ADVICE FROM WORLD HORSE WELFARE IN RELATION TO CURRENT COVID-19 SITUATION
As of last night (23 March) the country entered a new phase (to last three weeks before review), as the government brought in further restrictions to seek to limit the spread and impact of the coronavirus pandemic. We understand that many owners will be very worried about how to care for their horse, especially if you keep him or her away from home, and we will do all we can to provide you with regular updates and advice. Please do remember that these are unprecedented times – a time of national emergency – so our approach to our horses over the next few weeks is not what we would normally recommend. In this context some key points to consider:
• Attending to the basic needs of your horse should be considered as ‘essential’ – but you still need to undertake this whilst complying with the latest government guidance – especially around social (physical) distancing.
• You should focus solely on giving your horse maintenance care. If possible, you should rough your horse off over the next few days and put them out to grass. With spring having arrived in most parts of the UK, the days are longer and warmer (and hopefully will remain drier) so your horse should be able to cope well with this change. This will not be suitable for all horses, especially those with underlying health conditions, so seek advice from your vet about providing maintenance care.
• Our strong advice would be for you not to ride your horse during this period – and to as quickly as possible taper your horse’s exercise so that, where possible, they can be turned out to grass. We all need to be as risk-averse as we can to minimise pressure on the NHS.
• Individually we should only be visiting our horses once per day. However, if your horse requires more frequent checks (e.g. is on medication) try to set up a buddy system (locally or on your yard) to provide this additional care for your horse. You can also try to use buddy systems so that you don’t have to visit your horse every day – which is another way of further reducing risk.
• Vets are now only providing an emergency call-out service. Consider the following question: “Can you put it off for three weeks? If yes, put it off – if no, call your vet,” to help you decide. Likewise, you should consider very carefully whether you need any farriery visits during this three-week period. Speak to your vet or farrier if you have any concerns.
Roly Owers
Chief Executive
+44 (0)1953 497 238 (during office hours)
www.worldhorsewelfare.org/