Just sad that riding school has to close for lockdown

[numptynovice]

That’s it really. I love my riding school and I love the lessons and the horses and hacking out and now I can’t ride until the lockdown lifts again (whenever that is).

My daughter is loving it too, she’s really caught the bug. It’s so important for my mental health, which is fragile at the best of times. And I’m really sad for the lovely yard owner who has worked so hard to make it a successful business, to have to close again after all the work to adapt the business to the new rules.

I know that it’s necessary and much worse things are happening to other people. But I’m still sad.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Much worse things are happening, but that doesn't stop some things from being really disappointing and sad too (like RS closing). I came back to riding at the beginning of the year and then of course lockdown happened. By the time the RSs were opening again I was itching to get started again! Hopefully it won't be quite as long this time around and you'll be back in the saddle soon.

 

[numptynovice]

Thank you. I just wanted to post my sadness somewhere people would understand. My friends aren’t horsey and don’t get it.

 

[Rumtytum]

That’s it really. I love my riding school and I love the lessons and the horses and hacking out and now I can’t ride until the lockdown lifts again (whenever that is). I feel very sad.

My daughter is loving it too, she’s really caught the bug. It’s so important for my mental health, which is fragile at the best of times. And I’m really sad for the lovely yard owner who has worked so hard to make it a successful business, to have to close again after all the work to adapt the business to the new rules.

I know that it’s necessary and much worse things are happening to other people. But I’m still sad.

I feel exactly the same nn about my riding school and agree with everything else you say. I am very, very sad too.

 

[GreyMane]

Same here. Feel so low. Riding is precious at all times, but even more so this year.

*Edited to add, my local stables do gift vouchers.
Maybe we could buy some, to help them bridge the gap.

 

[numptynovice]

I hope you are all doing ok. Riding has been such a lifeline and such a joy this year.

 

[Rumtytum]

RS does equine massage, I’m hoping ‘my’ horse (in my Avatar) can have one weekly. He loves them! Will also pay for my instructor to school him 1 hour per week. He’s not ridden by many other clients and we’ve come such a long way together. I know it must sound crazy to most people but the school, the staff and the horses means so much to me.

 

[numptynovice]

Makes total sense. I feel the same about where I ride, it’s a really special place.

“Your” horse looks like such a dude! I hope he gets to enjoy his massage. I’m also trying to think of ways to help out while the school has to close.

 

[Red-1]

RS does equine massage, I’m hoping ‘my’ horse (in my Avatar) can have one weekly. He loves them! Will also pay for my instructor to school him 1 hour per week. He’s not ridden by many other clients and we’ve come such a long way together. I know it must sound crazy to most people but the school, the staff and the horses means so much to me.

That is so lovely, I am sure he will love his massage.

 

[Kat]

It is very sad, not just for the clients but for the staff, proprietors and horses too.

I really think that the BHS should be lobbying to allow riding schools to offer 1 - 2 - 1 outdoor lessons as it is going to be a welfare timebomb if they are forced to close again, especially as at this time of year many schools won't have the land to turn horses away.

Pammy Hutton of Talland and Tim Downes of Ingrestre are both trying. They have said that exam training for career students at least should be allowed to continue.

 

[Kat]

I have just seen this
http://chng.it/rfdv254JDR
It isn't my petition but it is one way of expressing our concerns

 

[Rumtytum]

I have just seen this
http://chng.it/rfdv254JDR
It isn't my petition but it is one way of expressing our concerns

Thanks Kat, I’ve signed ?

 

[millikins]

I've signed it. I have a RS near me, they really aren't very good but they treat their ponies well, I have no idea how they'll cope with another enforced closure.

 

[numptynovice]

It is very sad, not just for the clients but for the staff, proprietors and horses too.

I really think that the BHS should be lobbying to allow riding schools to offer 1 - 2 - 1 outdoor lessons as it is going to be a welfare timebomb if they are forced to close again, especially as at this time of year many schools won't have the land to turn horses away.

Pammy Hutton of Talland and Tim Downes of Ingrestre are both trying. They have said that exam training for career students at least should be allowed to continue.

Totally agree. I know the owners pretty well and they (and all the staff) are lovely people who just don’t deserve all this worry. It’s really heartbreaking.

I hope the lobbying has some impact - I can’t see more than minimal risk in 1-2-1 sessions outside.

 

[Rumtytum]

Just heard my RS can do 1-2-1 lessons. Lobbying must have worked!

 

[smolmaus]

Just heard my RS can do 1-2-1 lessons. Lobbying must have worked!

In NI we had our "new" lockdown start a few weeks ago and privates only is how my RS is doing it. The info from BHS seemed to say that outdoor group lessons would be fine but the owner wasn't happy that insurance would cover them if anything happened and there isn't enough light to be traipsing beginners down to the outdoor in the dark.

I'm v grateful she hasn't had to close completely but it's obviously been incredibly stressful. My weekly lesson and my volunteering are the only reasons I leave the house (bar groceries), I don't know what state I'd be in by now if I hadn't had those outlets.

 

[numptynovice]

Just heard my RS can do 1-2-1 lessons. Lobbying must have worked!

Oh fantastic news! Do you have any link to guidance?

 

[Rumtytum]

No sorry, I just had an email from my yo saying they were able to give 1-2-1 lessons.
I was going to be a ‘guinea pig’ for whoever was taking their BHS Stage 2 Instructor Exam on Thursday but that has been cancelled .

 

[Trouper]

Lovely article from Marcus Armytage in today's Telegraph saying how important riding is - particularly for RDA centres to keep going for those whose mental welfare (as well as physical strength) is also so improved by riding with the RDA.

 

[Kat]

The riding school I used to go to has recently posted on FB to say that they are continuing one to one lessons or semi-privates where people are from the same household. Sounds positive.

 

[numptynovice]

I think it’s only allowed if it’s for formal training - so bhs type exams. Lessons for recreation are not allowed. Mine is still closed.

 

[Rumtytum]

I think it’s only allowed if it’s for formal training - so bhs type exams. Lessons for recreation are not allowed. Mine is still closed.

Mine is open for 1 to 1 lessons. Strict distancing and all tack disinfected after use.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Mine is open for 1 to 1 lessons. Strict distancing and all tack disinfected after use.

It shouldn’t be, I’m afraid, unless the lessons are for students who are being trained.

• Riding schools cannot reopen to deliver lessons unless these form part of the core curriculum of formal education or professional/work-related training/development. This includes 1-1 training sessions.

Latest BHS update (BHS were very slow off the mark as usual)

https://www.bhs.org.uk/advice-and-information/coronavirus-covid-19/england/riding-schools-lockdown-2

 

[Rumtytum]

It shouldn’t be, I’m afraid, unless the lessons are for students who are being trained.

• Riding schools cannot reopen to deliver lessons unless these form part of the core curriculum of formal education or professional/work-related training/development. This includes 1-1 training sessions.

Latest BHS update (BHS were very slow off the mark as usual)

https://www.bhs.org.uk/advice-and-information/coronavirus-covid-19/england/riding-schools-lockdown-2

Thanks Tp, I’ll ask why.

 

[horseman1985]

We should just accept it. That's our life now. Hope your school will be open soon.