Will COVID-19 affect equestrian sport? Yes, inevitably it will. Immediately, we have already seen the cancellation of several sports competitions in the different equestrian modalities by the FEI, in an attempt to prevent the continued spread of the virus. The future is still uncertain regarding qualifying events for FEI championships, as well as the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In any case, it is certain that we need to take measures as a community to prevent the risk of contagion by the virus, as well as its impact on the health of the members of this community, particularly those of the designated risk groups.
Thus, it is suggested to riders, according to the recommendations of the DGS and WHO, that:
– Protect yourself and others by leaving the care of your horse to the actors strictly necessary for its food and physical exercise;
– Preferably use outdoor arenas, if this is not possible, opt for well-ventilated indoor spaces;
– Comply with the recommended social distancing? after all your main partner is your horse! Opt for individual workouts/walks; avoid proximity during handling and in the periods before and after the practice;
– Good hygiene practices are adopted, reinforcing hand washing according to the appropriate technique;
– If the rules of conduct for respiratory hygiene are respected: cover your mouth/nose with a tissue when coughing/sneezing, discarding it immediately; or, if you don't have a handkerchief, use the angle of your elbow (not your hands).
Illustration 1 – General recommendations from the DGS and WHO.
Regarding your horse, Intacol reinforces the fact that so far there is no evidence that domestic animals can contract or transmit the disease caused by COVID-19. However, the pandemic has imposed changes to our routines that will predictably cause changes in the routine and activity level of horses.. In this way it is recommended:
1.Reduce the amount of concentrated food (ration) offered, favoring the forage component (hay) of the diet;
2.Allow some daily activity (guide or access to paddock) to stabled horses without planned mounted work;
3. Provide clean water permanently;
4. In view of the reduction in exercise and potential impact on the horse's intestinal motility, it is recommended that daily monitoring of faeces be carried out during litter hygiene (amount - normal / reduced / increased, appearance - normal / dry / soft) in order to detect early changes in the horse's health status.
Illustration 2 – Practical recommendations for changing the horse's routine and activity.
