Sport prepares to shut down again
It looks unlikely competition will be allowed in the second national lockdown period
IT did not seem possible that horse sport could avoid coming to a halt as H&H went to press, despite the national federation’s best efforts.
England was due to go back into lockdown today (5 November) until 2 December.
MPs were to vote on the details of Boris Johnson’s announcement of 31 October yesterday, but it looked likely to be passed.
Government guidance states that “stables and riding centres” must close, and British Equestrian (BEF) interim CEO Iain Graham told H&H he could not see much hope for equestrian competition.
On Monday (2 November), before the BEF had had Government confirmation on what the lockdown means, he said: “I think there will be a fair bit of lobbying but I don’t see how we can avoid a shutdown.
“We’ll continue to explore all options to see if we can keep the sport running, but it’s looking increasingly unlikely.”
As H&H has reported, equestrian sport has been running under rules on the number of people allowed to meet to exercise, rather than those governing elite sport. This has meant venues and riders are not subject to the requirements for elite sport, which would make competitions far less financially viable.
Mr Graham, who is also British Showjumping CEO, said he had been looking at ways jumping could potentially continue, as may other sports such as football.
“I’m looking at other options,” he said. “But if it’s going to be a short lockdown, it might be better to stop, then get ready to run again as soon as we can, and then everyone knows what to do with their horses.”
Mr Graham hopes the rescheduled Blue Chip Winter Championships may be able to run at Hartpury from 28 December to 2 January, as announced last week. He said as procedures have already been shown to work for socially distant sport, competition should be able to get running again as soon as this is allowed.
“I think [the Government] is going to try to do all they can to allow everyone to have Christmas,” he said. “I’m being cautious about the 2 December end date, because I can see that being extended by 10 to 14 days, then they’ll take the shackles off a bit for Christmas, and back on in January. So I’m hopeful Blue Chip can run; if I were running a show, those are the dates I’d be looking at.”
The Hunting Office contacted all packs on 1 November to say hunting activities should cease from the evening of 4 November.
“Hounds should be exercised from the kennels, but this should be done by hunt staff only (or a small number of regular volunteers to ensure the safety of hounds on exercise) and only for the purposes of routine daily care of the hounds,” the email read.
“Horses can continue to be exercised from the stables, but only as part of their routine daily care and maintenance of fitness.
“We appreciate that this is a difficult time for everyone, but please make sure this guidance is followed, so we can resume activities as soon as possible.”
Hunting, and competition, had also ceased in Wales until 9 November for the “firebreak” lockdown in place there.
A British Horse Society spokesman said the organisation is working closely with the BEF and Sport England “to gain further clarity on the restrictions”.
“As soon as we are able, we will clarify what the lockdown means for our centres, coaches, British Riding Clubs and horse owners.”
In Scotland, a new system of five levels has been introduced to manage the virus. As an outdoor non-contact sport, most equestrian activity can continue.
“Unfortunately, however, there are limitations for adult competition as a result of the travel guidance,” a HorseScotland spokesman said.
“Without doubt, the main frustration comes from the travel restrictions. These impose travel limits to, from and within levels. We are fully aware this will impact significantly on many equestrian businesses. The restrictions are uniform across all sporting activity, but with exemptions for performance level athletes.”
VET GUIDANCE
THE British Equine Veterinary Association told H&H it has advised members to minimise travel, and contact with others, risk-assess all procedures and use professional judgement on what action may be deferred. Members must act in a Covidsecure manner, but may carry out ambulatory and hospital work, and work in support of equestrian businesses and trade.
Defra was unavailable for comment as H&H went to press but owners were allowed to care for their horses more than once a day, if necessary for their welfare, throughout the last lockdown.
“I don’t see how we can avoid a
shutdown for the sport”
IAIN GRAHAM, BRITISH EQUESTRIAN