Blackdyke Farm Arena Eventing Series. Round 2 Sunday 6th December – going ahead for English based entrants in Tier 1 & 2. Not for entrants or prospective entrants residing in Tier 3.
The government announced details of the revised three tier alert system for England earlier this week and which areas would fall into each tier. The positive news is that equestrian activity can largely continue within number and setting restrictions based on the area’s tier level. Current lockdown restrictions remain in place until 00.01 on Wednesday 2 December and should be followed until then.
Overview of the tiers and how it relates to equestrianism
Tier 1 – Medium alert
- organised outdoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes can continue (Please note, the use of indoor/covered arenas for equestrian activity has previously been classified as outdoor activity in England and Scotland)
- organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes can continue to take place, if the rule of six is followed. There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes, and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing
- if you live in a tier 1 area and travel to an area in a higher tier you should follow the rules for that area while you are there. Avoid travel to or overnight stays in tier 3 areas other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities. You can travel through a tier 3 area as part of a longer journey.
Tier 2 – High alert
- organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue (Please note, the use of indoor/covered arenas for equestrian activity has previously been classified as outdoor activity in England and Scotland)
- organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes will only be permitted if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with (or share a support bubble with). There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing
- you can’t socialise with other households indoors
- you can meet in a group of up to six outside – including in a garden, or a public place
- if you live in a tier 2 area, you must continue to follow tier 2 rules when you travel to a tier 1 area. Avoid travel to or overnight stays in tier 3 areas other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities. You can travel through a tier 3 area as a part of a longer journey.
Tier 3 – Very High alert
- leisure and sports facilities may continue to stay open
- organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue, however higher-risk contact activity should not take place (Please note, the use of indoor/covered arenas for equestrian activity has previously been classified as outdoor activity in England and Scotland)
- you can’t mix with other households indoors, or in private gardens and pub gardens
- you can meet in a group of up to six in other outdoor spaces, such as parks, beaches or countryside
- avoid travelling to other parts of the UK, including for overnight stays other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities. You can travel through other areas as part of a longer journey. You may travel out of a tier 3 area for individual exercise.
- Competitors residing in Tier 3 are currently advised not to travel to a competition taking place in Tier 2 . If you are impacted and need to withdraw a Winter Series entry please email us for a full refund. A review will take place on 16 December and further information will be released accordingly.
Thank you.
In all tiers, all equestrian facilities, yards and centres can open for lessons, hire and competitions. Horse owners and guardians can travel to care and exercise horses without restriction including travelling horses away from the yard for exercise, training/lessons, hire orcompetition. Hacking on a social basis should only be done within the rule of six. Where possible, travel into and out of tier three should be avoided.
In all tiers, coaches and equestrian practitioners can continue to operate within COVID protocols and risk assessments for the provision of a safe workplace. Travel is permitted between tiers but please observe the requirements of the tier you live in.