Published by Antonino

18/02/2021

Riding Schools Under Threat During Pandemic

Despite being an outdoor activity, and once where social distancing is always a given, public horse riding lessons have been banned in the UK under the lockdown restrictions.

BBC News reports that there has been a concern for equine welfare in riding schools, as horses, restless and bored have started fighting and breaking equipment while they are confined to their stables.

Many equine centres across the UK have been affected by this industry-wide problem and has bee particularly noted in Greater London where such centres offer a rare chance for a connection with the countryside for city dwellers.

Many of the problems for centres is that revenue has been significantly cut while running costs cannot be easily reduced, and staff cannot easily be furloughed as they are needed to continue to care for their charges.

It typically costs around £100 a week per horse to feed, house, and exercise them, as well as fees for vets, farriers, insurance, and maintenance, which are still needed. The bitterly cold winter weather also brings additional challenges.

Sarah Dale, Business Development Manager from the British Horse Society, recently explained that the winter season means that there is not much grass in the fields, which means increased bills with regards to bedding and feed.

The lockdown situation was easier to manage when it first introduced, as the warm and dry spring and summer months meant there was more opportunity to grow hay, and horses could be let out for much of the time.

The winter months are very different. The rain, wind, mud and, in some cases snow, is very much against us. Most horses have to be stabled overnight, particularly older horses and ponies who would not survive in fields 24/7.

The wellbeing benefits of being immersed in green space are well documented and riding provides a connection to the land and access to fields which are hugely valued by local communities, particularly those in areas which are more built up.

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