ICYMI: Local stables and riding schools need to open, say three local stable owners

Three local stables have argued it is time for the government to allow the horse riding industry to open again.

This, they say, is because riding horses is a non-contact activity where social distancing and strict hygienic measures can be implemented.Stables and riding schools across the country have suffered financially without clients riding their horses or having lessons, and community members are growing concerned about how the lockdown will affect the industry long-term.

“There was a survey done in Europe and there is almost zero per cent chance of people catching coronavirus while riding horses, if good measures are in place,” said Chartwell Stables owner, Shirley Sadleir.

“We had a Covid-19 risk assessor on site to give us procedures we need to have in place and we have implemented them all. All precautions have been put in place with social distancing, sanitisers and taking of temperatures.”

Fourways Riding Centre owner, Marion Clough, and Phaeton Park Stables owner, Vee Laros, agreed it is time to get in the saddle again.”We have about 60 clients paying for their horses to be kept here so we are doing alright financially but smaller stables and riding schools are really struggling now,” Laros said.

“A complete lockdown was a good idea in the first few weeks but now horses need exercise and finances are tight for some. People may also get annoyed as they are still paying stables for lessons but not getting any.”

Clough added that most of her income comes from hosting shows and having catering for them, and she is losing more than R100 000 per month.

“I managed to get permits for some clients to bring their horses for exercise, otherwise my grooms and I are lunging horses in the arenas to keep them exercised,” she said.

Equestrian Qualifications Authority of Southern Africa Level 2 international instructor, Lynda Records also believes stables and riding schools should be opened if they have safety measures in place.

“There are thousands upon thousands of horses in South Africa and the welfare of these animals coupled with the huge job losses is bringing huge suffering,” she said.

Furthermore, the riding of horses is therapeutic and necessary for many children and adults with mental and physical disabilities, Records added.Many local stables and riding schools face closure or job losses. However, the coronavirus pandemic must not be taken lightly and all must be done to minimise its spread.

If you have an opinion about the opening of the horse riding industry, share them with us by emailing nicholasz@caxton.co.za