Bransby Horses closes to visitors as a precaution amid UK coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Equestrian News :: Everything Horse
Lincolnshire-based equine charity, Bransby Horses, decided to close their doors to visitors on 4pm Friday 20th March. The centre will remain closed for the foreseeable future with all spring activities being cancelled as a precaution in light of the continually evolving nature of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The site in Bransby, which welcomes thousands of visitors each year, will close to visitors but remain operational, so they can continue to care for the 362 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules living on site. Another 60 equines live at their second site at Barlings but this additional site isn’t open to visitors.
Jo Snell, CEO at Bransby Horses said: “This really is a period of uncertainty for many people across the UK, with heavy flooding during the winter and now the coronavirus pandemic. Like many, we have been impacted too and it is important we prioritise the health and safety of our staff, visitors and equines.”
“Not only do we want to do our bit by limiting gatherings of people here but we need to face the very real possibility that some of our staff may need to self-isolate, meaning we have to work with a slim team on the ground. Some of our staff and visitors are vulnerable and we need to consider this in all decision-making. We want to make the best decision for them.”
“It’s been a hard few months, with the flooding and now the coronavirus outbreak but we are putting plans in place to do what we can to protect our staff and supporters and have the best chance of continuing to be able to look after our animals at this uncertain time.”
The Charity will be continuing to share news, stories and updates on social media throughout the closure, so supporters can follow the progress of the Charity. Yard teams and office teams will continue to keep the Charity functioning over the next few weeks, following the guidelines the Government have issued. In April, the situation will be re-evaluated and the site will only reopen if guidelines from the Government confirm this is the best course of action at that time.
For more information on the Charity please visit www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.