Training during lockdown

[Kat]

Still no update from BEF or BHS - this is so unfair on those whose incomes are affected.

My coach has said he will continue to teach providing his insurance remains valid and subject to yard owners being happy for him to visit and I hope to be able to continue having lessons.

 

[milliepops]

looks like an update is imminent, i've just seen a post from a friend on a FB group for BHS APCs confirming 1:1 training can continue

 

[Kat]

BHS have published an update but it doesn't mention coaching, although does say that physios and farriers can continue

https://www.bhs.org.uk/advice-and-information/coronavirus-covid-19/for-horse-owners

 

[milliepops]

i'd imagine there will be more to come then, i don't want to share the post as it was on her personal page but did have screenshots from a BHS group.

 

[LEC]

BHS has said you can travel horses for recreation but as long as its not miles away so my life continues.

 

[Callieann]

I

I don't have any facilities to school so I can only have a lesson if i travel (to instructors yard, 15-20 min in box, 8 miles but busy road)
I have missed all lockdown plus the last 5 weeks as waiting for new saddle and lorry finally being plated.
I'll happily hack, seems a bit meh though, because I'm not lucky enough to have access to a school I can't be taught. Also my instructor i'd say over 50-60% of her clients are taught at her place. OK if you can hack there, not if you can't.
It's only a month (maybe)....

I've got no facilities either. Will be using the yard, driveway and probably Bridleway too. Just improvising to make the most of the situation. Will be a bit odd but it's better than nothing. Hopefully it will be fun too

 

[Kat]

They have published advice for owners, coaches and riding centres now. One to one coaching can continue.

 

[jnb]

But can I travel my horse to get one to one instruction? No advice at all re travelling your horse?
It says "travelling a short distance to exercise is permitted" but not whether that means YOU travelling (to get to the horse) or You AND Horse travelling to exercise.....?
FFS (sorry)

 

[Kat]

I agree it isn't very clear on that point, but I think that is probably due to the government guidelines being unclear. They haven't defined the distance you can travel, I think last time it was that you should spend longer exercising than travelling, but that was just guidance not law.

 

[Fifty Bales of Hay]

It all seems very unclear at the moment, so I'm guessing an update will be announced soon - later today possibly?

As I see it at the moment - you can leave the house tolook after your horse, you can ride your horse on your own or with members of your household, or just you on your own with one other from another household. You may hack your horse out. If trainers are allowed to work then they can visit your yard and give a 1 to 1 lesson with you and your horse.

But the "grey area" is can you travel your horse to either have a lesson at trainers yard, or say to hack on safer ground, if it's not too far away? Has the distance yet been clarified?

Also what about taking your horse to a trainers yard and leaving it there for training, this hasn't yet been clarified? Or have I missed it? This is something I would like to do, but am unsure after reading the guidelines? Anybody know about this?

 

[jnb]

Nope. One local arena is open to hire (outdoor) but another is closed.
I can only train/have a lesson if I travel my horse....?
I can hack OK (but am working 5 days a week 8-4.30 so only hope to ride in the week is have a day off or go to a floodlit arena for schooling but no one can clarify if that is allowed or not.
FFS, the world is a shambles (I know, 1st world problems)

 

[Ossy2]

I’m torn to what’s allowed, some venues around me have closed but others have announced they will remain open for arena hire. One venue which is staying open also host a monthly clinic which I usually attend and the November one is still on as it’s “1to1” training, can’t decide if going would be sensible.
Part of me thinks well I’ve done more than my fair share to isolate over this year haven’t participated in any of the shenanigans I’ve seen on tv eg crowed beaches, going to pubs/restaurants or visiting friends in their gardens so going for lesson with someone who can’t work from is not a big deal, I expect if joe bloggs next door can put their dog in the car and take it to a park or woods to walk I should be able to put my horse on my horse box to go exercise it somewhere but is that in the spirt of a lockdown I just can’t decide.

 

[teapot]

I can still ride as I'm training, but is it morally and ethically right for me to travel for lessons? Even though I'm technically allowed, and the general public can go to open spaces for exercise.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Our RC has just posted, all official sessions now postponed.
However, they do mention that 1 regular coach has offered 1 to 1 sessions at hers but this is a private arrangement and not through RC. She realises that not all has arena's and she can keep things very distanced as arena and parking well away from her yard, which is set behind.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Latest update from the BHS.

Lockdown#2 Further Update 5.11.2020

SportEngland have issued Lockdown#2 guidance https://www.sportengland.org/how-we...ly-asked-questions-about-national-coronavirus

We can now confirm that:

• One to One training and lessons in a riding school can continue. Any sports coaches or trainers undertaking 1-1 sessions should ensure they are complying with relevant National Governing Body Safeguarding Policies and Procedures and conduct a thorough risk assessment before engaging in any sessions. This should include particular consideration for under 18s and vulnerable adults.
• You can travel your horse to use an outdoor arena to exercise and an arena can continue to be hired out providing all necessary Covid protocols and social distancing are in place

 

[teapot]

Latest update from the BHS.

Lockdown#2 Further Update 5.11.2020

SportEngland have issued Lockdown#2 guidance https://www.sportengland.org/how-we...ly-asked-questions-about-national-coronavirus

We can now confirm that:

• One to One training and lessons in a riding school can continue. Any sports coaches or trainers undertaking 1-1 sessions should ensure they are complying with relevant National Governing Body Safeguarding Policies and Procedures and conduct a thorough risk assessment before engaging in any sessions. This should include particular consideration for under 18s and vulnerable adults.
• You can travel your horse to use an outdoor arena to exercise and an arena can continue to be hired out providing all necessary Covid protocols and social distancing are in place

The BHS advice goes directly against the advice of the BEF!

https://www.britishequestrian.org.u...mztY6_TxR90O-WIJEvVGL-oKxBxJK_-7QMuiscSrO27PM

 

[Kat]

In what way? The quote above is in line with BEF advice

It is all very confusing though, with advice changing regularly

 

[teapot]

In what way? The quote above is in line with BEF advice

It is all very confusing though, with advice changing regularly

For centres, BHS saying crack on with private lessons of any kind; BEF has made it quite clear it's only those centres offering exam training/education that can continue.

 

[Kat]

Stables and riding centres

Initially, stables and riding centres had been identified as leisure facilities that should close, but through our work with the government alongside the British Horse Society (BHS), the British Horse Council (BHC) and the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS), these premises have now been removed from the legislation. However, these outlets may only stay open within the overarching legislation and requirements, with COVID-19 protocols, hygiene measures and risk assessments in place.

Riding centres and schools may remain open and deliver formal training and education under the requirements of the legislation, and clients are permitted to travel to take part. We would advise any facility to work with their local authority and insurance providers to operate within the best interests for their businesses.

----------------------------

Separate paragraphs.
Para 1 - Riding centres are no longer required to close but must operate within the legislation and covid protocols.
Para 2 - Riding centres may [also] deliver formal training under the education exceptions

I would say para 2 means that exams and group sessions can proceed where it is for education rather than exercise. So school groups could ride together as part of their PE lessons as the riding centre can be considered an educational establishment where it is delivering education and training.

 

[teapot]

Stables and riding centres

Initially, stables and riding centres had been identified as leisure facilities that should close, but through our work with the government alongside the British Horse Society (BHS), the British Horse Council (BHC) and the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS), these premises have now been removed from the legislation. However, these outlets may only stay open within the overarching legislation and requirements, with COVID-19 protocols, hygiene measures and risk assessments in place.

Riding centres and schools may remain open and deliver formal training and education under the requirements of the legislation, and clients are permitted to travel to take part. We would advise any facility to work with their local authority and insurance providers to operate within the best interests for their businesses.

----------------------------

Separate paragraphs.
Para 1 - Riding centres are no longer required to close but must operate within the legislation and covid protocols.
Para 2 - Riding centres may [also] deliver formal training under the education exceptions

I would say para 2 means that exams and group sessions can proceed where it is for education rather than exercise. So school groups could ride together as part of their PE lessons as the riding centre can be considered an educational establishment where it is delivering education and training.

Any group activity is banned across all sports. Yes to education related training/lessons. No to your hobby riders. Unlike what the BHS has said....

 

[Kat]

Any group activity is banned across all sports. Yes to education related training/lessons. No to your hobby riders. Unlike what the BHS has said....

Hobby riders can ride on a 1-2-1 basis with a coach as their exercise. That is what para 1 means, riding centres are no longer required to close and can operate within the general guidelines.

Para 2 says that riding centres can be considered as educational establishments and operate under the rules for educational establishments where they delivery formal training and education such as BHS exams, school PE, NVQ training.

 

[Tiddlypom]

It’s blimmin‘ confusing .

Witcham Equestrian Centre believe that they can’t stay open, even for 1 to 1.

Riding School Covid Update
Unfortunately though we tried very hard to keep 1 to 1 lessons, we cannot run lessions while the national lockdown is in force for all of England until Wednesday 2 December. We hope we will then be able to return to lessons as normal if allowed by the Government regulations.
Watch this space for updated information!

But an HHOer says that she can still go for a 1 to 1 at Ingestre, who believe that they can still do 1 to 1s.

 

[Kat]

Ingestre and Talland are doing one to ones. Somerford are staying open for arena hire and one to one. My local riding school are doing one to ones having checked with the council as well as the BHS. Other competition centres are staying open too, although Eland is currently still saying they will close.

Quite a few have been forced to change their decision and the situation changes though, places saying they can't open may not have read the latest advice or they may not have spoken to their governing body since the most recent update.

 

[teapot]

Hobby riders can ride on a 1-2-1 basis with a coach as their exercise. That is what para 1 means, riding centres are no longer required to close and can operate within the general guidelines.

Para 2 says that riding centres can be considered as educational establishments and operate under the rules for educational establishments where they delivery formal training and education such as BHS exams, school PE, NVQ training.

But the official Govt legislation hasn't changed (yes they're removed the words 'riding centres'), it just lists 'stables' but it still says can only be open for welfare reasons or elite sport. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/1200/made <----- is what the 'overarching legislation' means in the BEF statement.


If a riding school can now open, why can't a golf course? Talland and Ingestre were always going to stay open for exam training. It's causing a lot of problems in the industry. Not being anal, just have a lot relying on it professionally

 

[Tiddlypom]

Was passed on my morning cycle ride earlier today by a pick up towing an Ifor trailer with a tacked up horse in it. Not sure where they were heading.

 

[Goldenstar]

I think the golf club thing makes no sense .
I can see no reason for it if they have online booking and people play with their household or one other it just seems silly to stop it .
They don’t even have to have the clubhouses open

 

[teapot]

BEF posted at 8pm last night to say no to arena hire...

 

[ycbm]

BEF posted at 8pm last night to say no to arena hire...

It makes no sense. You can hack through a crowded leisure area stuffed with walkers who you can breath, or sneeze, down on, but you can't hire an arena for single/ bubble use.

Golf ban makes no sense, nor fishing if that's banned too.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Latest update re riding schools and lockdown2.

• 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.
• Employees of the riding centre may continue to visit the premises to maintain the property, and care for the animals located there (including exercise them).
• You can continue to visit riding establishments as a member of the public if this is where a horse that you own or care for is kept (presumably in a stable attached).
• You may continue to exercise a horse you own or care for in a public outdoor place (including ride it) as part of outdoor recreation. This can be within your same household or support bubble, or in a 1-1 meeting with one other person you don't live with.

This means that:

• Riding schools can remain open where they provide formal education or training including training for regulated qualifications e.g. BHS stages 2 to 4
• Riding schools must close for recreational lessons including one to one sessions
• You can continue to attend a riding school to care and exercise a horse where you are the owner, loaner or carer of that horse
• You can continue to visit a livery yard to care for and exercise a horse which you own, loan or share
• Coaches can continue to travel for work and deliver coaching on a one to one basis

https://www.facebook.com/197704983342/posts/10159044369733343

 

[teapot]

Only taken the BHS a week to get confirmation from the Govt... (which was in the legislation all along).