horses healthy, fit and ready to compete and we thank them.”
Brianne Goutal-Marteau rode Viva Colombia to the win in the Gold Cup. Her horse’s groom, Abelardo Tovar, was honored following the win. Also honored was Autumn Smrcina, the groom for Testify, owned by Jon Cotton and ridden to the win in the Hunter Finals by Greg Crolick. Each groom received a number of gifts and prizes including an embroidered SmartPak tote bag containing a $50 gift certificate from EquiFit; a tack room pillow from Haygain; a custom belt from Boy-O-Boy Bridleworks; a yoga mat and $25 gift card from ThinLine; and a cash prize courtesy of The Grooms Award Ltd.
The Grooms Award, Ltd. presented additional gift bags to grooms of all the horses entered in the Gold Cup and Hunter Finals. Those bags from SmartPak included snacks, drinks, an EquiFit facemask, a Haygain monogrammed towel and entry into a drawing for an HG One Hay Steamer from Haygain valued at $999, a Busy Buddy, insoles and $25 gift card from ThinLine, Tate’s cookies, Himalayan Salt block from VT Salt, and an assortment of Grooms Award items including a lanyard, a pen and a decal!
The Grooms Award Ltd. thanks all of the following sponsors and supporters: Boy-O-Boy Bridleworks, EquiFit, Friends of Moira and George, GC Ponies and Robin Greenwood, Haygain, Morrissey Management Group (MMG), ThinLine, West Palms Event Management, SmartPak, VT Salt & Stone, and all other supporters of The Grooms Award!
The Grooms Award, Ltd. is scheduled to participate in the following events in 2021:
- Upperville Colt & Horse Show – Upperville, VA – June 12-13
- Lake Placid Horse Show – Lake Placid, NY – July 4 and 11
- American Gold Cup – Traverse City, MI – Sept 19
- Pennsylvania National Horse Show – Harrisburg, PA – Oct 23
- Riders Cup – Del Mar, CA – October 24
- National Horse Show – Lexington, KY – Nov 5-7
- Las Vegas National Horse Show – Las Vegas, NV – Nov 21
Created to recognize the workers “behind the scenes,” the Grooms Award was established in honor of Moira Caffarey (who unexpectedly passed away in 1997) and later George Hennessy (transporter for the USET). Friends of Moira donated a trophy for the first-ever grooms’ award at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg where individuals and companies donated prizes to be given to the winning groom. As donations increased each year, it was decided that each of the Grand Prix grooms deserved a “Thank You” for their efforts and professionalism. A tote bag was awarded to each Grand Prix groom, filled with goodies and gift cards from generous sponsors.
The Grooms’ Award, Ltd. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, recognizing professional grooms at select major horse shows each year. The Grooms’ Award, Ltd. welcomes donations and sponsorships; those interested should contact Marty Bauman at 508-698-6810 or marty@classic-communications.com.
For more information, or to donate, please visit www.groomsaward.org. The Grooms Award, Ltd. is also on Facebook and Instagram. #groomsrock
