Equine welfare warning as virus restrictions hit riding schools hard H&H Plus

Eleanor Jones 13 April, 2020 15:03

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Library image. Credit: Lucy Merrell

H&H speaks to industry experts to understand the impact the restrictions put in place to help combat the pandemic are having on equestrian businesses such as riding schools and livery yards

There could be “catastrophic” equine welfare implications of the coronavirus pandemic, concerned stakeholders have warned. All businesses are affected by movement restrictions, but equestrian centres still have horses and ponies to care for, so staff cannot be furloughed.

Tim Downes, who owns Ingestre Stables in Stafford and is a Fellow of the British Horse Society, told H&H Britain is “on the brink of a welfare catastrophe”.

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