Emma Uusi-Simola (FIN) clinched this year’s prestigious Cavalor FEI Best Groom Award, in recognition of her outstanding dedication and hard work as groom for Swiss athlete Steve Guerdat.

Photo: Emma Uusi-Simola, Cavalor FEI Best Groom (FIN) and Lieselot Hamerlinck Managing Director Cavalor. Taken on 21 November 2023 by Liz Gregg. Copyright of FEI : Liz Gregg.

Over the past decade, Emma has been an integral part of Steve’s team, demonstrating unwavering passion and commitment through the highs and lows of the sport. A trusted member of the Swiss team, Emma is often the groom of choice when travelling to equestrian events overseas is required. Her special bond with Steve’s

Emma Uusi-Simola, Cavalor FEI Best Groom (FIN). Taken on 21 November 2023 by Liz Gregg. Copyright of FEI : Liz Gregg.

horse Dynamix, her understanding of her athlete’s needs as well as her ability to anticipate and adapt to any situation has been pivotal to his success.

Receiving the award from Managing Director of Cavalor Liselotte Hamerlinck, Emma said, “I’m really pleased to get this FEI Cavalor Best Groom Award and it means a lot to me.

“Horses are my whole life. I love to work with them because they challenge me every day. All of them have own personality, and I have to figure out how to handle each and every one of them.

“You need time to get to know the horses and it does not happen in one day. Some horses are easier and some horses are more difficult. With some of them you need two years to figure out what they like and don’t like.”