BGA warns grooms and riders to be careful

With lockdown #3 restrictions, and the cold weather the British Grooms Association (BGA) is issuing a warning for all grooms and riders to take extra care when handling and riding horses to avoid putting extra pressure on the NHS.

The lockdown restrictions mean that many horses are not getting exercised as much as they would normally, and with the cold weather and ice affecting many parts of the UK, horses are being stabled for longer periods of time resulting in them being ‘fresher’ than normal.

Everyone who works with horses appreciates that there is a certain level of risk involved, but at this time we are asking that you take additional precautions to protect yourself and avoid putting any more strain on the NHS.

The BGA’s advice is to be practical, draw on your wealth of experience to judge each situation and remember that your safety is paramount:

If you need to, lunge before or instead of riding.

Wear the essential PPE such as hats and gloves when handling horses and a body protector for riding if you feel it would be a sensible option.

Ensure that there is a suitable salt and grit supply at the yard to avoid any accidents on the ice.

Taking additional safety precautions may seem ‘overkill’ until it is needed.

The BGA strongly encourages everyone who work with horses to have personal accident insurance to protect their earnings should they get injured and are unable to work, never more so at these times.

Find out more about these bespoke affordable policies. 

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