Updated 5 January 2021
Wales moved countrywide to level four, the highest level of restrictions, on 20 December. On this page, we've tried to compile some of the key stakeholder questions to help you understand what the current situation means for you and your horse.
Yes, you may travel to visit your horse for welfare reasons, but you should avoid unnecessary journeys where possible. It is also not permitted to cross the border into England unless you’re doing so for work purposes or another reasonable excuse.
Horses may be ridden for exercise and the advice is for it to ‘start and end at home’. Exercise should be carried out alone or with members of you household or support bubble. Hacking is also permitted, although you should avoid crossing the border into England.
All leisure and fitness facilities have been ordered to close under level four restrictions. If it is essential for your horse’s welfare, you may travel it to a private facility for exercise, but you may not meet with anyone outside your household or support bubble.
You should not meet with anyone other than members of your household or support bubble.
Farriers, vets, dentists, physiotherapists and other equine practitioners can continue to operate, provided that they have COVID protocols and risk assessments in place to maintain safe working conditions.
Based on the fact that households are not able to mix, face-to-face coaching is not possible at this time. Coaching options should be moved online with the correct insurance options in place.
Sport Wales, the governing body for sport in Wales, has produced sector-specific COVID-19 guidance, which is available here.