THESE are strange and stressful times for all, with experiences that none of us have ever seen before or want to repeat.
Despite the tragic spiralling death toll, the rapid spread of the virus and the unprecedented strain on the NHS, I can’t help wondering if we are doing the right thing. In Sweden, older and more vulnerable people are isolating, with gatherings of over 50 people banned, but life otherwise carries on as normal.
The UK lockdown will be responsible for bankrupting thousands of businesses and putting the country into a debt situation that will take generations to recover from.
I’m currently in Florida, although hoping to be home before the end of April. In the US, all horse shows are cancelled until 3 May, subject to a two-weekly review. The situation varies from state to state, but most areas are not on as stringent a lockdown as the UK.
No one can come into yards from off-site for lessons, so professionals can’t teach unless they have the horses in their care. Horse sales have dried up because many don’t have the disposable income; this won’t change for some time after the lockdown is lifted as businesses will take time to recover.
Denne historien er fra April 09, 2020-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra April 09, 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
'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
