OWNERS of a Northwich riding school are urging the Government to rethink lockdown rules for England that have put the reins on their business and could result in a widespread horse welfare catastrophe.

Debbie Wilson, the manager at Cheshire Riding School, has added her voice to a growing campaign group of riding schools and stables in England that have been forced into closure at the most expensive time of year for keeping horses.

Cheshire Riding School has many horses at its 130-acre site in Cogshall Lane – most of which are riding school horses, with others in livery - and more than 20 employees.

But with the riding school currently closed to the public, and staff still needed to muck out, feed and exercise many riding school horses, it’s an uphill struggle to ensure the animals are cared for to their normal high standards and able to get their usual level of exercise.

Debbie explained: “There are potentially a lot of ailments that are brought on just by horses standing still and not getting worked.”

During previous lockdown restrictions, the issue had been less severe because horses can live in fields during spring and summer, and they require less food and exercise. However, in the winter it’s necessary for them to be stabled, which requires supplementary feeding and regular exercise.

Debbie said: “It’s not so much for the livery owners who have their horses here, they are still able to come and look after their horses. But it’s incredibly hard work to make sure the riding school horses are looked after properly under these current conditions.

“As we demonstrated for over six months last year, we’re more than capable of offering safe one-to-one lessons, and for lots of our regular riders their visits are critical to their mental wellbeing as well as being a recognised form of physical exercise.”

Debbie says that socially distanced coaching lessons can easily be safely achieved and will ensure the horses are exercised regularly, which could mean the difference between survival and extinction for many schools across the country.

She added: “It is crucial for the welfare of our horses that we are able to re-open. Throughout all of this pandemic, we have been able to keep our staff and clients safe by being COVID secure.

“At this time of year, when costs to maintain the welfare of horses is high, opening to offer one-to-one lessons in large arenas, as is still permitted in Wales and Scotland, would enable riding schools across England to stay open, diverting a major welfare catastrophe.” 

James Hick, chief executive of The British Horse Society, added: “Riding schools are the lifeblood of the equestrian industry and this latest lockdown is causing immense difficulties for them.

“We have been lobbying Government throughout the pandemic, and will continue, working closely with officials to clarify the guidance along with providing support and information.”