We are in quarantine

As France is added to the list of UK quarantine countries, we spoke to BGA member and Competition groom Tori Morris who has just returned from Normandy.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am the head groom/yard manager for Richard Coney and have worked with him for the last three years.

Richard is a young rider that has competed at the Junior and Young Rider European Championships (Winning team Bronze, Silver and Gold (2016, 2017, 2019).

We were on the Nations Cup Team at Houghton last year where they won team bronze, and we have just got back from Haras du Pin (Normandy, France) where the team won bronze and Richard was placed 8th individually.

Before the changes to quarantine were announced did you have different other plans?

Luckily, as we had our 3 top horses competing in France (3*S and 4*NC) we had only planned to attend some small competitions with our two young horses over the next couple of weeks, which unfortunately we are no longer allowed to go to.

Despite falling under the ‘Elite Athlete’ category outlined by the government, both myself and Richard were exempt from the quarantine restrictions as we were competing for Team GB.

Sadly, a few members of British Eventing have made complaints on social media platforms which has meant that BE have said we cannot compete despite being technically exempt under the government guidelines. Luckily, we were not planning to go to events such as Burgham, which I know other team members had entered.

How will this affect you and your work?

Since the lockdown I have been living where I work, so for me the quarantine restrictions have not affected me too much. 

I can still work on the yard (as I work alone, or with Richard) and we can continue to exercise the horses at home for the next couple of weeks.

We have completed the forms for exemption and had a voluntary COVID test upon arrival back to the UK. And although I am classed as exempt I will adhere to the quarantine as there is no need for me to go anywhere or see people outside of my work ‘bubble’.

How did you find the event in terms of biosecurity once you arrived?

Haras were very strict with their protocols at the event. Everyone had to wear masks at all times, hand gels were stationed around the site and beside all water taps at the stables. We were stabled in a block with other GB riders. This all made me feel at ease and I was not concerned or worried.

I believe in order for the sport to continue and for us to keep doing the job we love we must stick to the protocols provided. We are more than capable of adhering to social distancing and hygiene measures within the Equestrian Industry and for it to carry on as normal as possible.

Thank you Tori for sharing your story.

The BGA says;

When returning to the UK everyone must complete this form whether you are a UK resident or not. 

*Currently you will need to self-isolate for 14 days when returning from International Shows if the show is located in Spain, Belgium, Holland or France

*Correct at the current time of writing.

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Image by Benjamin Clark