“ONE day, I’m going to work for Carl Hester,” announced eight-year-old Lucy Scudamore to her mother some time around 2005. Now, 19 years later, her dream has come true in ways she could have hardly imagined. As head groom for Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin, having stepped up to the top job on their Gloucestershire yard after Alan Davies’ retirement in early 2023, Lucy is now a familiar face in dressage circles. Anyone who wasn’t already aware of her certainly is now – Lucy rounded off a whirlwind 2023 by being named Absorbine Groom of the Year at the H&H Awards.
“I remember watching Carl on TV aged eight and being completely obsessed. I decided I didn’t need to work at school because I was going to go and work for Carl,” she chuckles, although young Lucy’s intention was not to become a groom.
“I always thought I would be a dressage rider, but by 18 I was doing some work with young horses for Sandra Biddlecombe, just up the road from Carl, and I realised around that time that not everyone can be a rider,” she says.
What unfolded next could be attributed to fate. Lucy had done a work experience stint with Carl while training at Hartpury and got to know Charlotte during her time with Sandra – developing a particular affinity with a tall, quirky black youngster of Charlotte’s. When Charlotte mentioned back in 2017 that Alan was making mutterings about retirement – six years prematurely, as it turned out – she suggested to Lucy that she might be a good fit for a groom’s job at Carl’s.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der February 01, 2024-Ausgabe von Horse & Hound.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der February 01, 2024-Ausgabe von Horse & Hound.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
