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May 22nd, 2020
Horsescotland has issued the following update

Following the Scottish Government announcing its road map out of the COVID-19 crisis, we have compiled a few reminders about changes we may see within the equestrian sector as we move forward to Phase One.  Please note that it is highly unlikely that that all aspects of change through Phase One will be implemented on or around next Thursday, 28th May.  Further Government confirmation is awaited.  Please use this period to assess your own situation, taking responsibility for your own actions and judgements, and to plan for the changes we hope to see during Phase One.  Your responsible actions and undertakings are hugely important in enabling a clear forward path.

***SOCIAL DISTANCING OF AT LEAST 2M AND APPROPRIATE HYGIENE MEASURES APPLY IN ALL SITUATIONS***

Riders/ Drivers

• You can ride or drive as often as you wish.
• You can do this alone, with members of your own household or with one person from outside your household.
• You can travel locally to exercise your horse.
• Please give the usual consideration to other users of the countryside and the environment – please tidy up after yourself and remove droppings wherever possible.
• Riding or travelling on public roads during peak travel times should be avoided if possible.
• Horse and participant should only use their own equipment. If Equipment has to be shared or handled, it should be disinfected.

Coaches/Coaching

• Coaches may travel to undertake work.
• Coaching may only be undertaken outdoors.
• A risk assessment and full discussion on adopted protocols should be carried out prior to arrival – sample risk assessments should be available for coaches from your National Body, including BHS.
• Coaching can be carried out with members of your household, or one other person – on an individual basis.
• Where third party premises are utilised, prior agreement should be sought from the facility owner.
• Travel should be local and peak travel times avoided.
• You should not attend a coaching session if you are showing Coronavirus symptoms, or if you or any of your household is self-isolating.
• Coaches that are in any doubt should seek clarification from their insurance provider.
• Horse and participant should only use their own equipment.  If Equipment has to be shared or handled, it should be disinfected.

Venues – Outdoor

• You can use/hire outdoor riding or driving facilities with members of your household, or one other person – on an individual basis.
• You must accept all protocols adopted by the venue provider and satisfy yourself that these are appropriate.
• Venue providers must fully risk assess the provision of their facilities (and any ancillary facilities provided) and adopt appropriate protocols to minimise risk to any visitor – sample risk assessments should be available for coaches from your National Body, including BHS.
• You should not use venues if you are showing Coronavirus symptoms, or if you or any of your household are self-isolating.
• Horse and participant should only use their own equipment. If Equipment has to be shared or handled, it should be disinfected.

Venues – Indoor

• Indoor facilities must remain closed.
• This includes toilets and café facilities that might be located next to an outdoor facility.

Riding Schools – outdoor facilities

• May re-open for sessions with members of the same household, or one other person (individual sessions).
• You must accept all protocols adopted by the venue provider and satisfy yourself that these are appropriate.
• Venue providers must fully risk assess the provision of their facilities (and any ancillary facilities provided) and adopt appropriate protocols to minimise risk to any visitor – sample risk assessments should be available for coaches from your National Body, including BHS.
• You should not use venues if you are showing Coronavirus symptoms, or if you or any of your household is self-isolating.
• Horse and participant should only use their own equipment. If Equipment has to be shared or handled, it should be disinfected.

Riding Schools – indoor facilities

• Indoor facilities must remain closed.
• This includes toilets and café facilities that might be located next to an outdoor facility.

Other Equine Professionals

• Other equine professionals can attend your horse.
• A risk assessment and full discussion on adopted protocols should be carried out prior to arrival – sample risk assessments should be available for Professionals from your National Body, including BETA.
• Where third party premises are utilised, prior agreement should be sought from the facility owner.
• Travel should be local and avoid peak travel times.
• Any professional support network member that is in any doubt should seek clarification from their insurance provider or registered body.
• Horse and participant/ handler should only use their own equipment. If Equipment has to be shared or handled, it should be disinfected.

Fiona Rawson, Education and Development Manager, Horsescotland

Dates are now posted on the events listing page.

Julie Camm, the Para-driving chef d’equipe is the guest speaker at our AGM which will be held on Saturday February 15th, starting at 10.30am, at Blair Drummond Village Hall.  The Omnibus will be available at the meeting, and will be published on the website asap.

SCDA members, stewards and helpers are all invited to the AGM, and to join us for lunch in the hall.  Also, we’d welcome RDA group representatives, and anyone else who may be interested in joining para training to hear what Julie has to say and learn more about this wonderful aspect of carriage driving.

See here for the latest results…