Horses and human health - the BBC confirms we can ride and travel to DIY yards

As pressure mounts not to ride, as it is a risk sport, I have chosen to ride in very low risk ways.

Much needed clarity on what is socially acceptable about riding has been discussed on the BBC.  I have taken the decision to ride but all low-level impact work at home or only in walk-on empty country lanes. I am acutely aware that the precious NHS needs every drop of resources right now, but the health of my body and mind along with my horse's happiness is a factor. We are very lucky to have them at home and feel relieved that this news enables all those who have been missing their horses the permission they need to  visit their yard as long as the rules of social distancing are adhered to. Many yards have agreed sensible allocated time slots for all their riders.

This lockdown is allowing me time to talk to horse riders and owners as we help them with the supplements that support them. I  have rehabbed Junior through life-threatening injuries and now have him at PSG. Most of the work I have been doing with Junior to get me to this level has been slow and low impact over a prolonged time.  I am revisiting these exercises to build his muscles and strength over the next coming months. Often the exercises are in a walk, which makes life much safer, and works on the detail asking more each week as we grow together.

Katya, like many children around the country, is finding homeschooling challenging and has lost her motivation without any engagement from her peer group so I am creating exercises for her and filming her on her pony. I am then involving her in the process of creating  a mini training video, helping her to develop her IT skills. Education can take on many forms. We are also teaching her practical skills like cooking to set her up for life.

We stay safe using the calming bespokes and Instant Liquid Caalm as a top-up before we ride. The grass is now coming through so restricted grazing is required by 3 of our 4 horses. The sand turn out paddock is now not going to be constructed so we have to all work with what we have. We will start doing some fun stuff and sharing it very soon. Our editing man is currently spending his days delivering fresh meat to the local old people.  This naturally takes priority.