Eventing may be out of season in England right now but the potential for a strong start to next season has just improved dramatically with an announcement from the British Government
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the government's new measures and Covid-19 restrictions for sporting attendance in England on Monday 23rd November
A maximum of 4,000 fans will be allowed at outdoor events in the lowest-risk areas when the four-week lockdown in England ends on 2 December while up to 2,000 people will be allowed in tier two areas but none in tier three.
The Outline of Tiers and the areas affected can be found here
Organised grassroots and amateur sport, which has been halted since 5th November, will be also able to resume. This should see the resumption of British Eventing’s Winter Training and Arena Eventing fixtures although no announcement has yet been made and British Equestrian says it will work with its Member bodies to ‘understand the detail behind the announcement and what it means to our industry’ and will release details in due course
In the official press release, the Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said that "This is a big step forward for sport”
"Bringing grassroots sport back was my number one priority, so I'm pleased we are reopening sports and gyms in every tier, in recognition of the significant health benefits.
"I'm also delighted we are able to get the turnstiles turning sooner than expected, taking a cautious approach and starting with the lowest-risk areas first.
"I'm confident that sports will take every step to ensure their fans are safe and fans will play their part and look out for each other until we can safely get everyone back in."
Let’s keep our fingers crossed and keep planning for the new British eventing season start in March 2021!
