ALONG with the perennial problem of high cost insurance, social distancing requirements and doubts over this year’s tourism trade have all added to the problems faced by equestrian centres and riding schools at this time.

AIRE secretary, Linda Young, told The Irish Field: “It has been very difficult times for equestrian centres as they have lost four months of business, but still had the expense of keeping horses and ponies, rates and insurance. The pandemic has affected all riding schools, not just AIRE registered riding schools. They have missed out on camps in Easter and if they do run camps in the summer, they will be much smaller.

“A lot of riding schools put animals out, but there was no grass, so they ending up feeding them. In other cases, animals were put out on what would have been their meadows to cut hay. This will all have consequences for the winter.

“Trekking centres, who rely on tourists, are really suffering and with one underwriter pulling out of the market, some centres will find it difficult to secure insurance. Riding schools have big expenses, such as insurance and rates as well as keeping the animals. I really feel that riding schools should be classified as agriculture,” added Young.

Trekking centres are pinning their hopes on the tourism market recommencing to bring in the business. “Hopefully when the tourism industry picks up, we can recoup some of our business,’’ said Donie O’Sullivan from Killarney Riding Centre. “Our centre depends on the tourists coming in. Up to now we have been completed closed. I am aware that one of the big underwriters has pulled out of the market, but my insurance is not up until the end of the year. It’s hard to know if tourists will travel but we must remain positive,” he added.

It is a similar case in An Sibin Riding Centre in Co Clare. Bertie Cummins explained: “Our business is seasonal, so we have been closed. We will have to see what happens when the hotels open up again.”

RDA and Child Vision

The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDAI), which plays a vital role for users, is also suffering due to Covid-19. Social distancing measures will dictate when this service can resume and, as yet they, have no plans to re-start.

Dilys Lindsay of the RDAI said: “We have been completed suspended and we don’t know when we can return. It has been a great loss for users and their families as their routine is gone, along with the emotional benefits associated with horse riding.

“There are lots of factors to consider in terms of recommencing, such as will their care units allowing them to take part in this activity, will they be able to travel on buses and how will they be assisted on the animals, as very few ride independently. A lot of our volunteers are also mature and will they be willing to come back, as they may be afraid that they can’t keep their social distance.”

Similarly, Child Vision, who specialises in Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy, is also considering what they need to do to get the vital service back and running.

Terri Brosnan commented: “We are looking to come back on June 29th, primarily for the vision impaired. It’s about routine and the sensory input that our clients get from riding a horse is a major loss to their programs. We use the Horse Boy method, which means we can long rein, so we can keep our social distance. For mounting and dismounting, we will need parents to help out. We will have to run courses for parents so they are familiar with the horses. We will do all that we can to get back.”