British Equestrian Federation asks riders to “consider the risks and what is ‘essential’ and not ride”
By Equestrian Life
The British Equestrian Federation recently issued an update for the industry, encouraging people not to ride – although it hasn’t been banned.
“Government has not issued any restrictions on riding, but we would continue to urge everyone to carefully consider the risks and what is ‘essential’ and not ride. The emergency and health services are working at full capacity to combat the virus and as a community we shouldn’t add to that burden. If you choose to ride, we’d strongly suggest avoiding activity with heightened risk and keeping to your own property.”
BEF also commented on reports of panic buying of horse feed and bedding explaining that it’s not necessary.
“Supply level is more than adequate if consumers continue to buy reasonably. The sector is viewed as ‘essential industry’ so can continue running as normal under the current restrictions. Feed and bedding manufacturing is working as normal on the whole so the supply is in place to meet demand – there’s enough to go around if you buy sensibly.”
The British Equine Veterinary Association are recommending that vets work towards offering a 24-hour emergency service only.
“This means they (BEVA) are advising all non-essential and routine work to be stopped. Vets are being asked to consider telephone and video consultations and where a physical examination is necessary, the owner/handler/trainer should declare they are free from coronavirus.”
The British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association has issued guidance as well.
“Farriery is considered essential work and they have introduced a traffic light system to help with which appointments to attend. Non-crucial hoofcare should be avoided if there is no risk of long term effects, where horses require time-sensitive appointments on welfare/soundness issues consideration should be given as advisory hoofcare and then where by not attending there may be serious detrimental effects on the horse, defined as crucial hoofcare.”
Farriers have been instructed to:
• Call ahead to verify that no one present is ill or has been in contact with anyone who is ill.
• No more than one owner or carer should be in attendance at appointments and should tie the horse up and then immediately move away to a safe distance
• Observe the current coronavirus hygiene guidance.
“A number of horse owners are considering ‘roughing off’ horses with their farrier’s advice, which may require moving horses to different locations. We would advise that, on welfare grounds, this would be permissible because in the long run it would lessen journeys and contact. Please ensure you maintain the two metre rule and only have two people maximum involved in the move.”
The full press release from the BEF can be found here.
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