‘We still need to qualify for the Olympics'

Carl Hester on the difficulties of competing abroad and team selection

- Polly Bryan

THE devastating news of a virus threatening our horses could not have come at a worse time, as we are all looking forward to a gradual release from Covid lockdown.

With all FEI shows, including the World Cup Final, cancelled until 11 April, the key thing we should all bear in mind with the equine herpes virus (EHV-1) is that, while member bodies can control competition riders, they cannot control travel for sales, training, stud work and so on, apart from urging everyone to follow the protocols.

We all have a part to play in safeguarding the UK’s equine population, so please, if you must travel horses across our borders, ensure you employ the highest levels of biosecurity and good practice. We are lucky to have some of the leading vets in the world on the subject who are happy to lend support, but it boils down to everyone taking responsibility, as with Covid-19.

NATIONAL HOPE