4Racing hands 26% of the business to Grooms and Employees’ Trust
As part of the historic 4Racing Transformation plan, 4Racing handed 26% of the business to a Grooms and Employees' Trust, along with many long-standing grooms’ privileges.
Horse racing company 4Racing has begun the historic roll-out of a significant transformation initiative to enhance the working conditions and welfare of grooms.
This initiative includes upgrading grooms’ accommodation, providing funeral insurance and medical benefits, and a groundbreaking Grooms’ Trust that will give grooms and stable hands a considerable stake in the 4Racing company.
According to the CEO of 4Racing, Fundi Sithebe, 4Racing pledged to help improve the company and the entire horse racing business when the Competition Commission authorised the agreement between Phumelela and 4Racing on March 31, 2021.
“Grooms are one of the most crucial parts of the horse racing industry. They are also, traditionally, the most marginalised stakeholders. This landmark approval by the 4Racing board of the funding for the Grooms’ Trust initiative is a massive moment in the history of South African horseracing.
The Grooms’ Trust will genuinely empower grooms and stable hands. We are extremely proud of the progressive steps being made to improve the holistic living standards of these important stakeholders, as well as by the formation of the Employees’ Trust,” Fundi said.
The Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Trust (BBOS), whose beneficiaries will be grooms and stable hands, and the establishment of an Employee Share Ownership Program (ESOP) for 4Racing employees, will together receive a 26% shareholding of the company, as approved by the Competition Commission last December.
The setup and management of the Grooms’ and Workers’ Trust will be handled by an independent trust administrator appointed by 4Racing. The Grooms and Stable Hands’ Trust (BBOS) will receive 16% of the company’s shares in total, while 4Racing Employees will receive 10% (ESOP).
What is a groom?
A groom or stable hand is a person in charge of all or part of the horse management process and the upkeep of the stables.
Duties of a horse groom
• Take horses out for exercise;
• Tidy up tools such as saddles and bridles, brush, and trim the coats of the horses;
• Clean out the stables, change the bedding, keep an eye on the horses’ health, and report any issues;
• Treat minor injuries, swap out bandages, and administer medication.
Why is horse grooming important?
Similar to how we need to practise self-care, taking care of our physical and emotional needs by bathing, grooming, brushing our teeth, and other similar activities, horses, too, require daily care and attention.
Your horse benefits greatly from grooming. Regular brushing and currying help massage the horse, which increases blood flow to the skin and can help to treat bacterial and fungal infections.
It also aids the release of oils that give your horse that stunning, dazzling shine.
How to groom a horse: A step-by-step guide
• Be certain to tie your horse up with cross ties on both sides before you begin grooming. This is a crucial safety measure since it protects you and your horse while you work on it and steadies it.
• It is crucial to converse with your horse and gently brush it during the grooming procedure to encourage bonding and connection.
• Clean your horse’s hooves completely. To start, gently pick up its foot, turn it over, and look within the hoof for any dirt, rocks, or other objects.
• Picking off the feet will allow you to begin bathing your horse. Again, it would be better to conduct this with your horse in the open area outside. Wash over your horse’s body with your hosepipe while being mindful of the horse’s feelings.
• Once the horse has been bathed, you can start brushing it. Start with the curry comb, and gently but firmly work it through your horse’s body. Any dirt or debris embedded in the horse’s coat will come loose with the curry comb.
• Brush the mane and tail after the body has been well cleaned. Use a specific comb or brush to disentangle the hairs, and if you want a smoother look, you may also add a detangler.
• Finally, you can apply any topical medicines and ointments to your horse. To make your horse look neat and dapper, tidy up any hair that is out of place using scissors or an electric trimmer.
“It goes beyond just keeping your horse clean and strengthening your relationship to properly groom your horse. More importantly, this is an excellent time to check your horse’s health for irregularities like lumps, discomfort, or infections. Your horse’s health could be in danger if these are neglected,” Nceba Magazi, head of grooms, concluded.
