With all of the Home Nations now under varying National Lockdowns there are a number of new restrictions which will have a direct impact on horse owners, riders, equine practitioners and businesses.
We understand that our clients are eager to keep business moving forward, keep horses and themselves fit and healthy, and also follow the Government's new lockdown laws that come into affect from the 6th January.
The overriding message during this time is 'stay at home'. There are a number of permissible reasons for leaving home which include for work, if you cannot reasonably work from home, to care for animals and other people, for medical attention, to shop for essentials and for exercise.
Unlike the November lockdown exercise should now be limited to once per day, however in a difference to the March 2020 lockdown exercise may be taken with 1 other person from a separate household or with members of your household or support bubble.
In general, all of the equestrian policies currently being provided by Shearwater Insurance are operating as normal as long as the insured are acting within Government guidelines.
As per the British Equestrian Federation advice, that can be found here, farriers, vets, dentists, physiotherapists, grooms and other equine practitioners can continue to operate, provided that they have COVID protocols and risk assessments in place to maintain safe working conditions. Coaches can continue to travel to work where they can’t work from home.
We should all bear in mind the following key points in relation to the current National Lockdown in England:
For clients residing in Wales there should be no mixing of households and you should not meet with anyone outside of your support bubble or household. Based on the restriction of household mixing face-to-face coaching is not permitted. Coaching options should be moved online. Full guidance can be found here.
For clients residing in Scotland you must abide by the limitations on travel, however outdoor training facilities and indoor arenas can remain open for hire provided that COVID protocols are in place and the restrictions on travel and numbers are adhered to. A maximum of 2 people from 2 separate households can meet at one time, under 12’s do not count in this number. Coaches should only deliver coaching within the local authority area and to only 1 over 12 at one time. Full guidance can be found here.
The latest updates from the BHS can be found here.