How coronavirus changes affect the equestrian world

Competition is allowed to continue under the latest rules, but concerns have been raised about the lack of spectators

HOPES are strong that sport can continue through the indoor season, while the industry takes stock of the latest guidance.

British Equestrian (BEF) has confirmed there will be no major changes for competitors in most equestrian disciplines following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement on 22 September, providing all rules are adhered to.

“The protocols cover numbers in indoor/covered arena spaces to facilitate social distancing which keeps us at the right numbers,” a BEF spokesman told H&H. “Obviously areas with local restrictions will have added guidance but unless specified, sport and training can continue here too.” Venues must comply with changes to opening hours, and rules on face coverings for non-sporting and indoor facilities.

Racing can continue, but leading figures have warned of the impact the loss of crowds is having on courses’ and other businesses’ income, as well as the hit faced by trainers and the rural economy.

Successful pilot days trialling the return of spectators have run, but the Prime Minister has put a pause on future trials.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has called on the Government for more support, warning the industry is facing a “severe threat” and many people’s jobs are at “serious risk, as are the businesses they work in”.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced new measures that could help equestrian businesses.

As the furlough scheme ends this month, it will be replaced with a six-month jobs support scheme (JSS) on 1 November.

Businesses are being given more time to pay back “bounce back loans” and VAT bills. Third and fourth grants have also been made available as part of the selfemployed support scheme.

British Equestrian Trade Association executive director Claire Williams told H&H it is good to see the continued support for the self-employed.

“The JSS seems to be designed to target businesses facing lower demand during winter,” she said.

“It still means employers will be funding employees at an increased level compared to furlough. While it will work well for some sectors of the industry in retaining key personnel, for others where demand or work has dropped significantly or entirely, employers may face challenges in funding the increased payments.”

Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) president

Tullis Matson told H&H the Government is trying to help, although the measures will not help everyone.

“With the JSS, it does work out if an employee is working around 50% of their hours, they should receive around 80% of their full wages,” he said.

“If businesses are supported, that will help support employees.”

He added that job retention bonuses are available to employers bringing back staff from furlough. “It shows how important it is for employers to adhere to employer law and rules because if they don’t, they fall foul of receiving the help that is available.”