The relaxation enables the kids to get back on the horse after a long time.
But the equestrian clubs are afraid of the herpes virus.
District
- The good news in advance: In the past week, countless children were allowed to sit on horseback in the riding schools for the first time in a long time.
This was made possible by the relaxation of the corona for individual sports for children under 14 years of age.
In this age group in particular, many have fallen for the equestrian sport with skin and hair.
“All the children were there again immediately.
They were so beaming when they were allowed to go on the ponies, ”says Angela Struck, youth warden of the Freising riding and driving club, describing her impressions.
"As far as the riding school is concerned, we have been in complete lockdown so far," reports Struck.
“For a long time we were only able to offer online theory lessons for the predominantly young riding students.
As a result of the easing, we can now hold classes again, at least to a limited extent.
Although we have a lot more effort and need a larger number of riding instructors, since different regulations apply depending on the age, but at least something is working again. "
Health aspect important
This is extremely important, emphasizes Renate Held from the Held riding stable in Massenhausen.
Because the health aspect for the children and adolescents in equestrian sport cannot be assessed highly enough.
The former professional rider is certain that the therapeutic benefits alone, in terms of mental relaxation and training of the entire musculoskeletal system in the fresh air, have become even more important for the kids in Corona times.
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Satisfied riding instructor: Felicitas Straub (r.) From RFV Freising is happy that the days of exclusively online theory lessons are over for the time being.
© Rainer Lehmann
In the first week of lessons at the Freising Riding and Driving Association, the children were allowed to get back on the horse.
The cleaning and feeding of the four-legged friends is initially forbidden for the students in order to further minimize possible contacts, explains Struck, the head of the riding school area at RFV Freising.
Since it is considered a sports facility, the area was completely closed.
The kids were also not allowed to muck out the stables or groom on the grounds.
The animals were fed and looked after during the lockdown by the trainers and employees.
Fixed slots for looking after the horses
At Reit- und Fahrverein Au, Pferdefreunde Moosburg and Reitstall Held bei Neufahrn, the animals were looked after by their owners and keepers during the lockdown months.
"We did it with us as the German Equestrian Association recommended in its guidelines and plans," says Ute Grindl, the chairwoman of the horse friends Moosburg.
In other words: “With posted timetables and fixed support slots.
The adjusters came at the right times, looked after their horses and drove again.
As a result, we shut down all social contacts and implemented the hygiene concepts. "Ultimately, everything went well:" The people were highly disciplined and careful because the well-being of their animals is of course extremely important to them. "
Question mark behind many riding courses
After many events and courses were canceled at the clubs and stables last year, the year 2021 threatens to be complicated.
At the RFV in Freising, youth warden Struck already sees black for the beginners' course at Easter.
The Au Reit- und Fahrverein is still hoping to be able to offer at least one children's riding course during the Easter holidays, after the planned beginners' tournament has already been canceled.
According to chairman Marcus Clases, the big traditional jumping tournament of RuF Au in May will be postponed to a later date in order not to have to cancel it now.
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Get on your horse, get out of the complete lockdown: At the Freising Riding and Driving Club at the Moosmühle in Massenhausen, the children get their money's worth again.
© Rainer Lehmann
Also at the Freising Riding and Driving Club and the Held Riding Stable, no tournament events are planned for the coming months.
In the eyes of Angela Struck, Marcus Clases and Renate Held, the requirements of the Corona guidelines are so extreme that it would by no means be worthwhile.
The entire facility would have to be fenced in, the catering would not be allowed to open, volunteers could only work with masks in certain areas, and spectators would not be allowed either.
It is particularly important for the young riders that their families and friends are there as fans.
Larger investments currently not possible
In the long run, the lack of internal and external events has an impact on finances.
Struck knows that things are already tight at RFV Freising.
The regular operation is currently largely self-supporting - also thanks to the solidarity of the members. So far, no horses have to be sold, and the employees are still all there.
But larger investments and maintenance measures are currently no longer possible.
For example, replacements could not be bought for two retired horses.
The urgently needed renovation of a floor covering is currently being pushed back.
The herpes virus also keeps the clubs on their toes
Equine sports don't just have to deal with Corona - because the equine herpes virus (EHV-1) broke out at a tournament series in Valencia at the beginning of February.
Meanwhile, horses around the world have become infected with the virus, which has always existed and which has local outbreaks from time to time.
The world equestrian federation FEI describes the outbreak in Valencia as the worst and most aggressive in the past decades.
In Germany, too, some horses died from the virus.
Therefore - regardless of Corona - all national equestrian events and courses were canceled until the end of March.
The already strict hygiene rules in the stables are readjusted to protect the horses from EHV-1.
The RuF Au, for example, has already published corresponding rules on its website: For example - in addition to general hygiene requirements - the washing area is closed to external horses.
In addition, no strange four-legged friends may be stroked.
Josef Fuchs
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