Updated 17 May 2021
Scotland is currently operating a five-tier system across local authorities, and there are a number of government restrictions currently in place that affect the equestrian industry. As of 17 May, most of the mainland entered level 2 which increases the numbrers who can meet and relaxes travel restrictions, with some islands in level 1 while Glasgow and Moray remain in level 3. 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.
You can travel to meet your horse’s welfare needs at any time under lockdown restrictions. Travel permitted anywhere in Scotland in Levels 0, 1 or 2 but you must not enter a Level 3 or 4 area unless for a permitted reason - caring for your horse would be a permitted reason.
A maximum of eight people from eight separate households can meet outdoors for sport or exercise. Up to six people from three households can socialise indoors in a public or private setting. Children under 12 do not count in this number outdoors but they do indoors.
Horses may be ridden for exercise at any outdoor facility or training venue, but you must adhere to numbers who can meet and social distancing/hygiene measures.
Outdoor training facilities and indoor arenas can remain open for hire and competitions, provided that government public health and hygiene guidance is followed and appropriate risk assessments and mitigation actions are in place.
Yes, but you must adhere to permitted numbers and hygiene measures. You should spend the minimum amount of time on-site, and no spectating may take place unless a parent is supervising a child or vulnerable adult. A face covering is required in indoor facilities when you aren’t taking part in equestrian activity. You will also be required to provide Test & Protect details to the facility’s operator.
Facilities may have additional restrictions or public health measures in place, which should be respected.
Livery yards can remain open for horse owners, loaners and sharers to care for and exercise their horse. However, the yard owner or manager may choose to put additional restrictions or health measures in place for your safety.
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 and travel exemptions are in place to ensure they can attend an animal's welfare.
Coaches may continue to operate with no limit on travel. Sessions can include up to 14 participants for those over the age of 12 years. Group activity for under 12s may take place for up to 30 participants. There is no limit to the number of sessions per day, provided appropriate measures are taken between sessions.
Before coaching, appropriate risk assessments should be carried out, and social-distancing and hygiene measures should be implemented during sessions. Coaches should also collect Test & Protect information from participants.
Competitions are permitted indoors and outdoors with number limites based on alert level:
No specators are permitted at equestrian competitions in Scoland at present.
The governing body for equestrian sport in Scotland, horsescotland, has produced detailed guidance that explains how COVID-19 implications for equestrians in Scotland.