The Grooms Award, Ltd. Expands Program Recognizing Professional Grooms

Edited Press Release

Foxborough, MA — February 7, 2022 — The Grooms Award, Ltd., a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization that recognizes and rewards professional grooms, has expanded its schedule for the 2022 season. The Grooms Award is scheduled to present gifts and awards to grooms in 20 classes at 11 major horse shows. After garnering new support for its programs recognizing grooms in 2021, this year’s expanded schedule will mark the organization’s busiest year yet.

“Last year was an incredible year for The Grooms Award, and we look forward to expanding our schedule even further to include 20 classes at 11 top horse shows this season,” said Andrea Mewhinney, Director of The Grooms Award, Ltd. “Grooms are the backbone of the horse show world, working behind the scenes to keep the horses in their care fit, healthy, and ready to compete. We greatly appreciate our sponsors and supporters for helping us to recognize and reward these hard-working members of our community.”

Sponsors of The Grooms Award, Ltd. include Haygain, Shapley’s, EquiFit, Boy-O-Boy Bridleworks, The Doubleday Foundation, Dr. Ron Gaeta, Paula and Michael Gaughan, South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa.
The Grooms Award, Ltd. is scheduled to participate in the following 2022 events:

  • Nations Cup at Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF 8) – Wellington, FL – March 5
  • Live Oak International – Ocala, FL – March 6
  • *Nations Cup at Blenheim EquiSports – San Juan Capistrano, CA – May 15
  • *Devon Horse Show – Devon, PA – June 2
  • *Upperville Colt & Horse Show – Upperville, VA – June 12
  • *Lake Placid Horse Show – Lake Placid, NY – July 3
  • *American Gold Cup – Traverse City, MI – Sept. 18
  • *Pennsylvania National Horse Show – Harrisburg, PA – Oct. 22
  • *Riders Cup – Burbank, CA – Oct. 22
  • *National Horse Show – Lexington, KY – Nov. 5
  • *Las Vegas National Horse Show – Las Vegas, NV – Nov. 19

*The Grooms Award will present gifts to grooms in two featured classes at these events.

In recognition of their efforts and professionalism, every groom of a declared horse in each horse show’s featured Grand Prix, or in two cases the Nations Cup, will receive an assortment of Grooms Award gifts. In most cases, presentations will include grooms of the horses in the Hunter Derby or Hunter Classic as well. In each of the season’s 20 designated classes, the groom of the winning horse (and in the two Nations Cups, all the horses on the winning team) will also receive a beautifully engraved EquiFit Ringside Backpack filled with additional goodies, gift cards and products from supporters such as Haygain, Shapley’s, EquiFit and Boy-O-Boy Bridleworks.

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.

Founded in 2000, EquiFit, inc. is a Massachusetts-based company that designs and manufactures technologically advanced products for top riders and horses throughout the world. From their ImpacTeqTM technology to the D-TeqTM Boot line, the T-Sport WrapTM to the GelCompressionTM Therapy line, EquiFit continues to raise expectations by pairing innovative designs with highly advanced materials. For more information, please visit www.EquiFit.net.

Haygain is a science-backed horse health company. This global company manufactures high-temperature hay steaming equipment, the Forager Slow Feeder and Haygain’s ComfortStall Sealed Orthopedic Flooring. For more information, please visit www.haygain.us.

Since 1938, generations of horsemen worldwide, representing all breeds and riding disciplines, have placed their trust in Shapley’s. This trust has made Shapley’s a leader in the horse care industry. Shapley’s is proud to offer an extensive and award-winning line of superior equine grooming products. From their Original MTG, still the market leader in equine skin health care, to all their grooming products used by horsemen and women today, Shapley’s products represent the highest quality available. Shapley’s products add health and shine to the horse’s coat and skin. Shapley’s is so proud to support so many organizations that give back to the people in the horse industry. Shapley’s is always proud to support the hardworking grooms and we are excited by our affiliation with the Grooms Award. For more information, please visit www.shapleys.com.

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.

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