Oasby (1) is traditionally one of the first events of the BE season, currently scheduled for 12th March 2021
Britain’s eventing community is back in lockdown for the start of the new year.
Lockdown restrictions are in place across the United Kingdom with the message to ‘stay at home’ and only go out for essential reasons such as work that cannot be done from home, healthcare, education and exercise. The restrictions are currently set to be reviewed on 15th February
This will once again have an impact on the equestrian community, with some businesses unable to operate under the restrictions and activity limited largely to meeting care and exercise needs only.
British Equestrian Chief Executive Iain Graham commented that “While tightened restrictions aren’t the way we wanted to start the New Year, the nationwide lockdown is clearly needed to get the virus under control and protect our medical services. I call on everyone in our equestrian community to once again to play their part, adhere to the guidance and follow the message to ‘stay at home’ where possible, but of course without compromising your own or your horse’s welfare”
As a result of the new national lockdown, British Eventing has cancelled the remaining Baileys Horse Feeds Winter Series competitions but are still hoping that the 2021 season will start in March
“We continue to work behind the scenes to prepare for the kick-off of the 2021 eventing season, and we are planning for resumption of sport in March. We may of course need to be flexible about the timing as guidance changes, however we anticipate at this stage that eventing could resume by mid-March” says British Eventing
“Our Return to Sport protocols, which proved to be robust and well supported previously, will continue to be adapted and reviewed as guidance from the government is updated.
We continue to plan for sport resumption and supporting our Organisers, Officials, Volunteers, Entries Secretaries and Scorers with a schedule of online training being implemented shortly”
The British Equestrian Federation advises that
- coaches should read the guidance and assess whether there is a necessity to continue coaching face to face
- non-essential retail businesses and venues, including leisure and sports facilities, have been ordered to close, and equestrian arenas and riding centres are included in the list. Private facilities, such as those at your yard, can be used in order to exercise horses for their welfare where necessary. No hire of facilities is permitted and travelling horses should only be on welfare or veterinary grounds.
- Only elite training and competition may continue.
Full details of Covid-19 restrictions by country can be found on the British Equestrian Federation website
