Ulnes Walton Bridleways Official Website Reg. Charity number 1110372

Email from James Hick, CEO

Dear Equestrian Access Groups,

We hope that everyone is taking care of themselves and their loved ones during these unprecedented times.  We fully appreciate and understand the seriousness of the current challenges faced by you all, as a result of the unfolding COVID-19 public health crisis. Rest assured we are closely monitoring the situation and its implications for us all, and the wider equestrian community, as you look to us for guidance and support. 

However, it is critical that we all adhere to the latest advice given by the UK Government in order to limit the spread of Coronavirus.  As we have seen over the past week, and indeed overnight, this advice can change significantly every day. Therefore, we will – from now on – review and, if appropriate, update our advice around COVID-19 concerns on the BHS website following the daily briefing from the Government. 

 However, we will continue to update specific content around welfare advice, help and support for all members as regularly as is appropriate

We all have a duty of care to our horses, yet we understand the challenges the new constraints on our own day to day lives present for many horse owners and those who care for them. We are listening to our members and I wanted to set out myself today our current guidance following the Prime Minister’s speech to the nation on 23rd March.

Horse welfare is critical and grooms or the sole carer for a horse should travel to provide care for horses. Where horses are kept in livery the BHS advises that horse owners respect the protocol put in place by the yard owner or manager and work as a team to agree a care plan for your horse(s).

There are no specific government guidelines for the question around whether we should still be out riding at present. Our strong advice is that it is not appropriate to put unnecessary pressure on the emergency services now or for the foreseeable future. It is incumbent on all of us to make an individual decision as to whether riding is necessary at all at this time. Decisions can only be taken based on individual circumstances but our choices should always be mindful of the potential impact for ourselves and others.

The BHS Gold Membership public liability insurance remains valid during the COVID-19 outbreak unless advised otherwise.

We are continually updating our advice and guidance documents to help and support you, including Advice for Horse Owners, Information for Yards, Centres and Schools, FAQs for Business Owners and the Government Business Support FAQs. Please visit the BHS Coronavirus (COVID-19) hub for regular updates, information and guidance for all equestrians: https://www.bhs.org.uk/advice-and-information/coronavirus-covid-19.

 To keep up to date with ongoing changes to travel, social distancing and isolation:

View the UK Government website: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

 Our BHS team of colleagues are working tirelessly to support you and the wider equestrian community during these difficult times. 

 Stay safe and look after your loved ones.

 James