Farmer's Weekly (South Africa)
Your horse and lockdown
The national lockdown poses a problem for horses and riders. As a result, the South African Equestrian Federation is in negotiation with relevant stakeholders, says Dr Mac.
At the end of March, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa would go into a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The coronavirus is part of a large family of viruses affecting animals and humans. Most are not transmitted between humans and animals. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) are the only current examples of coronaviruses that crossed from animals and spread to people. The origin of the novel coronavirus is still being investigated, but there is no evidence to suggest that people can transmit the disease to dogs, cats or horses. However, the national lockdown means that people may only leave their homes to seek medical care, purchase groceries or collect medicines. Those that provide essential services are allowed to travel to and from work. This means that if your horse is stabled away from your home, you are not (legally) able to travel to and from the yard to visit or exercise your horse.
In this instance, you should arrange with the stable owner/ manager, or the person who lives on the property, to exercise your horse for you. If your horse is stabled at a DIY yard, you will need to ensure that there is enough food and shavings available for a period of time.
If your horses live on your property, but you need to selfisolate after showing symptoms of COVID-19 or coming into direct contact with someone infected with the virus, you need to arrange with family members or friends that live with you or near you to care for your horses. Self-isolation means that you should not leave your home for any reason. As the virus can survive on various surfaces for days or even weeks, you should refrain from touching any animals or surfaces that may be touched by other people.
Remember, it is in your best interest, and the interests of the animals and people that depend on you for their care, that you remove yourself if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, as you may also spread the virus through coughing or sneezing.
New regulations
The South African Equestrian Federation (SAEF) is in the process of negotiating new regulations for horse owners with the Ministry of Sport amongst other industry bodies. The SAEF argues that the extended lockdown poses a problem to animal welfare, as horses, even if they are non-competitive, need routine exercise. The SAEF is therefore hoping that these negotiations will result in horse owners being able to move from their homes to the yards where their horses are stabled during lockdown Level 4.
In the event that this is allowed, the SAEF proposes that riders