News RoR update regarding coronavirus pandemic

These are extraordinary times we find ourselves in. The coronavirus pandemic is impacting on all of us in so many ways and no one knows at this stage the long-term implications this will have for society as a whole. We also understand the seriousness of the challenges faced by you, our members, at this time whether your livelihood is derived from the equine world or you are facing hardships due to a loss of income and this is impacting your enjoyment of your horses.

Attending to the basic needs of your horse should be considered as ‘essential’ – but you still need to undertake this whilst complying with the latest government guidance – especially around social distancing.

We encourage everyone to abide by the Government’s guidelines for social distancing and to avoid any unnecessary travel. As you are no doubt already aware, the situation has led to a complete suspension of all organised equine activity, something that is likely to remain the case for the foreseeable future.

Whilst the guidance from the government is changing everyday, we advise that you keep an eye on the BHS website which offers regular updates following the daily briefing from the Government https://www.bhs.org.uk/advice-and-information/coronavirus-covid-19

It is also important to be aware that health services in the UK are currently stretched to capacity, so consider avoiding any activities that might carry an increased risk of injury.

Whilst we are all disappointed at the cancellation of RoR organised activity together with other equestrian competitions being cancelled or postponed, our message to you is that we are still here to help. We will be running online competitions through our social media platforms, sharing training tips including videos from expert trainers and offering advice for anyone seeking help and support in these unprecedented times. So please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Please also stay in contact or get to know your regional co-ordinator, who can offer any help or support via the regional Facebook page. Or if you wish to contact your regional co-ordinator directly, their contact details can be found here: https://www.ror.org.uk/welfare/education/regional-activity

Like us all, RoR is feeling the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The sad cancellation of all equestrian sport does mean there are some savings to be made from the cancellation of RoR classes and competitions, however, the staging of over 40 series exclusively for former racehorses forms just one of our core responsibilities.

Our wider roles and responsibilities comprise the following four pillars of activity:

• Facilitating the transition to a second career for horses leaving racing;
• Educatingowners and riders who take responsibility for former racehorses;
• Creating opportunities for former racehorses to participate and compete in a range of equine disciplines and therapeutic activities; and
• Protecting the welfare of former racehorses through a nationwide ‘safety net’ that is available to assist any former racehorse horse in need of charitable support.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for being part of the RoR community and for registering your former racehorse with us, by doing so, you help us to report back to the industry the number of horses that are now enjoying a second career whether you are out competing, hunting or simply enjoying hacking around the countryside.

During this very challenging time, please stay at home, stay safe, look after your loved ones and your horses - which I appreciate are often one and the same.