British Breeder Magazine May 2020

NEWS - COVID UPDATE
Living With Lockdown
How the Equestrian Industry is dealing with the crisis
Along with the rest of the nation, the
equestrian community is learning to live
with ‘lockdown’. Thank goodness that
this extraordinary situation coincided
with an improvement in the weather, and
many of us will be counting ourselves
fortunate that we have space and horses
to help keep us sane.
There has been much uncertainty over
the past 6 weeks, and the initial well
intended advice did nothing to dispel
the fears of many for their businesses
and for equine wellbeing. In such
unprecedented circumstances, human
wellbeing was the priority, saving lives
and supporting the NHS, and action
had to be taken before it was possible to
assess the countless implications for so
many of us in so many walks of life.
But as organisations have explored the
directives and updated their guidelines
to professional members, a more
workable situation is now evolving.
The joint announcement by the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
and the British Equine Veterinary
Association (BEVA) on 9 April updating
their guidance and allowing vets to
assess risk on a case by case basis,
came as a lifeline to so many breeders
worried about the care of their mares
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at this busy foaling time, and for the
essential stud work of inseminating mares
to continue the breeding programme.
The Farriers Registration Council and the
British Farriers & Blacksmiths Association
have also provided their members with
guidance to ensure this vital work can
continue.
The British Equestrian Trade Association
(BETA) have been excellent, not only
keeping their members updated with the
latest advice and providing information
on financial support but also stepping in
with authority to lobby Government for
businesses to continue to work provided
they comply with current restrictions. The
Government’s Job Retention Scheme has
now opened its online portal to allow
businesses to claim for furloughed staff,
and the business support grant for those
eligible for Small Business Rate Relief
and those in the leisure and hospitality
industry, will help ease the pain for
some.
The British Breeding website has a
dedicated COVID-19 page and we
have gathered useful links to the key
organisations giving guidance that is
relevant to our industry. If you have not
already checked out the Government,
veterinary and equestrian governing
body’s advice, this is the place to start.
The page is updated regularly with
any new directives, including a link to
the latest from the British Horseracing
Authority, who are at the forefront of
planning the resumption of racing, thus
paving the way for other equestrian
sports.
The message throughout is clearly
that this is not ‘Business as usual’, but
business carried out in line with the latest
government advice to employers and
businesses, is still possible.
As we look forward, it is hard to predict
when the restrictions might be lifted.
The British Horseracing Authority are
planning a phased resumption of racing
consistent with any gradual easing of
Government restrictions, and it is safe to
say that if racing can resume, then other
equestrian sports will follow, albeit in a
controlled way. The BEF have released
an update on the work going on behind
the scenes so that, when the day comes,
the equestrian world will be ready to go.
There are many considerations, but we
must all remain committed to adherence
to Government guidelines and keeping
everyone safe.
Rachael Holdsworth