Dressage Events Resume – Guidance for Riders

[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1591626808383{padding-top: 150px !important;padding-bottom: 150px !important;background-image: url(https://www.equestriansurfaces.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AdobeStock_204186547-scaled.jpg?id=2580) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Dressage Events Resume – Guidance for Riders ” heading_tag=”h1″ el_class=”shadow”][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After lockdown measures were eased slightly as of last week, the UK has seen an increase in equestrian activity, with the ability for up to six people from any household to meet anywhere outdoors. For equestrians, this has meant riders in groups of six are now able to ride together, and coaches can begin to recommence training with up to five riders in an outdoor facility (as long as the 2-metre distancing rule is observed).

 

*Equestrian centres are advised that they will be required to conduct a COVID-19 risk assessment before reopening their doors, the results of which should also be published online and made readily accessible to staff and clients. You can find out more information here.

 

In light of this latest announcement, British Dressage has announced moves to restart organised, in-person training this month, with the hope to see competitions resume in July. As a result, many riders will now be eager to get back in the dressage arena and begin working with their horse, however there are several important factors to consider if you’re planning to travel to a British Dressage venue, coach or competition later this summer.

 

Safe Travelling

Whilst it is now permitted for groups of up to six to meet in any outdoor space, social distancing measures are still currently in place. This means that, where possible, you should make every effort to travel alone or with other members of your household only. This may involve having to make plans for the care of any children or animals, so be sure to think ahead and give yourself plenty of time to make arrangements.

If you are required to make a particularly long journey, you should consider planning your journey in such a way that will enable you to minimise travel time, and you should only make stops and visits to service stations when absolutely necessary along the way. Packing your own food and refreshments is a great idea, as this way you won’t be tempted to stop and buy a coffee or a bite to eat en route.

 

Venues & Hygiene

Venues have been advised to ensure hand washing facilities are made readily available to staff and visitors, so you should always wash your hands thoroughly upon arriving at the venue and before you leave, or more frequently if necessary. You might also consider carrying your own personal hand sanitiser with you, so that you can make sure your hands are cleaned regularly during your visit.

You should plan your visits to any training facility or competition venue carefully. Try only to visit those that are close to you, in order to limit travel, and try to stick to the venues you’re already familiar with. You should also try to make any payments required over the phone or online, to avoid handling cash where possible.

 

Health

Those who are vulnerable are advised not to travel to attend lessons or competitions until guidelines are eased further and the Government announces that it is safe to do so. If you have recently showed symptoms of COVID-19, you should act quickly on Government guidance and self-isolate for 14 days.

Whilst some elements of the lockdown regulations have been eased, the rules surrounding social distancing remain in place, so it’s important to remember to keep a 2-metre distance between yourself and any person from another household whenever you leave your home. This includes class members, staff at training facilities, and your coach or trainer.

*Please note: the ability to train in-person currently only applies to those training in England. In Scotland and Wales, training is still taking place via video call.

 

An update on our services in light of the COVID-19 pandemic

As the work we do allows for ground workers to keep social distance from clients, and from one another within their own teams (both whilst working on-site and in transit to the site), we would like to assure our customers that we will still be able to carry out any required works and installations at this present time.

 

Contact our team today to find out more about our surface replacement/installation and arena construction services.

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