angrybird1
Well-Known Member
I thought we were only supposed to be going out if essential though. However you look at it riding is not essential.
Are people riding?
- Thread starter doodle
- Start date
chocolategirl
Well-Known Member
Riding has been banned in France for weeks ?
Bernster
Well-Known Member
Agreed. I think the focus on added risk and nhs burden is skewing the conversation. Yes, avoid anything very risky but the guidance is to stay at home. Only go out per the guidance. It’s the travel bit that’s more relevant to why they've closed down the yard.
If you’ve got horses at home, or you need to care for their essential needs, limit your journeys but you can go out. Otherwise, stay at home. It’s tough but it seems clear to me. I’m not happy about it and I don’t think a solo journey in a car with no contact is risky, but that’s what the guidance says.
CanteringCarrot
Well-Known Member
I'm still in a weird spot about this.
We can exercise our horses due to the Animal Welfare Act (in Germany, btw) to ensure proper movement. Most places have no or limited turnout. Although it's better in the North and South, typically. Fields don't open at yards until late April/early May. So then, so I just leave my horse to stand in his box with small attached paddock (that's just twice the size of his box)? Some laps in the walker in the morning are a possibility. He's a good doer and a neurotic creature.
I have to bring his food, feed him in the evening, and soak his haynet. So I exercise him then. Soon, I also have to hand graze him to get him used to the grass he will eventually go on.
We have certain rules and procedures in place at the yard, and it's going well.
But no one else is concerned there and are still riding when able. I brought up my argument about overwhelming the health care system, reducing risk, all the things repeated in this thread, basically, and people look at me like I have 8 heads. One friend "understands" but is choosing to ride anyway. Her choice, but she is an at risk group, not a strong rider, and has a difficult horse. I really hope she has luck on her side. Her logic, "every time you fall you don't always end up in the hospital" okkk
People at the yard now think I'm afraid of my horse and not confident in my riding skills. Way to totally miss the point guys! But in reality I am just trying to minimize risk and I don't trust my shite luck! Nothing to do with the horse or skills!
I do think there are 2 other liveries thinking this way perhaps, as they've stopped riding and coming to the yard unless to deliver feed.
We can exercise our horses due to the Animal Welfare Act (in Germany, btw) to ensure proper movement. Most places have no or limited turnout. Although it's better in the North and South, typically. Fields don't open at yards until late April/early May. So then, so I just leave my horse to stand in his box with small attached paddock (that's just twice the size of his box)? Some laps in the walker in the morning are a possibility. He's a good doer and a neurotic creature.
I have to bring his food, feed him in the evening, and soak his haynet. So I exercise him then. Soon, I also have to hand graze him to get him used to the grass he will eventually go on.
We have certain rules and procedures in place at the yard, and it's going well.
But no one else is concerned there and are still riding when able. I brought up my argument about overwhelming the health care system, reducing risk, all the things repeated in this thread, basically, and people look at me like I have 8 heads. One friend "understands" but is choosing to ride anyway. Her choice, but she is an at risk group, not a strong rider, and has a difficult horse. I really hope she has luck on her side. Her logic, "every time you fall you don't always end up in the hospital" okkk
People at the yard now think I'm afraid of my horse and not confident in my riding skills. Way to totally miss the point guys! But in reality I am just trying to minimize risk and I don't trust my shite luck! Nothing to do with the horse or skills!
I do think there are 2 other liveries thinking this way perhaps, as they've stopped riding and coming to the yard unless to deliver feed.
Summit
Well-Known Member
I walk to my yard , usually only me there so it’s still quite a normal routine for me. I’m on my own, husband stuck in America so god knows when he’ll be home 
...::
about riding....I don’t consider myself a high risk, my horse is older, we don’t do much more than a trot so to me it’s no more riskier than riding a bike or even driving my car
...::about riding....I don’t consider myself a high risk, my horse is older, we don’t do much more than a trot so to me it’s no more riskier than riding a bike or even driving my car
milliepops
Wears headscarf aggressively
Re the journey. I have to go to the yard anyway, I'm my horses' main carer. It's not an extra trip if I ride my horse in the school at the yard while I'm there, I'm still in one place.
A month ago, anyone on here would have said it was a welfare concern to leave my horses in with 2 hours turnout a day, which is what they get on their current routine (yard rules). So I consider their daily exercise to still be a welfare priority, as we currently stand.
I'm trying to tie the 3 that are off site in a field into the same journey to limit trips out as much as possible. Obviously things are changing daily, so its a daily judgement call.
A month ago, anyone on here would have said it was a welfare concern to leave my horses in with 2 hours turnout a day, which is what they get on their current routine (yard rules). So I consider their daily exercise to still be a welfare priority, as we currently stand.
I'm trying to tie the 3 that are off site in a field into the same journey to limit trips out as much as possible. Obviously things are changing daily, so its a daily judgement call.
pansymouse
Well-Known Member
I've been to A&E once in 50 years riding but I shall still only be taking my horse out in-hand to reduce risk and allow both a little exercise. I will taking a route that avoids the roads and where I know I am highly unlikely to meet people.
AmyMay
Situation normal
Interestingly all my friends on livery have been told ‘no riding’, be it school work or hacking out.
angrybird1
Well-Known Member
I'm having to go to mine twice a day at the moment as no one else on site. That is essential. I do fully understand that if horses are in 24 /7 they need exercise but in my opinion that should be turnout or lunging or hand walking etc. Riding for recreational purposes at the moment is not essential. The is not a normal time and we really are not supposed to be doing anything not essential. If this virus continues to spread and get worse there will be harder measures brought in which could mean you need permission to leave your home.
I know we are all having to change the way we do things but at the moment I think we just really do have to do the basics.
I know we are all having to change the way we do things but at the moment I think we just really do have to do the basics.
milliepops
Wears headscarf aggressively
But again it depends on the individual circumstances as to what is safer. Last night someone started a thread about trying to lunge their horse but it was pulling loose and getting away from her. That is unsafe. So some people would be safer on board rather than trying to solve a lunging problem at the moment, for instance. I dont think it's that black and white.
angrybird1
Well-Known Member
I'm sorry but I dont agree. Riding is not essential. Turn horse out if at all possible for exercise. Riding is recreational and no horse actually Needs to be ridden at the moment. All events and shows etc have been cancelled for the foreseeable future. I know at this time of year we have to be careful about weight management/ grass etc but there are ways round this. Track systems muzzle etc. Think people really need to get their heads round that this is not a normal time. Yes care for your horses but realise that it's the basics for now.
This is a unprecedented and extremely serious crisis.
We all need to realise that what we want to do and would normally do doesn't apply now.
This is a unprecedented and extremely serious crisis.
We all need to realise that what we want to do and would normally do doesn't apply now.
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
It is an individual choice depending a lot on what facilities you have access to.
I have stopped riding shortly they will go out twenty hours a day they are out from nine to eight atm .
If I had no turnout I would work I would have to .
if I had limited turnout I would work but be very very careful .
I have stopped riding shortly they will go out twenty hours a day they are out from nine to eight atm .
If I had no turnout I would work I would have to .
if I had limited turnout I would work but be very very careful .
Chippers1
Well-Known Member
I'm still undecided about what to do. Our yard has said we are ok to ride straight from the field (and I have my tack etc at home with me) as the fields are quite a walk away from the yard however we would only be able to hack because we are not allowed on the actual yard (YO is 86!). Buzz is out 24/7 on a pretty sloped field so realistically isn't going to lose massive amounts of fitness and I always keep him on the lean side (after previous pony battled for years with lami issues) which is easy as he's not a fan of hard feed so i'm not too worried about him getting massively fat either. I guess the riding would be more for me than him and I don't think that is a valid reason.
I think I will re-assess the situation in a week or so. I had a lovely hack on Monday before lockdown at least!
Today I will walk to his field and stick his sweet itch rug on (just in case I can't get down soon) - it's about half an hour down the side of an A road but at least i'll be getting my exercise in! This may be what I have to do for the foreseeable.
To add, the worst injury I've had with him was when he spooked as I was bringing him in and he ran into me and knocked me flying
Edit to add: I've just bought some lovely PS of Sweden reins that I've coveted for a year and I am desperate to try them out but I can wait (just!) - that was what my comp/lesson money for this month went on!
I think I will re-assess the situation in a week or so. I had a lovely hack on Monday before lockdown at least!
Today I will walk to his field and stick his sweet itch rug on (just in case I can't get down soon) - it's about half an hour down the side of an A road but at least i'll be getting my exercise in! This may be what I have to do for the foreseeable.
To add, the worst injury I've had with him was when he spooked as I was bringing him in and he ran into me and knocked me flying
Edit to add: I've just bought some lovely PS of Sweden reins that I've coveted for a year and I am desperate to try them out but I can wait (just!) - that was what my comp/lesson money for this month went on!
stormox
Well-Known Member
I have thought long and hard about whether to ride and decided to continue. I have no turnout at mo, my young horse is at home and I think without proper work she would be impossible to lead out safely and I would be better off on top where I can give her real excersise and keep her calm.
milliepops
Wears headscarf aggressively
If yards are able or prepared to give extra turn out then it's not an issue. People making the most strident statements on this thread seem to think everyone has access to unlimited turnout. That's not the case. Our horses are still on the winter routine of very small paddocks and very limited time. YO is not intending to change that until the weather warms up and they go to overnight turnout (they'll be stabled during the day then so still requiring visits for care).
Not everyone is chucking them out 24/7 hence people will have to make different decisions.
Not everyone is chucking them out 24/7 hence people will have to make different decisions.
Roxylola
Well-Known Member
On a diy yard, horse with muscle myopathy, recently had treatment for low grade ulcers, fit and used to regular work. We have limited turnout - enough that doing something with him is a welfare issue. I could let him charge round on the lunge every day getting fitter and wilder until we can turnout full time. Or I can ride, which we both enjoy, which is a better way to use his muscles, and which to be quite frank brings me a little bit of joy. I have to go anyway so I am not making an extra trip to ride, I'm not having lessons and certainly not jumping.
As it stands I am deemed a key worker, so I am still getting up every morning at 5am, still getting the dogs walked before work, and still going to the yard after work. My team at work is massively reduced as some folk are self isolating for whatever reason but it's financial so we have to be here to service the products etc.
Most of my days are well over 14 hours out of the house, I'm tired and fed up, feel like I can't really grumble as I am not a front line worker like the nhs or shop workers. The only thing that has changed is that I now have to spend more of my already limited time queueing to buy groceries, and I can't treat myself to a nice coffee, nice lunch etc at work as all the coffee shops sandwich places etc have now closed and even tescos etc don't appear to be doing much like their baked goods etc any more.
So, sorry for the little rant but yes, I am taking a calculated risk by riding and yes in part I am doing it because actually I enjoy it and yes I feel guilty for doing it.
As it stands I am deemed a key worker, so I am still getting up every morning at 5am, still getting the dogs walked before work, and still going to the yard after work. My team at work is massively reduced as some folk are self isolating for whatever reason but it's financial so we have to be here to service the products etc.
Most of my days are well over 14 hours out of the house, I'm tired and fed up, feel like I can't really grumble as I am not a front line worker like the nhs or shop workers. The only thing that has changed is that I now have to spend more of my already limited time queueing to buy groceries, and I can't treat myself to a nice coffee, nice lunch etc at work as all the coffee shops sandwich places etc have now closed and even tescos etc don't appear to be doing much like their baked goods etc any more.
So, sorry for the little rant but yes, I am taking a calculated risk by riding and yes in part I am doing it because actually I enjoy it and yes I feel guilty for doing it.
angrybird1
Well-Known Member
Lockdown wont be forever but losing your own life or someone you love or care for is.
Guess people will have to make up their own minds what is essential.
Mine haven't been "chucked out 24/7 " as yet but as soon as its practicable they will go out but it will be done sensibly to avoid weight gain etc. I'd love to be riding myself. Time off work and lovely weather but it's not a normal time and I'm trying to be responsible.
Guess people will have to make up their own minds what is essential.
Mine haven't been "chucked out 24/7 " as yet but as soon as its practicable they will go out but it will be done sensibly to avoid weight gain etc. I'd love to be riding myself. Time off work and lovely weather but it's not a normal time and I'm trying to be responsible.
Last edited:
AmyMay
Situation normal
Luckily all my friends have at least 8 hours turn out, so thankfully not an issue for them. Obviously those with no turnout it would be a problem for.
Abi90
Well-Known Member
My horse is being ridden for me. She has literally just come back from all sorts of issues and we discovered she has severe arthritis in one Pastern, pottering around a small field is not enough exercise and she can’t be lunged because of it.
So it’s long lining or riding. YO is doing a mixture of both for me.
I’m not going up myself as I’m effectively working in a Petri dish and her Dad is in the vulnerable group. She lives in site so is not travelling to the horses. I have eliminated the unnecessary element of me going up there but the horse needs to be gently exercised to keep on top of her issues.
So it’s long lining or riding. YO is doing a mixture of both for me.
I’m not going up myself as I’m effectively working in a Petri dish and her Dad is in the vulnerable group. She lives in site so is not travelling to the horses. I have eliminated the unnecessary element of me going up there but the horse needs to be gently exercised to keep on top of her issues.
ycbm
Einstein would be proud of my Insanity...
I wish they would just ban it.
Morally I know that there is, however low, a greater than zero risk of me taking NHS resources if I ride. My horses are at home, I would be breaking no rules. Mentally, the thought of being stuck here without any of my usual outside activities and not riding either is blowing my brain apart.
I have volunteered, but they sent an email today saying that won't start until after March 31st.
Just ban riding, Boris, please.
.
Morally I know that there is, however low, a greater than zero risk of me taking NHS resources if I ride. My horses are at home, I would be breaking no rules. Mentally, the thought of being stuck here without any of my usual outside activities and not riding either is blowing my brain apart.
I have volunteered, but they sent an email today saying that won't start until after March 31st.
Just ban riding, Boris, please.
.
southerncomfort
Well-Known Member
Until the government says not to ride then it is personal choice. No one is breaking any rules by choosing to continue to ride.
If/when the government bans horse riding then I have absolutely no doubt everyone will comply.
As I said before, if I hadn't done a proper job on my leg I'd still be riding in walk/trot in my school on my safe older pony, with my air jacket on. I wouldn't be hacking out or riding in open fields though.
If/when the government bans horse riding then I have absolutely no doubt everyone will comply.
As I said before, if I hadn't done a proper job on my leg I'd still be riding in walk/trot in my school on my safe older pony, with my air jacket on. I wouldn't be hacking out or riding in open fields though.
bubsqueaks
Well-Known Member
Personally yes I am still riding.
Ive carried out my own risk assessment taking everything into account including my current state of both physical & mental health.
I don't smoke or drink, am a healthy weight & eat healthy foods in order to keep my immune system the best it can be.
I am not on any medication of any sort.
The only time I have been to A&E was when I slipped off a rock damaging ligaments whilst out walking!
I do online shopping so negate the need to expose myself to the maximum risk of getting the virus.
My horses are all barefoot so do not require turning away due to shoeing issues.
The pony I ride is one I have had for 8 years, 13.2hh, & a novice ride.
The biggest risk factor by not riding is laminitis - Ive worked extremely hard all winter getting the weight off all ponies, keeping them exercised.
I employ 20 staff across 2 businesses - I am still working as they have to be paid even though we've shut down both companies.
My risk assessment result is low risk & whilst Government advice is we are allowed to be doing one form of exercise a day that is my chosen exercise.
Ive carried out my own risk assessment taking everything into account including my current state of both physical & mental health.
I don't smoke or drink, am a healthy weight & eat healthy foods in order to keep my immune system the best it can be.
I am not on any medication of any sort.
The only time I have been to A&E was when I slipped off a rock damaging ligaments whilst out walking!
I do online shopping so negate the need to expose myself to the maximum risk of getting the virus.
My horses are all barefoot so do not require turning away due to shoeing issues.
The pony I ride is one I have had for 8 years, 13.2hh, & a novice ride.
The biggest risk factor by not riding is laminitis - Ive worked extremely hard all winter getting the weight off all ponies, keeping them exercised.
I employ 20 staff across 2 businesses - I am still working as they have to be paid even though we've shut down both companies.
My risk assessment result is low risk & whilst Government advice is we are allowed to be doing one form of exercise a day that is my chosen exercise.
Dyllymoo
Well-Known Member
I have been wrestling with this. I'm not one to fall off lots, J is a very steady young man. Our yard has banned hacking (which I understand as there are more dogs/ walkers out and about etc.) but at present we can ride in the school. I'm not sure what to do. I get pangs of guilt when I think I want to ride as I worry about the NHS etc. but I do think I need to do something for my mental health.
J gets around 7.5 hours of turn out a day at the minute but will not be out 24/7 as we don't have the grazing.
J gets around 7.5 hours of turn out a day at the minute but will not be out 24/7 as we don't have the grazing.
Winters100
Well-Known Member
To me it is not about 'am I breaking any rules' it is about 'what is the right thing to do, not just for me but for society'.
I am also wondering did ALL of the people who now say that it is essential for their horse to be ridden, either for the horse or for their own mental health, ride all winter? And if essential for their mental health what have they done in the past when their horse has been off work - did they rent a horse or did they just manage?
We are not children - we all understand what the regulations are trying to achieve and we need to do everything to stay home as much as possible.
milliepops
Wears headscarf aggressively
Yes.
In wind, rain, snow, yes.
They are in their small boxes for 22 hours a day, it's been hard but it's my job to make sure they get their needs met as best as possible. The only time I haven't is when work pulled me away or when I was sick and wouldn't have been safe to do it.
The hostility is unnecessary.
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
why should the government ban riding ?
perhaps They should ban riding bikes walking ,climbing loft ladders, decorating on ladders, gardening ( which causes loads of trip to A and E ) cooking with hot fat the list is endless .
however individuals need to take choices for themselves personally I know most medics think riders are a bit nuts and at the moment if you land in A and E they are likely to think you are a selfish irresponsible idiot .
if you ok with that ride away .
we don’t need governments to tell us what to do in this area .
NiceNeverNaughty
Well-Known Member
i don't get people saying it's ok because they are wearing an airjacket or BP. If you break your ankle or wrist you will still need an A&E trip
Im massively struggling - horses on my own farm, grass arena which is dry (!) and to top it all this happened 3 weeks ago...
I have a welsh c but I had been going for schoolmaster lessons on a 16.1hh event horse with an aim to do my stages and had started jumping again on him and feeling amazing. At 43 I really desperately want to have shot at BE again and lo and behold did this wonderful horse not come up for sale as the RI was moving away and I snapped him up! Fit and ready to go. Absolutely gutted although hopefully we will have 2021. In the grand scheme of things it's a minor problem but I do have to keep reminding myself of that
Im massively struggling - horses on my own farm, grass arena which is dry (!) and to top it all this happened 3 weeks ago...
I have a welsh c but I had been going for schoolmaster lessons on a 16.1hh event horse with an aim to do my stages and had started jumping again on him and feeling amazing. At 43 I really desperately want to have shot at BE again and lo and behold did this wonderful horse not come up for sale as the RI was moving away and I snapped him up! Fit and ready to go. Absolutely gutted although hopefully we will have 2021. In the grand scheme of things it's a minor problem but I do have to keep reminding myself of that
Chippers1
Well-Known Member
I'm gutted too as I was finally feeling confident jumping round 80s with an aim to do BE80 at the end of May - the one I did last year was a disaster due to personal reasons and I really wanted to make it up to Buzz and myself. Next year maybe! At least it gives me more time to get even more confident i'm just worried that I will lose it all again from not jumping
i'm just worried that I will lose it all again from not jumping Upthecreek
Well-Known Member
But clearly we do need governments to tell us what to do. We are only in lockdown now (at least those of us that are obeying the rules are) because of the number of idiots that headed to beauty spots in their thousands at the weekend, completing ignoring all of the advice on social distancing. It had to be enforced because inconsiderate stupid people chose to ignore the advice to stay at home.
What gets me with all of this is the sheer insensitivity being shown to the thousands of amazing NHS workers who are working ridiculous hours and putting their lives at risk to care for people in the most horrendous circumstances. If you can honestly say that the activities you are choosing to participate in, whether that be riding, cycling, rock climbing or whatever is not in anyway insensitive or disrespectful to them then carry on.
I would also say to all the people unable to safely handle their horses on the ground if they can’t ride - you should have trained them properly to have good ground manners and be respectful of you. In 25 years of owning horses I can’t think of a single one that I wouldn’t be able to handle on the ground if I couldn’t ride it for any reason. Perhaps use this time to go back to basics and work on that.
What gets me with all of this is the sheer insensitivity being shown to the thousands of amazing NHS workers who are working ridiculous hours and putting their lives at risk to care for people in the most horrendous circumstances. If you can honestly say that the activities you are choosing to participate in, whether that be riding, cycling, rock climbing or whatever is not in anyway insensitive or disrespectful to them then carry on.
I would also say to all the people unable to safely handle their horses on the ground if they can’t ride - you should have trained them properly to have good ground manners and be respectful of you. In 25 years of owning horses I can’t think of a single one that I wouldn’t be able to handle on the ground if I couldn’t ride it for any reason. Perhaps use this time to go back to basics and work on that.
milliepops
Wears headscarf aggressively
all the talk of respect and the #bekind stuff going on, yet people still snipe away at each other Yeah hindsight is a wonderful thing, I'm sure people who are stuck now wish they had addressed problems sooner. If only there was a magic time machine.
What we have to do now though, is make the best personal decision you can do and be prepared to review it. Lots of us are also key workers dealing with the reality on a day to day basis one way or another, not ostriches being willfully oblivious to what's happening.
Yeah hindsight is a wonderful thing, I'm sure people who are stuck now wish they had addressed problems sooner. If only there was a magic time machine. What we have to do now though, is make the best personal decision you can do and be prepared to review it. Lots of us are also key workers dealing with the reality on a day to day basis one way or another, not ostriches being willfully oblivious to what's happening.