Lockdown 2 at Laurel View
Coronovirus Regulations applicable to Riding Schools, Equestrian Centres, Competition, Pleasure Rides, Riding Lessons and leisure riders in Northern Ireland
The following restrictions will apply from 00:01 am on 27 November 2020 until 23:59 on 10 December.
Riding Schools/Equestrian Centres
No activities at riding schools/equestrian centres (indoor or outdoor) will be permitted unless participants are elite athletes. Riding schools/equestrian centres must therefore close. Access for animal welfare purposes is permitted.
Employees of a riding school/equestrian centre may continue to visit the premises to maintain the property, and care for the animals located there. You may exercise the horses on an individual basis but not as part of a group unless as part of a household group.
Recreational exercise
Horse riding as exercise may continue on an individual basis but not as part of a group unless it is part of a household group.
Horse owners may continue to exercise their horses in an outdoor setting and may travel their horses to a public outdoor place, which is open to horse riding, to exercise their horse(s). ie hacking on an individual basis but not as part of a group unless it is part of a household group.
The Riding Coach/Instructor
No personal one-to-one training sessions or group activities are permitted unless for elite equestrians – see below.
The Elite Equestrian
Indoor and outdoor sport is not permitted, other than at elite level.
Elite training and competition can continue, both indoors and outdoors. Elite sporting events must be held behind closed doors without spectators.
The operator or organiser must, however, carry out a risk assessment in accordance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (NI) 2000, take all reasonable measures to limit transmission and follow any relevant NI Departmental guidance.
An ‘elite athlete’ is an individual who;
• derives a living from competing in a sport;
• plays in a professional league or competition,
• is a senior representative nominated by a relevant sporting body,
• is a member of the senior training squad for a relevant sporting body, or
• is aged 16 or above and on an elite development pathway.
The definition of a sporting event is a gathering for the purpose of exercise, competitive sport, recreational sport or sport training.
