Please note, while this guidance is current at the point of publication, it may quickly be superseded following further
government updates, or changes to the situation.
Q. What should I do if my horse is due a vaccination in the next few months and will any lapse of vaccinations affect
me entering BRC events later in the year?
A. During this unprecedented time it is really important to follow the advice given by your vet. In respect of future BRC
qualifiers and Championships, please rest assured that we will be understanding of any issues with regard to six monthly
boosters not being given and 12 month boosters that may have been given later than they should have been due to vets
cancelling routine appointments at this time. We will issue a further clarity as the situation develops.
Q. Can my riding club organise training or other activities that are non-competitive and will we be covered by the BRC
insurance policy?
A. No. BRC have issued guidance stating that all BRC organised activities should cease with immediate effect until 30
June. If you were to run your BRC insurance could be compromised. The reason behind this is that in accordance with
the government’s advice, organised sports activities are non-essential. Therefore, we should be reducing travel and
social interaction for non-essential activities and not adding extra pressure on the emergency services, should an
accident occur.
Q, Can I continue to travel to care for my horse?
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).
Q. Can I continue to ride my own horse?
We are getting a lot of questions in relation to riding your horse, for which there are no specific government guidelines
at present. We advise that it is not appropriate to put unnecessary pressure on the emergency services and everyone
should make their own individual decision as to whether riding is necessary at this time.
Q, Can I continue to visit my instructor or have an instructor visit my yard to continue with my lessons?
The BHS advises that in line with government advice, no unnecessary travel takes place during this time. That would
include travelling your horse for a lesson, or having an instructor come to you for this purpose.
Q. Can my farrier still attend to my horse?
A. The British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association have advised their members, “Farriers provide a vital role in
maintaining the welfare of many equines. It is our understanding that you may travel to work but please carefully
consider if this is essential. Please adhere to the highest levels of biosecurity and be seen to be adhering to them. We
encourage you all to consider very carefully your movements and what you class as being essential.”
Q. Is my horse at risk from COVID-19?
According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) the current spread of Covid-19 is a result of
human-to-human transmission, and, to date, there is no evidence that companion animals can spread the disease.
Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals which may compromise their welfare.
Q. Does my club have insurance for the events we have had to cancel where costs have already been incurred?
A. You would only have insurance for your events if this is something that your club has arranged independently.
Abandonment cover is costly, and BRC do insure some of the larger Championships, but this would not include your club
activities. Also, abandonment cover is usually just for cancellation due to bad weather, and it does not cover cancelling
because of disease.
Q. I am struggling to continue to care for my horse due to the current situation. What can I do?
The health and welfare of your horse is your priority. If you have any concerns please contact your vet, yard manager or
the BHS and we will do our best to assist you. You can contact us via telephone on 02476 840517 (calls may be recorded
for monitoring purposes) or email us at welfare@bhs.org.uk.
Q. What can I be doing to help minimise risk of spreading the Coronavirus?
Whilst use of antibacterial products on all equipment may help maintain cleanliness and support biosecurity, not all
products will specifically combat spread of Coronavirus. Continue to follow recommended approaches such as below
• Wash your hands more often than usual. Wash for at least 20 seconds using soap and hot water. Use hand
sanitiser if that’s all you have access to
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, or with your sleeve if you don’t have a tissue, and throw the tissue
away immediately. Immediately wash your hands or use a hand sanitising gel
• Be prepared to self-isolate – plan how it will impact on your day-to-day requirements
• Plan ahead for your situation, which might include alternative care for your horse if you need to self-isolate
• Use health services wisely
• Stay up-to-date with trusted sources of information such as
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Q. Where can I find further information and support?
A. The BHS has further guidelines available here: https://www.bhs.org.uk/advice-and-information/coronavirus-covid-19
You will find advice for the following groups:
• Horse owners
• Yards, centres and schools
• Business owners
There is also a useful article on commonly asked questions on Horse & Hound here:
Coronavirus Q&A: horse riders, businesses and employees — all you need to know
