Tier 4 Guidance

Guidance on Tier 4 has been published which includes the following on Sports and physical activity:

‘Indoor gyms and sports facilities will close. Outdoor sports courts, outdoor gyms, golf courses, outdoor swimming pools, archery/driving/shooting ranges, riding centres and playgrounds can remain open for individual exercise, and for people to use with others within your household, support bubble, or with one person from another household. Organised outdoor sport for under 18s and disabled people will be allowed.’

Also outdoor riding centres are specifically mentioned as being able to remain open.

We have no further information than that published. Based on this, we would assume that:

– Horses can continue to be exercised (hacking and arena).
– Group lessons can continue for under 18s.
– Private, semi-private lessons and hacking can continue for individuals, a household, one + one other person, or a social bubble.

Please note there are travel restrictions associated with Tier 4 – you cannot travel from or into a Tier 4 area.

Your local licensing officer may have an alternative view – and you should check with them to confirm that you are operating within the regulations. We will seek further guidance from the BEF and will advise as soon as we know more.

Having just come out of lockdown, we sympathise with Riding Schools – whether Members of the ABRS or not – this rollercoaster must be very stressful as you seek to keep businesses going.

The full guidance can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home#sports-and-physical-activity

We will update you further once we receive further guidance from DEFRA. the DCMS and British Equestrian.