Team spirit

Behind every top rider is a top groom, sharing in the highs and lows of the sport. Andrea Oakes investigates how to keep morale high

- Andrea Oakes

SINCE they joined forces at Tal Milstein’s yard five years ago, showjumper William Whitaker and his groom Benoit Lecomte have relocated across Belgium and on to Germany, the United States and now West Yorkshire.

“We seem to have worked well together from the beginning,” says William, who is quick to acknowledge Benoit’s “vital role” alongside him on the global competition circuit. “The schedule is full-on, but he knows his job and I trust him to do what he needs to do.”

Benoit likes the way his boss operates, explaining: “There’s no stress. William never panics, he’s always laid-back and he makes good decisions.”

It’s a productive partnership. High-profile wins include William’s 2018 FEI Jumping World Cup victory with Utamaro d’Ecaussines, which crowned an epic week at Olympia – described by Benoit as the most emotional of his life. What’s the secret to maintaining such a happy working relationship?

“Being a show groom is a tough job with a lot of pressure and responsibility,” William explains. “These lads and lasses can be looking after millions of pounds worth of horse, so it’s important that they’re looked after, too.

“As an employer, I try to treat people as I’d like to be treated myself,” he adds. “I help Benoit out as much as I can, with the driving, for example, as I’ve had to do it all myself in the past and I know how tiring it can be. I try to make sure he’s in the best shape for the job he’s employed to do.”

Professionalism aside, there’s also a friendship based on shared ambitions and mutual respect.