Horse Riding Rules To Be Clarified Soon

Thu, 09 Apr 2020

New guidance is expected to be issued for horse owners over exercising.

At present it was understood the daily allowance of ‘exercise’ did not include horse riding, despite cycling and other activities being permitted.

However equestrian owners have raised issues that animals that are not exercised, can suffer welfare issues as a result.

A local equestrian body has been in negotiations with the Government and the Police over what is an acceptable compromise to ensure the welfare of the animals.

“Equestrian Safety Isle of Man” have published the following draft guidance online and say they hope this will be made official soon.

“You are recommended to stay off the road and use fields or arenas to exercise. If you have to ride on the road, you should only travel as short a distance as possible. This will count as your one form of exercise per day”

You know your own horses and ponies better than anyone and if you are safer riding out for as short a distance as you can to exercise them for their welfare then you can. If you can ride in the field/arena then that is preferable.

If your horse/pony is better led rather than ridden, please exercise in hand."

 

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