BEF Announce Update on When Use of Indoor Arenas will be permitted

British Equestrian (BEF) has announced this evening (26/06/2020) information released from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has permitted the use of indoor arenas, from 4 July in England.

Scotland – Riding/driving in covered arenas from 29 June in Scotland was approved by sportscotland following work done in collaboration by horsescotland and BHS Scotland. The use of indoor facilities in Northern Ireland has been permitted since 23 June.

Wales – Indoor equestrian facilities in Wales remain closed at present but work will continue to lobby government and sport agencies for change.

This will no doubt be good news for equestrians across England and Scotland as many have been unable to use indoor arenas, wherein some instances were the only area for schooling horses. The DCMS announced prohibited use of indoor arenas alongside coronavirus lockdown procedures, stating that horses must only be exercised outdoors.

British Equestrian Chief Executive Iain Graham commented;

This will be welcome news for many who have been patiently waiting for the government’s agreement. We have gone to great lengths to explain the nature of equestrian indoor schools and today we finally made the breakthrough. I’d like to thank the teams at DCMS and Sport England for working and reasoning with us on a daily basis. We’ll continue to press for change in Wales and are hopeful for a successful outcome here too.”

Feature image for illustration only. Image Steph Gumn, SG Sports Horses riding licensed stallion Sandros Sun