Honestly not trying to start a political debate or anything but the way the US has handled COVID is appalling. I understand it is a much more populous country without universal healthcare and that poses greater problems than in Canada, but even considering that, the policies have been negligent and downright idiotic. I urge people to do research on the subject and not necessarily rely on their state officials for safety guidelines.
It’s far from perfect over here but we shut down schools for the remainder of the year in most provinces long ago. All non-essential business has been closed for months. No one is allowed to meet with other people for recreation, even a single friend. I haven’t seen my horse in 8 weeks and there is to be absolutely no one on the property that is not essential staff. Certainly no riding. This is partially as not to add stress to the healthcare system should accidents happen. My province has 2100 cases and is completely shut down and the US number of DIAGNOSED cases is 1.2 million (maybe double that undiagnosed).
The fact that recreational group events are still happening in the states is terrifying and underlies a greater issue of people placing their own comforts over the safety and lives of others.
I know this is a horrifying time for small business and my heart aches for barn owners especially as the US government doesn’t seem to be providing much in the way of financial supports or subsidy. The reality is that that even if barns are allowed to reopen anytime soon, it needs to be under EXTREME regulations.
There is NO safe way to run a horse-show during this time. You cannot expect people to follow hygiene practices in these areas and the nature of the event makes it impossible. There are just too many people and again you are risking accidents for recreation. Shows should be cancelled until at least fall or full contact tracing/antibody testing is available and widespread.
