With Europe now the epicentre of the global coronavirus pandemic, we are all dealing with considerable disruption to our everyday lives. As neighbouring countries close their schools, cancel mass gatherings and impose lockdowns in an attempt to combat Covid-19, here in the UK we face increasingly stringent measures to help delay its spread.
What might this mean for equestrian sport? International classes across the equestrian disciplines have already been cancelled, on the recommendation of the FEI, and national classes are following suit this week, but will there be prolonged disruption at local level?
“We have contingency plans for different options and will be ready to act on the government’s advice,” says Winnie Murphy, who manages communications for British Dressage (BD) and the British Equestrian Federation. “The average dressage show is not a mass spectator event, as tests are spread out across the day. Our venues include equine and agricultural colleges and universities, however. If they close, the decision may be made for us.”
Moving or postponing a larger event such as April’s BD winter championships is no easy task, as Winnie points out.
“The winters take place over five days, involve 900 tests and require three arenas along with stabling and infrastructure,” she explains. “The show is pretty much a 360-day organisational job. You can’t just pick it up and put it down somewhere else.”
Outdoor events involving more than 500 people were banned in Ireland and Scotland last week and all of Britain’s race meetings have taken place “behind closed doors” since Tuesday. Might this be an option for our spring calendar blockbusters?
Denne historien er fra March 19, 2020-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra March 19, 2020-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Rider Denies Doping After Team Loses Olympic Placing - Tine Magnus and the Belgian team said they do not know the source of the drug that caused the positive test
Olympic eventer Tine Magnus has denied ever doping after her Paris ride Dia Van Het Lichterveld Z gave a positive test at the Games. This means the Belgian team, which came fourth, has been disqualified. On 4 September, the FEI said the 10-year-old mare, owned by Kris van Vaerenbergh, tested positive for trazodone, which is listed as an antidepressant on the FEI's prohibited substances list.
Michael Eilberg
The top dressage rider talks to Polly Bryan about the special horse with the potential to carry him back onto the British team, how to be a better coach and using his talent for teaching to help the sport
Schooling success
Combining school and riding can be tricky, but horses can benefit a child's education. Lottie Morgan uncovers some options for horse-loving pupils
How to get a job in hunting
The British Hound Sports Association's apprentice scheme is providing young people with excellent all-round training in the skills required - and many others besides, as Tessa Waugh discovers
Burke's Affair to remember
A fast round delights one rider who comes away with a coveted grand prix trophy and a rankings class concludes with an unusual tie
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
'I'm grateful to have such a wonderful partner'
The brilliant duo of Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei seal back-to-back grands prix after a dramatic turn of events
Hamlett takes centre stage
Two horses round off their competitive careers with victories, a championship specialist earns her fourth title and a pair with a combined age of 105 prove invincible
'This is the ultimate five-star test'
Mark Phillips on Burghley's highs, lows, challenges and champions