Industry celebrates “freedom day”
Fans may return in larger numbers and many event rules have changed thanks to lifting of Government restrictions
EQUESTRIANS are urged to support major events as “freedom day” lifts most of the remaining Covid restrictions, in a “welcome day for the industry”.
From 19 July in England, limits on social contact ended, with no restrictions on indoor or outdoor gatherings. Most restrictions have also been lifted in Scotland, and those in Wales have been eased, while Northern Ireland was due to review its guidance on 22 July.
Despite the changes, British Equestrian (BEF) recommends everyone “remains vigilant, respects others, and follows hygiene measures to keep everyone safe”.
One of the first major events to benefit from the changes was the Royal International (21–25 July).
Hickstead director Lizzie
Bunn told H&H the team was “right to be cautious” regarding the jumping championships that replaced the June Derby meeting.
“But this time ‘freedom day’ has arrived just as we are about to open our gates for the Royal International Horse Show,” she said. “This means we don’t have to stick to 4,000 tickets per day, though we do expect the show to be quieter than in a normal year – usually our box office is open for at least six months, plus the showjumping is running as a twostar instead of the usual CSIO5*.
“But being quieter means it’s a great way for spectators to ease themselves back into attending a large-scale event – we have a 120-acre site so there’ll be loads of room to watch the rings and browse tradestands, plus two huge open grandstands.
“We hope lots of equestrian fans come to Hickstead this week, as we’ve done our utmost to put on our three main fixtures this year, and we’ve made ticketing much cheaper. All equestrian venues have had a torrid 18 months, and now that shows can recommence we need as many people to support them as possible.”
British Showjumping has retained some of its protocols. Entries must still be made, and times released, in advance.
The number of riders allowed in the warm-up has gone up to eight, with up to two people to adjust fences. For classes at 1.40m and above, one person per rider is allowed in to alter jumps. Warmups should be monitored.
Show organisers are urged to continue measures aimed at preventing spread of the virus.
British Dressage protocols will remain, during the “current wave of infections”, and although guidance is now advisory, “it is still incumbent upon all members and stakeholders to continue to act responsibly” to protect everyone.
Guidance includes a recommendation to be vaccinated, and allows centres to distribute score sheets on show days in a socially distant manner.
The British Horse Society is advising riding schools that parents and spectators can return to watch lessons, and centres are no longer required to record details of attendees. But all attendees should be encouraged to “check in” with the NHS QR code, and all centres must still carry out Covid risk assessments.
BIGGEST CHANGE
THE Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) may notice the biggest benefit; H&H has reported that many RDA groups have not been able to reopen as many participants are shielding or need to be supported to ride.
“The lifting of legal restrictions will definitely enable more of our groups to get going again and welcome back more participants,” RDA head of communication and insight Caroline Ward told H&H.
“Hopefully more school groups will be able to return, which has been very restrictive for many groups. We can also now support riders with volunteers on either side, which means more participants will be able to get back in the saddle. The lifting of restrictions will be a confidence booster to many, participants and volunteers, and we hope to be back to usual activity levels soon.”
BEF CEO Jim Eyre added: “This is welcome news for our industry, which has truly felt the full impact of the pandemic.
“But I’d urge everyone to remain vigilant, respect others and continue to act with a degree of caution; now is not the time to undo the progress we’ve collectively made.”
“Now shows can run, we need people to support them”
HICKSTEAD’S LIZZIE BUNN