So horse riding lessons are off?

[Thedarksideofthemoon30]

Such a middle class question,

Will private lessons be off? 🙈

I'm not sure. The rules are odd. You can meet someone from a different household outside for exercise and this can be a personal trainer. But your not allowed to play tennis or golf which I thought would be allowed. Makes no sense but then little does.

I hope they can continue or many schools won't survive this time

During the last lockdown riding schools and pony clubs had to stop activity. Another way of looking at it - do you want to have to go to hospital at the moment if you fall off? Not trying to be provocative but I fell off my horse unexpectedly in the summer and broke some bones. Ended up in hospital for four nights, luckily it was covid-free at the time. I wouldn't want to be in that situation at the moment! DC will only be walking and trotting to minimise risk yet keep pony relatively fit at the moment.

Seems that from the wording, if they aren't in the arena, but are outside/not in an enclosed space, they could theoretically go hacking, for example. Or if it's riding for Disabled people, it's all OK.

Best to check with the school tomorrow, though, as that's just from a cursory reading of the guidance.

@Moondust001 - that’s rather harsh. The new lockdown is upsetting for everyone. We will all have different ways to try to cope. OP’s question is perfectly valid.

@Moondust001

I'm usually not short tempered. Are you fucking insane? This is the only important thing you can up with right now???

Wow.

You're permitted to provide care to an animal, including travelling to horses and livestock. Unless you're caring for your own horses (and lessons would go beyond this) it's a no.

@Moondust001

I'm usually not short tempered. Are you fucking insane? This is the only important thing you can up with right now???

The thing is that it is so easy to socially isolate for a riding lesson. They have continued through all tiers. Instructor does not need to come anywhere near the rider for the entire time. I can understand the desperation of OP hoping some normality (that is extremely low risk) might continue. No need to be so rude.

[quote snowy0wl]@Moondust001 - that’s rather harsh. The new lockdown is upsetting for everyone. We will all have different ways to try to cope. OP’s question is perfectly valid.[/quote]
Yes a new lockdown where thousands more people will lose their jobs, education is disrupted for millions of children, and people are dying .... and we should be really worried about riding lessons???? Providing care for an animal you own is one thing. But riding lessons???

Also think that comment was harsh. Perhaps the OP was asking in behalf of a child. I'd bloody give anything to be able to tell my DD that she could carry on one of the things that she enjoys doing. It's heartbreaking having to explain to a child that school is shut, can't see friends, can't see family, can't go out, brownies is shut, swimming is shut, dancing is shut. We are all human and this is bloody awful. OP I hope the lessons continue and give you or your family pleasure.

Yes a new lockdown where thousands more people will lose their jobs, education is disrupted for millions of children, and people are dying .... and we should be really worried about riding lessons????

People who WORK at riding schools don’t tend to do it for the good of their health. Don’t they fall into the category of people who’ll lose their jobs above?

It’s for my daughter.

It’s been her lifeline and the only thing that has kept her going every week. I’m gutted :(

@MrGruWeLoveYou totally agree.
DD got way too attached to screens last time around, and began to get really down.
Her only real hobby is horse riding, and she was delighted just before Christmas when I found someone willing to give her private lessons. She only managed to have two lessons before restrictions changed again , and was devastated not to go any more.

@Thedarksideofthemoon30

It’s for my daughter.

It’s been her lifeline and the only thing that has kept her going every week. I’m gutted :(

I believe there are different rules for children. So I think she may be OK. It will be down to the individual riding school so you may have to wait until tomorrow to check. Fingers crossed.

For my kids, riding lessons are the only ‘normal’ activity they’ve been able to do since November. It gives them an opportunity to go somewhere other than the park, they get some exercise, and the stables get some income. The staff keep their jobs. Win win I’d say.

Now with no school for six weeks, it becomes more important than ever for their mental health.

I would imagine so

That's out of order Moondust riding school horses have to be fed and exercised and mucked out, shod and looked after 24/7 (including occasional veterinary care) whether there are paying customers or not. It all costs money and the price of hay and feed is very expensive currently. Many riding establishments were struggling before Covid-19, they really struggled under the last lockdown, and if they shut down again now, many will not reopen again.

And lots of children with physical, mental health and developmental issues benefit very much (in terms of morale, strength, behaviour modification) from regular riding lessons.

You may not care whether or not riding schools close or not but I certainly do; and I care about the welfare of their employees and their horses. Riding schools are businesses like any other and if you've ever worked in one you will know it is a back-breaking way to make a living. Class has nothing to do with it.

Our yard has closed today. Her loan horse was just about the only thing keeping dd positive in a truly shit set of home circumstances

Gutted for our riding school owners too who have worked so hard. Riding is dd's lifeline and sanity

I'm hoping that riding schools can stay open. Running a riding school is expensive, and they need the income to be able to stay open and care for their horses.
My previous loan pony, Jazz was sold to another local riding school when our riding school had to close in 2017. I'm am comfortable with where he is currently, I know that he's well cared for, and loved by all the riders, as I get frequent updates on him.
I would hate to think that they had to close down due to a third lockdown, as that would mean that he's have to be sold to someone elsewhere, who may not care for him so well, or that is unwilling to give updates on this gorgeous coblet.

During the previous autumn lockdown ‘lite’ they were stopped at our local stables - they tried to continue but the council intervened. Can’t imagine they will be allowed this time...Sorry op.

Also, if a riding school closed, they would have to sack the staff, and in the current climate, it's difficult to find work.

We're in tier 4 for another 30 mins anyway, and our riding schools were allowed to have private lessons but closed down anyway. I think it just wasn't financially viable. I was gutted as it's been on off since September and it's the best hour of my week. The new guidance says riding arenas have to close. I presume by this they mean outdoor and inside schools / menages. This is interesting as it would stop those on livery using them for exercise instead of hacking out I would have thought. I know last time the BHS (I think) did some work clarifying the situation. Regs will be published tomorrow and it should be clear then. In the next six weeks I'm on a campaign to get some core strength when I eventually get back to lessons!

I take mine for a private lesson each week. I keep him at home. Until now it’s been covered by welfare and training.