Coronavirus, the BBC, road safety and other things the horse world is talking about

1. Frightening responses to road safety survey could instigate change

The UK’s biggest ever survey on equestrian road safety highlighted “shocking” statistics about riders’ experiences – but should help push our cause with policymakers. The British Horse Society spoke to more than 7,000 people who access roads with horses; riding, driving and leading, and aged between 18 and 97. Only 3% of respondents said they never felt stressed or anxious on the roads, and 43% said they did so more than half the time. Not enough of the incidents alluded to in this survey have been officially recorded, which is what the BHS has been pleading with riders to do for many years, in order to help influence policy.

Find out more about the impact of these findings

2. What Covid restrictions mean for the horse world

With England moving to “Plan B” coronavirus restrictions following the rapid spread of the Omicron variant across the UK, some riders and equestrian businesses are asking what this means for the horse world. It is not another lockdown, sport can continue, but there is some impact for events and businesses.

Everything you need to know

3. For those unable to make it to LIHS, never fear, the BBC is here

Fans will be able to watch some of the best bits of the London International Horse Show live on the BBC – including the puissance and the World Cup dressage and showjumping – after a new broadcast deal was agreed. More than 16 hours of live coverage from the show will be available on BBC Two and BBC digital platforms, including the red button. It’s no substitute for making it there in person, and I cannot wait to attend on Thursday and Friday this week, but it is certainly the next best thing if you can’t.

Find out what is on and when

You may also want to read…

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Sarah Jenkins

H&H editor-in-chief

Sarah has more than 20 years experience as an equestrian journalist and editor. She has reported from major championships including the Europeans and the World Equestrian Games. She has co-written books on equestrianism including The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. Sarah has ridden since childhood, owned horses and ponies for over 25 years, and worked for and trained with Olympic gold medallist event rider Leslie Law prior to going to university.