A woman who breached Welsh lockdown rules by trying to visit her horse has been fined by police.
The woman was making the trip of about 160 miles from Leicester to Ceredigion, west Wales, on Sunday (1 November) when she was stopped by Dyfed-Powys Police and issued with the fixed penalty notice.
This was before England’s second coronavirus lockdown came into force but as Wales has been in a “firebreak lockdown” since 23 October, with no plans to end it until 9 November, she was breaking the rules.
Superintendent Craig Templeton, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said officers have been conducting high-visibility patrols across the four counties the force covers, throughout the lockdown.
“These have included daily road checks in key areas, which allow officers to engage with motorists and ensure that Welsh Government regulations regarding essential travel are understood and being followed,” he said.
“We have been pleased that the majority of people are adhering to the rules and appreciate these checks are part of helping keep our communities safe.
“Where people have been found making unnecessary journeys, officers have explained the current limitations and encouraged people to return home.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“Enforcement – through the issue of fixed penalty notices or FPNs – remains only a method of last resort when drivers are determined to flout the rules.
“We would like to thank everyone who has worked with us to help keep Wales safe, and remind everyone that travel restrictions remain in place until November 9.”
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 to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
