RIDERS are celebrating as the easing of England’s lockdown spells the restart of organised equestrian sport, but frustration remains over a late Government change to rules on indoor arenas.
Competition and training, as well as lessons at riding schools, were allowed to resume on Monday (29 March), following months of lockdown. But the related legislation, under which indoor arenas are in the main not allowed to be used, was only released on Friday (26 March).
There was confusion last year as indoor arenas were not allowed to open despite the fact they are far more ventilated and larger than other permitted businesses.
Defra and the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) finally agreed such facilities could be used from 4 July. At the time, British Equestrian (BEF) acting CEO Iain Graham said the BEF and others had “gone to great lengths to explain the nature of equestrian indoor schools and today we finally made the breakthrough”.
Guidance that applied for the rest of the year stated that indoor schools counted as outdoor in the rules, and so could be used.
A BEF spokesman said on 26 March: “This wording was introduced into the legislation, and equestrian activity and sport was able to resume under strict Covid protocols to ensure the safety of all participants. The wording has been removed from the legislation published today.
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Denne historien er fra April 01, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
