Professional freelance groom Alex Van Tuyll is a well-known figure in the world of big eventing competitions. As World Class Operations & Logistics Coordinator for the British Equestrian Federation, Alex has also been providing Operations Support for the British Equestrian Team in Paris this summer, and we’re incredibly lucky that she has taken some precious time out to tell us more about her work and her life with horses.
How old were you when you first began looking after horses and ponies?
I was fortunate to grow up around lots of animals. Both my parents rode, with my mother competing in the showing world and hunting at every opportunity. For my Christmas present aged 15 months I got a beautiful dun mare called Nina from my godfather. She stayed in the family for 10 years until she was outgrown by my sisters.
Can you tell us what your professional life has involved over the past 10 years or so?
Having been a full-time groom to William Fox Pitt for 10 years and then I went freelance for several years working mainly in eventing before working full time for British Equestrian in 2020. I have been extremely fortunate to travel extensively with work and have met so many people that I still keep in touch with. Some with equestrian backgrounds and others not so much.
Are you allowed to tell us what you have been doing with the British Equestrian Team this summer, and if so, what have been the highlights?
This summer we have been building up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games on Paris. As part of the operations team, we have made several trips to France to ensure a smooth trip for our equine and human athletes when they arrive in country to compete on the World’s biggest stage. As a team we are responsible for having everything ready prior to everyone arriving on venue.
There are so many highlights but seeing Britain on the podium in the main arena at the Chateau de Versailles – and so many times and in all disciplines – is very special knowing that we have helped to contribute to their success.
Looking after top class horses before and during competitions is a huge responsibility. What are the main challenges for you?
We try to ensure that all the horses are kept in their normal routine as much as possible as we feel this helps them perform at their very best. This is not always possible, but we try to disrupt them as little as we can. On arrival we like the horses to be comfortable, nice deep beds, with water and forage in their normal place. We also put up fans within the stables if the weather is warm.
As a bedding manufacturer, we’ve supplied Bedmax to the UK’s biggest events for many years now. How important is bedding to you in caring for the horses at events such as Badminton and Burghley?
Most competition horses are stabled on shavings at home and when away in competition during their respective competition season as it aids in making the surrounding environment as dust free as possible while allowing them a cosy stable. Knowing that Bedmax test their products regularly and is part of the BETA NOPS scheme reassures me that I am doing the very best for the horses under my care.
Do you think we’ve made significant progress in the care and welfare of our horses in your lifetime?
Yes, beyond any doubt. Horse care and people’s knowledge has improved a huge amount in recent times. I was lucky enough to go to my local pony club when growing up and we were all taught how to actively look after our ponies. Since then, the education programme for everyone connected to horses has significantly improved. There are a number of well published courses where people can brush up on their knowledge or take new courses to learn additional skills. At competitions I am always willing to help people who want to learn or who come and ask questions – it’s the way I learnt!
Of all the horses you’ve ever owned or worked with, do you have any special favourites?
I have too many favourites – I love them all! I have a homebred event horse that is very special despite his cheeky antics. I thrive on getting to know the horses I work and like to take the time to get to know the horses and their own special requirements, you then create a special bond with them. As I have been in the equine world for a long time, I have been extremely fortunate to work alongside some very special equine superstars in all disciplines.