BEF Issue Latest Statement

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) is working closely with its Olympic and Paralympic governing bodies British Dressage, British Eventing and British Showjumping, in conjunction with the British Horse Council, on planning for safeguarding the viability of the sport and a resumption of activity when the government is in a position to relax coronavirus restrictions.

Each of the organisations face tough economic challenges as their main income streams, membership revenue, competition levies and sponsorship, are decimated as a result of the pandemic. All three disciplines have made use of the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme by furloughing staff while a number of further cost savings and reductions have been made around operating costs and project deferment. 

The boards and management teams in each of the companies are fully committed to ensuring economic stability for their stakeholders to return to when conditions allow.

With lockdown restrictions in place until 7 May at the earliest, calls are being made for a return to competitive riding and all three organisations are working on plans for getting underway in line with any requirements set by the government. However, all are fully committed to supporting the government’s continued message of Stay at home, stay safe and support the NHS’ and will not action any return until it is safe to do so.

There will be a period of transition as those competitive members will need to get back riding and build their personal fitness levels, as well as training their horse to be ‘competition ready’. 

Organisers and venues will need to make adaptations in line with any restrictions imposed by government and the competitions themselves may have alternative formats, restricted numbers and different environments to operate within social distancing parameters. Each sport is formulating and developing what will be needed to meet these requirements, as well as closely monitoring what other sports are proposing, alongside any changes in government policy.

The BEF are also in constant communication with the British Horse Society, British Riding Clubs, The Pony Club, Riding for the Disabled and other sporting member bodies on their approach to financial management and any plans for resumption.

Malcom added;

CORONAVIRUS ADVICE FOR GROOMS

CORONAVIRUS ADVICE FOR EMPLOYERS