Are people riding?

[Tiddlypom]

It is part of the individual judgement call though - I believe that I am less likely to sustain an injury doing the same type of exercise as I do every day, than if I randomly started cycling or yoga or knife throwing.

Indeed, but I presume that you are fairly proficient at walking by now. Or is that still a work in progress ?

 

[Sussexbythesea]

You could cycle it instead?

Oh ffs I have to cycle 20 miles a day to see my horses? And go to Work?

I also take my dog with me as apparently mucking out is also his form exercise.

 

[DabDab]

Indeed, but I presume that you are fairly proficient at walking by now. Or is that still a work in progress ?

Jury's out .

Serious answer is that I'm doing quite a lot of walking alongside my horses atm. The dogs are exercising themselves. Currently only leaving the property to fetch food and when we have to go to work.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Oh ffs I have to cycle 20 miles a day to see my horses? And go to Work?

I also take my dog with me as apparently mucking out is also his form exercise.

Fair enough, but equally it was a fair question, so no need for the ffs. Trying to combine essential travel with exercise is something for all of us to consider, though for plenty of people it won’t be possible for various reasons.

 

[ycbm]

Fair enough, but equally it was a fair question, so no need for the ffs. Trying to combine essential travel with exercise is something for all of us to consider, though for plenty of people it won’t be possible for various reasons.

It's not really your place to tell someone that you haven't annoyed them enough with your preaching to make them swear, though, is it ?‍?

.

 

[Sail_away]

Cycling’s not an option for quite a few people I should think! At the very least I am far more likely to sustain serious injury cycling nine miles on the A3 while lorries pile up behind me! And google maps says walking it would take me four hours so I think I really do need to drive for that one...
And yes, he’s on DIY. There’s two grooms to help on a yard of 50 plus horses, they are already very busy, there is no way they could cope with all of us asking them to do full care. I’m not driving to ride my horse, I’m driving to care for my horse and riding in the arena while I’m there, because I think it’s safer to keep him in work.
And to the people saying they can’t believe people have such badly trained horses that they absolutely must be ridden - it’s a risk assessment.
I say, okay, it’s a maybe 1 in 300 chance I fall off during flatwork. But if I have a fresh fit horse in no work, what are the chances he spooks and runs in to me while I’m leading him, or trips me up? Maybe 1 in 200. So yes, it’s incredibly unlikely he does anything, and if he does do anything, it’s unlikely I’ll be hospitalised from it, but I personally think it’s a greater risk than the one carried from riding. Some people think differently, that’s fine, but saying that the people still riding are doing it because they’re not thinking of the implications on society and whatnot is just a little insulting, no?

 

[Upthecreek]

Been desperately trying to stay away from this thread but the riding/no riding debate is so interesting. I am firmly in the no riding camp but after reading lots of posts giving an alternative view I can at least understand the reasons why some people are continuing, even if I don’t personally agree.

I do wonder how people are continuing to ride and comply fully with the restrictions that have been imposed, but if they are guidelines and not law do people have to comply?

People who are out and about in towns and cities are being challenged by the police and instructed to go home. Horse riding generally takes place in the countryside so is less visible, but would riders be challenged by the police if they were seen?

 

[Cowpony101]

Yes I am, but nothing too wild or wacky because NHS is under a lot of pressure at the moment obviously

 

[mavandkaz]

Nobody’s going to the yard just to ride though. As I said above I will drive the 5 miles there and back twice a day regardless so the breaking down argument is totally irrelevant.

Oh but they are.
Where I keep my horse is a mix of DIY, but mainly part livery (all care done by yo, but not riding) and all of them are still coming up to see their horses and ride.

 

[Floofball]

Talking to friends (on phone, FB etc) they can’t believe I’m not riding. I am in a low risk position, sane/sensible horse, just me at a private yard with soon to be access to fields now they’re drying. It makes me question my decision?? I’ve come to the conclusion that it is because having ridden for coming up to 50 years now without any serious injury, I’ve always been able to patch myself up. I would hate to push my luck at this time ? I am personally terrified of the thought of needing to go to hospital! ? I was surprised to see an advert today for breaking/schooling livery at reduced rates to fill stables/keep business going - some people are just not getting it at all ?

 

[Wheels]

Been desperately trying to stay away from this thread but the riding/no riding debate is so interesting. I am firmly in the no riding camp but after reading lots of posts giving an alternative view I can at least understand the reasons why some people are continuing, even if I don’t personally agree.

I do wonder how people are continuing to ride and comply fully with the restrictions that have been imposed, but if they are guidelines and not law do people have to comply?

People who are out and about in towns and cities are being challenged by the police and instructed to go home. Horse riding generally takes place in the countryside so is less visible, but would riders be challenged by the police if they were seen?

What are the reasons that people are being asked to stay at home / only essential travel / exercise outside only once? Isn't it because they are trying to limit the contact between people who dont live together? So if someone is going to the yard to look after their horse (essential) and nobody else is there then they are not coming into contact with anyone so they are not breaking guidelines.

My horses are at home so if I ride in my own arena which is away from any other member of public then I am not coming into contact with anyone therefore not breaking any guidelines.

What guidelines do you think people are not complying with?

 

[w1bbler]

Question, I keep seeing people mentioning 1 hours excercise.
I get it that some yards are giving 1 hour time slots, so that everyone at the yard has a fair turn, but is it in the guidelines anywhere?
I have my own field, 5 min drive from house. I'm spending hours there in this current weather, grooming, groundwork & field maintenance.
There is no one else around so I'm assuming I'm not breaking an regulations?
It's my only trip out each day so counts as my one form of excercise.

 

[Wheels]

Not sure what the 1hr thing is about, haven't seen that in anything official for the uk

 

[Upthecreek]

What are the reasons that people are being asked to stay at home / only essential travel / exercise outside only once? Isn't it because they are trying to limit the contact between people who dont live together? So if someone is going to the yard to look after their horse (essential) and nobody else is there then they are not coming into contact with anyone so they are not breaking guidelines.

My horses are at home so if I ride in my own arena which is away from any other member of public then I am not coming into contact with anyone therefore not breaking any guidelines.

What guidelines do you think people are not complying with?

The advice on the gov.uk website for caring for horses and other livestock is this:

“Advice if you do not have symptoms of coronavirus:
You may leave your house to exercise once a day and you should combine this with leaving your house to provide care for your horse or livestock.

It is essential that you minimise the time spent outside of the home and remain 2 metres away from others. You should remember to wash your hands before and after contact with any animals.”

It’s the minimising time outside the home it seems people aren’t complying with, certainly not from what lots of people are posting about what they are doing with their horses. But maybe those people all keep their horses at home.

Do people have to comply though if this is advice/guidance?

 

[Wheels]

But if people are alone with their horses, however long they are with them then why does it matter? What are the consequences of spending 4 hours at the yard as oppose to 1 hour if other people aren't around or if everyone is complying with the 2m social distancing rules?

 

[Upthecreek]

But if people are alone with their horses, however long they are with them then why does it matter? What are the consequences of spending 4 hours at the yard as oppose to 1 hour if other people aren't around or if everyone is complying with the 2m social distancing rules?

I don’t know. Why is someone sat on their own in a park or on the beach instructed by the police to go home? I assume because the advice/guidance for everyone is to stay at home apart from the specified essentials.

 

[be positive]

But if people are alone with their horses, however long they are with them then why does it matter? What are the consequences of spending 4 hours at the yard as oppose to 1 hour if other people aren't around or if everyone is complying with the 2m social distancing rules?

I also don't see the difference between 1 hour or 4, once the journey, if there is one, has been made if there is nobody else at the yard I cannot see how spending time outside in the fresh air doing something useful can be harmful, sitting in a public place is different to being in a small livery yard, your own field or yard taking your time doing jobs that may not be essential but can keep you occupied, bigger yards with more people coming and going do need some restrictions as do all businesses.

I also think that just because some people can still have fun, as long as it is within the rules, then why should they be stopped because others cannot have the same freedom, it doesn't mean we are not thinking about those less fortunate but it will not help if everyone has to be miserable, I know how lucky I am to be in a rural area and have my own land so while I can I will appreciate it.

 

[stormox]

I also don't see the difference between 1 hour or 4, once the journey, if there is one, has been made if there is nobody else at the yard I cannot see how spending time outside in the fresh air doing something useful can be harmful, sitting in a public place is different to being in a small livery yard, your own field or yard taking your time doing jobs that may not be essential but can keep you occupied, bigger yards with more people coming and going do need some restrictions as do all businesses.

I also think that just because some people can still have fun, as long as it is within the rules, then why should they be stopped because others cannot have the same freedom, it doesn't mean we are not thinking about those less fortunate but it will not help if everyone has to be miserable, I know how lucky I am to be in a rural area and have my own land so while I can I will appreciate it.

I think its absolutely fine to spend 4 hours or more if its your horse and your yard.
But if its someone elses property you should abide by yard rules whether you like them or not.
And for example if its a yard with multiple horse owners and only 2 are allowed at one time your 4 hours might prevent others from going up.
Your yard - your rules. Livery yard - owners rules.

 

[Follysmum]

One of my friends has just rang me to say she went splat on the road earlier from her steady eddy old horse.

Its really shook her up and she says she won’t be riding anytime soon.

 

[Wheels]

I think its absolutely fine to spend 4 hours or more if its your horse and your yard.
But if its someone elses property you should abide by yard rules whether you like them or not.
And for example if its a yard with multiple horse owners and only 2 are allowed at one time your 4 hours might prevent others from going up.
Your yard - your rules. Livery yard - owners rules.

I dont think anyone is debating that?

 

[Wheels]

I don’t know. Why is someone sat on their own in a park or on the beach instructed by the police to go home? I assume because the advice/guidance for everyone is to stay at home apart from the specified essentials.

Presumably it's because they are in a public place where they might come across others or others may come across them - it is not the same thing at all

 

[oldie48]

If I had my previous horse I'd still school in my own arena and hack out to keep him from getting bored. He was very predictable, great in traffic regardless of size/type and not at all spooky. Rose is a different matter so it's common sense not to ride ATM. However, I can walk for miles from my doorstep and not see another person so I am taking Stanley out for an hour each morning and OH takes him for a shorter walk in the late afternoon. If I lived in a town or city and had to walk on pavements and in a local park then I'd stick to the half hour to reduce the number of walkers and dogs out at any one time. I need the exercise to boost my immune system (heard it on Woman's hour) so that if I get the lurgy I stand less chance of being really ill.

 

[Upthecreek]

Whether it is public or private land must be the the key thing then, but I would imagine many of the people still riding are not doing so entirely on private land and that’s what I was pondering. Would they be challenged if seen by the police and told to go home in the way that people in towns, cities and those visiting beauty spots have been even if they are keeping 2 metres from anyone else? Or would the police accept it as the rider’s daily exercise & if so why aren’t they accepting that for the above-mentioned as long as they are sticking to the two metre rule? It seems such a grey area.

My concern is if people don’t ‘comply’ stronger restrictions will soon be imposed on where people can go and for what purpose and everyone will suffer more and for longer. I live near two very popular beauty spots and people were still turning up in their cars today from far afield (carparks are closed so they were parking on the sides of the roads) so the message to stay at home is still not getting through or is being ignored ??‍

 

[ester]

People cycling aren't doing so on private land either, and likely covering more mileage (the advice from on high to keep well within your mileage capabilities.
fwiw I'm cycling, unrideable horse 200 miles away. Though not today, it's too windy .

 

[Wheels]

Whether it is public or private land must be the the key thing then, but I would imagine many of the people still riding are not doing so entirely on private land and that’s what I was pondering. Would they be challenged if seen by the police and told to go home in the way that people in towns, cities and those visiting beauty spots have been even if they are keeping 2 metres from anyone else? Or would the police accept it as the rider’s daily exercise & if so why aren’t they accepting that for the above-mentioned as long as they are sticking to the two metre rule? It seems such a grey area.

??‍

I think you are missing the point really that it is not necessarily o do with whether it is a public or private land rather it is about the likelihood of coming into contact with other people. This is of course much more likely in towns and cities than in rural locations. If someone was riding their horse through belfast city centre they might well be sent home but if they are hackng around local quiet roads where they are not likely to be in contact with others then that should not be an issue

I dont really think it is very grey at all

Stay away from other people

 

[DottlebangBandersnatch]

Somebody said that it is against the law now? Like you can be fined and stuff. Is this true or just rubbish. I won't be riding anyway but some friends have been

 

[Tiddlypom]

fwiw I'm cycling, unrideable horse 200 miles away. Though not today, it's too windy .

I first read this to mean that you are thinking of cycling 200 miles to see F . Would it be a following wind?

 

[ester]

It better bloody be! There's some hills in the middle somewhere too, just not at either end!

 

[Carrottom]

I have been working friends horse in hand and over poles in her school prior to returning to riding after slight lameness. She needs exercise now to prevent weight gain having managed to slim down over winter. Yesterday she tripped on a pole and stumbled which carried on for a couple of strides. It bought home to me how easy it would have been for her to go over, even though she had done the exercise many times. Glad I wasn't on board.

 

[milliepops]

I also don't see the difference between 1 hour or 4, once the journey, if there is one, has been made if there is nobody else at the yard I cannot see how spending time outside in the fresh air doing something useful can be harmful, sitting in a public place is different to being in a small livery yard, your own field or yard taking your time doing jobs that may not be essential but can keep you occupied, bigger yards with more people coming and going do need some restrictions as do all businesses.

I also think that just because some people can still have fun, as long as it is within the rules, then why should they be stopped because others cannot have the same freedom, it doesn't mean we are not thinking about those less fortunate but it will not help if everyone has to be miserable, I know how lucky I am to be in a rural area and have my own land so while I can I will appreciate it.

agree with all of this.
I was the last one at the yard today. I tootled round with my field horses first so everyone else been and gone by the time I arrived, tbh I have no idea if the full liveries came for their regular saturday morning lessons or not, I don't see them very often. I could have stayed in the arena for hours and it would have made no difference, it was me, myself and I there.
the 1 hour thing has been dreamed up by people reading things into words that aren't there. If you had 10 horses to see to, 1 hour would be impossible. I can understand a yard giving people a slot but where this is not necessary it really makes no odds, if there's no one else there.

I had a lovely ride, I feel buoyed up and ready to take on the next week at work. It's going to be another grim week of horrid decisions and I feel so very lucky to have the horses to cheer me up in between it all.