“No room for complacency”, as scientists release covid-secure guidelines for equestrian establishments

Leading equine scientists have teamed up to produce a comprehensive set of Covid-secure guidelines to help equestrian establishments minimise the risk of spreading the virus 

Hot on the heels of a survey that highlighted UK horse owners’ key concerns during the current coronavirus pandemic, two of the survey’s authors – equine scientist Dr David Marlin and Hartpury University’s Dr Jane Williams – have joined forces to create a clear set of guidelines for equestrian businesses.

The advisory document provides details of the responsible practices that need to be adopted by owners and keepers, based on research and national government guidance. The initiative is in direct response to survey findings that identified that 73% of respondents felt that the pandemic had a significant detrimental impact on their mental health, citing stress over who’d be able to care for their horse in the event of illness or need to self-isolate as a key factor. The survey also found that while livery yards were strong on providing hand washing or sanitising facilities, the majority – especially DIY yards – had limited Covid-19 plans in place and many struggled to implement the standard measures prescribed by government within an equestrian environment.

The eight-page guidance also offers owners advice on how to be suitably prepared to ensure ongoing care of their horse, in case they fall victim to the virus or are forced to self-isolate and therefore stay away from the yard.

In addition to the guidelines – which are endorsed by the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC), World Horse Welfare, RSPCA, The British Horse Society and British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) – Dr Marlin and Dr Williams have produced an eye-catching poster that provides a clear visual on how to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission on the yard.

Commenting on the two sets of guidance, Dr David Marlin said, “Our survey highlighted a number of concerns among owners, a large number of whom felt anxiety linked to how they’d cope if they were unable to get to the yard, either because of ill-health or the need to observe self-isolation protocol. Worryingly, the report also raised a red flag over the apparent lack of measures in place at equestrian establishments that were struggling to understand how they could act to stop the spread. While the number of coronavirus cases is falling, the message from the government is clear, there’s no room for complacency in the fight against this virus, so it is imperative that all yards – including DIY livery yards – follow the recommended advice outlined in our guidance and take active steps to ensure the necessary covid-secure measures are adopted.”

The guidance and downloadable poster can be found at drdavidmarlin.com