Your Horse And Lockdown

The national lockdown poses a problem for horses and riders. As a result, the South African Equestrian Federation is in negotiation with relevant stakeholders, says Dr Mac.

- Dr Mac.

At the end of March, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa would go into a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The coronavirus is part of a large family of viruses affecting animals and humans. Most are not transmitted between humans and animals. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) are the only current examples of coronaviruses that crossed from animals and spread to people. The origin of the novel coronavirus is still being investigated, but there is no evidence to suggest that people can transmit the disease to dogs, cats or horses. However, the national lockdown means that people may only leave their homes to seek medical care, purchase groceries or collect medicines. Those that provide essential services are allowed to travel to and from work. This means that if your horse is stabled away from your home, you are not (legally) able to travel to and from the yard to visit or exercise your horse.