COVID 19 INFORMATION

POSTED 25TH MAY – EASING OF RESTRICTIONS IN VICTORIA

UPDATE 25^TH MAY 2020 FOR VICTORIAN CLUBS

Pony Club Victoria, Equestrian Victoria and the HRCAV are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our members and community.  We continue to remain engaged with all levels of government and industry bodies around the COVID-19 situation, providing you with the latest information as it translates to equestrian activity.

We thank all our members and the broader equestrian community for your hard work to ensure restrictions can be eased by the state government.

Restrictions were eased from 11 May 2020 and yesterday further restrictions were announced by the Victorian State Government. Effective 1 June 2020 up to 20 people may gather outdoors, with a further easing 22 June 2020 that will allow for up to 20 people to gather indoors in groups of 10.

EFFECTIVE FROM 1 JUNE 2020

Outdoor recreational activities can be undertaken in groups of up to 20 participants, subject to social distancing and hygiene measures being implemented. This means members may continue to:

• Ride off property
• Travel horses locally and regionally including for training/coaching – overnight stays at friend or family premises permitted subject to current restrictions
• Participate in outdoor training/coaching activities with a maximum of 20 participants

Note:

• Riders should check with venue as owners/managers who may have venue specific restrictions
• Social distancing (1.5m) and good hygiene MUST be maintained
• These allowances are for outdoor areas only – no gatherings for recreational activities indoors are permitted
• Groups can be no larger than 20 (plus the coaches and helpers required to run the activity). More than one group of 20 can be present on a venue at the same time, if the different groups are physically well separated on different parts of the venue. No other facilities except toilet facilities may be used.
• 1 parent/helper per rider only.
• Toilets can be used. Hygiene must be maintained, and soap or sanitizer provided.
• Club rooms, canteens and other spaces must remain closed.
• The COVIDsafe app should be downloaded and active.
• Name, mobile phone and time at the venue must be recorded for every person present.
• Person displaying any sign of sickness must not attend.
• Clubs which allow member use of locked grounds for training must put in place a booking system to limit numbers at the grounds at any one time. Rules in line with the requirements for rallies and group training must be applied.

Members may continue to:

• Have coaches, farriers, trainers, vets, and other equine professionals attend your property
• Attend agistment centres to care for horses subject to venue owner/manager specific restrictions

The approach to activities/training should focus on ‘get in, train, get out’, minimising unnecessary contact in stables, toilet facilities, and any communal areas. 
BE SAFE, CAUTIOUS & APPROPRIATE.

EFFECTIVE FROM MONDAY 22 JUNE 2020
SUBJECT TO THE ADVICE OF THE CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

In addition to the existing conditions outlined above for outdoor activity, from Monday 22 June up to 20 people can gather and train indoors per separate enclosed space. This includes indoor equestrian centres and club rooms.

• 10 people maximum per group/activity
• 4 square metres per person and 1.5 metres apart at all times.
• Canteens, and other amenities remain closed
• Toilets can be opened provided hygiene is maintained

This means in any one indoor space there can only be 20 people maximum, and only in groups of a maximum of 10. This includes trainers, parents and helpers.

We thank you for your continued support during this challenging period and encourage members to contact your respective state office if we can be of any assistance with advice or support.

GRADUAL EASING OF RESTRICTIONS:
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/gradual-easing-restrictions-covid-19

SPORT AND EXERCISE:

https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sport-cultural-and-recreational-activities-restrictions-coronavirus-covid19

POSTED 23RD MAY – NSW CLUBS

Our NSW based Clubs can now begin a cautious return to rallies and activities, following the HRCAV directives on this page. It is also important to abide by your state’s Health Guidelines and Public Health Orders which may differ from other states.

POSTED 18th MAY – A SAFE RETURN TO ACTIVITIES

As we begin a cautious return to activities, it is  important that members take care and abide by the directions of the DHHS and HRCAV which are updated regularly.

Please direct any questions you may have to Sally Mizzi at the HRCAV info@hrcav.com.au

WHERE CAN I FIND THE DIRECTIONS FOR RUNNING RALLIES DURING COVID 19?

Risk management directions for Clubs resuming rallies are listed below. Take all reasonable precautions to limit the spread of Covid 19.

CAN HRCAV PROVIDE CONFIRMATION OF OUR INSURANCE COVER?

Clubs using council owned grounds will likely be asked for proof of insurance cover during the Covid 19 period.

HRCAV holds Public Liability, Personal Accident and Management Liability insurance for Clubs and members, which have remained unchanged throughout the pandemic.

The insurance policies held require insured entities to take all reasonable precautions to prevent a claim. As such, reasonable care should be taken in line with recommendations of the relevant authorities including HRCAV and Australian health and government authorities who are best placed to advise on the response to this evolving situation. Failure by Clubs to act in accordance with such directives from HRCAV, government or relevant authorities, could see them found in breach of the reasonable care conditions of the policy, thus compromising their cover.

Contact the HRCAV office at info@hrcav.com.au to request formal confirmation of cover.

CAN WE HOLD RALLIES ON A MEMBER’S PROPERTY?

Rallies may be held on members’ properties. All risk management directions must be followed as well as any other requirements of the property owner. Activities are to be restricted to the equestrian facilities. The owner’s house is off limits.

HRCAV insurance policy extends to cover any landowner whose land is used, hired, or passed over by the Member Club providing the use of the land is for the purposes of running a sanctioned Member Club or HRCAV event or activity.

CAN WE USE INDOOR ARENAS?

If the arena is substantially enclosed it may only be used by the property owner. If the arena is NOT substantially enclosed, it may be used provided its use is managed to address the risk of virus transmission. The following information has been released by Equestrian Victoria.

WHAT CONSTITUTES AN INDOOR ARENA?

An Indoor Arena is “an arena that is substantially enclosed by a roof and walls, regardless of whether the roof or walls or any part of them are permanent, temporary, open or closed”.

“Substantially enclosed” means: Premises that have a ceiling or roof but there is an opening or an aggregate area of openings in the walls which is less than half of the area of the walls (including other structures that serve the purpose of walls and constitute the perimeter of the premises).

If your arena has:

• A roof and no walls it is NOTan indoor arena – it is a COVERED Arena
• A roof and is enclosed by full height walls it is an INDOORarena
• Half height (or thereabouts) walls BUThas OPENINGS the area of which MAKE UP MORE THAN HALF THE AREA OF THE WALLS, including any other structures that serve the purpose of walls and constitute the perimeter of the premises, then your arena is NOT an indoor arena.

Example 1:
My arena has a roof and is 60m x 20m. I have full height walls down one long side and down one short side. The other two sides have half height walls. Therefore, my arena is SUBSTANTIALLY ENCLOSED (more than 50% is wall) and is therefore technically an Indoor arena.

Example 2:
My arena has a roof and is 60m x 20m. I have half height (or lower) walls all the way around my arena. My arena is therefore NOT SUBSTANTIALLY WALLED and is therefore technically NOT an Indoor arena.

INFORMATION FOR PRIVATE INDOOR ARENAS OWNERS

An indoor arena is able to be used for personal use by the owner/s of the property on which the arena is situated.

Definition of a “privately owned arena” – a facility which is NOT operated on a ‘for-profit’ or ‘not-for-profit’ basis.

Example 1:
I have an indoor arena on my own property and do not derive any income from it. Can I ride in it?
YES, however this is limited to the resident/s of the property. Having visitors attend to train in your indoor arena is not in the spirit of State Government directives – refer to Equestrian Sport.

 Example 2:
I have an indoor arena on my agistment property, can my agistees ride in it?
Agistment centres need to act in accordance with State Government directives and we will be communicating with those centres that have registered with Equestrian Victoria. If you would like to register your agistment centre please do so here.

POSTED 13th MAY – RISK MANAGEMENT DIRECTIVES FOR HRCAV CLUBS

Clubs are now permitted to hold some activities and re-open their grounds to members for training between rallies – subject to venue owner permission. The following joint update has been released by PCV/EV/HRCAV. Although described as ‘guidelines’, HRCAV Clubs are required to implement the stated directions. These have been developed to help stakeholders comply with Government requirements and reduce the risk of Covid 19 exposure. The only direction you may not be able enforce is downloading of the CovidApp however, members should be encouraged to do so for their own safety and the safety of others.

These directions apply to our Victorian and South Australian clubs. NSW Clubs will be notified when they are able to resume some activities.

BULLETIN: RETURN TO ACTIVITY – RALLIES, INSTRUCTION AND OTHER ACTIVITIES 12 May 2020
PONY CLUB VICTORIA, EQUESTRIAN VICTORIA AND HORSE RIDING CLUBS ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA

On Monday the Premier Daniel Andrews announced the easing of restrictions concerning COVID-19 under the current declared State of Emergency.

These restrictions will be further reviewed May 31

As outlined in our announcement yesterday evening, this means a controlled return to Pony Club, HRCAV, EV and equestrian activity effective from 11.59pm 12 May 2020.

The following guidelines have been developed, and whilst not prescriptive, provide for your club to assess your own situation.

At all times we expect reasonable common sense to prevail in line the objectives of the State Government to limit the spread of COVID-19, and to ensure our philosophy of
‘Get in – Train – Get out’  is maintained.

Directions for HRCAV, PCV and EV Clubs conducting rallies or activities:

• Maximum of 10 riders plus coach and helpers to a group
• Non riding personnel to be kept to a minimum
• Subject to venue size and layout, more than one group of 10 may be present.
• Groups must be physically separated on different parts of the grounds, including separate yards and parking areas
• When multiple groups are at the venue they must not intermingle. Name, phone number, date and time at facility must be recorded for every person on site
• Administration and sign on must be organised to avoid gathering.
• Ensure social distancing and hygiene is strictly observed, including hygiene around portable equipment.
• Club rooms and other communal areas to remain closed.
• Yards may be used if it is possible to maintain social distancing.
• Toilets may be used.
• Regularly disinfect surfaces such as gates, equipment and toilets.
• Get in – train – get out policy – avoid gatherings.
• No overnight stays either on site or offsite.
• Participants to bring their own food and drink.
• Schedule riding times to limit numbers at venue.
• No spectators, family or friends permitted on site. Only 1 parent or helper permitted per rider.
• Clubs which allow member use of locked grounds for training must put in place a booking system to limit numbers at the grounds at any one time. Rules in line with the requirements for rallies and group training must be applied.
• The COVIDSafe app should be downloaded and active on all phones

To continue to have restrictions eased by the State Government we need to apply these guidelines with caution and care, and with common sense. Our main concern remains the safety and welfare of our members and the broader community and we thank the broader equestrian community for your help in getting to a position where we can return to limited activity.

POSTED 12th MAY – DHHS RESTRICTED ACTIVITY DIRECTIONS NO. 6  

POSTED 11th MAY – EASING OF SOME RESTRICTIONS

A COVID SAFE RETURN TO EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITIES

POSTED 5th MAY – NO TTT EVENTS IN 2020

The HRCAV advises that all 2020 Top Team Trophy events have been cancelled. It is not known when it will be safe to again hold large events and this uncertainty has placed undue pressure on the host Clubs. We hope that 2021 sees the virus under control and life returning to normal allowing these popular events to return. New dates and details will be added to the Event Calendar in due course.

POSTED 4th MAY – SUSPENSION PERIOD 

The HRCAV has previously advised that the date for possible resumption of our events and activities would be 18th May depending on the situation at that time, (see posts below). At present there are no plans to lift the suspension period however, should the Victorian Government update on 11th May ease restrictions impacting the equestrian sector, we will be in a position to review our policy. We will liaise with other equestrian organisations before any changes are announced to ensure a balanced approach and consistency of information to members.

POSTED 24th APRIL – COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Covid 19 restrictions. HRCAV has been liaising with EV and other equestrian bodies to ensure consistency of information. The link below provides clearly explained answers to commonly asked questions. The advice in this link applies to our members.

Answers to commonly asked questions

POSTED 31st MARCH – EV ADVICE APPLIES TO HRCAV CLUBS AND MEMBERS

We are sure you will join us in thanking Matthew Brown and his team at Equestrian Victoria for liaising with the DHHS to determine how the various restrictions impact the equestrian community in Victoria. We appreciate your efforts EV.

Here is a link to their advice which has been endorsed by the HRCAV and will apply to all members.

https://www.vic.equestrian.org.au/sites/default/files/CORONA%20UPDATE%20Agistment%20centres%20etc%203.0%20MONDAY%2030%20March%202020_Final_5PM_0.pdf

Please be aware that information provided may need to be updated subject to the release of further government restrictions.

HRCAV members are protected under our insurance policy but please be reminded that failure to abide by government and HRCAV directions may compromise your cover.

30th MARCH – INTRODUCTION OF STAGE 3 RESTRICTIONS

RESTRICTED ACTIVITY DIRECTIONS – AS AT 30th MARCH – replaces Non Essential Activity Directions (No2)

STAY AT HOME DIRECTIONS

HRCAV ADVICE 28th MARCH – CLOSURE OF CLUB GROUNDS

Stage 2 Non Essential Activity directions issued by the Victorian Government mandate the closure of equestrian centres. In accordance with this directive HRCAV Clubs which own, control or operate their club grounds are required to close their club grounds from midnight 26th March until midnight on 13th April 2020. (Update: Club grounds to remain closed until further notice). Agistment centres – a person who owns, controls or operates an agistment centre may continue to operate for the purpose of treating or caring for animals, performing and animal rescue function or maintaining the facility.

Read the full stage 2 restrictions relating to non essential activity here

https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/202003/Non-Essential-Activity-Directions-No-2.

Please follow the social distancing, hygiene and restriction of movement recommendations and requirements issued by government bodies. We want you, your families and community to be as safe as possible in these trying times.

We are facing a difficult period which may impact our mental and physical well being. Please keep in touch with neighbours, club members, family and friends to make sure they are ok. We are all in this together.

Follow this page for further updates.

Ken Hammet
President

HRCAV ADVICE 23rd MARCH – SUSPENSION OF CLUB ACTIVITIES

The HRCAV advises that all Association and Club activities are to be suspended until 18^th May (to align with the suspension period for competition). This includes rallies, clinics, face to face meetings and social activities. We take this step to further safeguard our members, families and the community. The suspension period will be reviewed at the beginning of May and a further update posted.

Use of locked Club grounds for private training is to be strictly controlled with Clubs responsible for ensuring that the number of persons using the grounds at any one time is limited and the recommended hygiene and social distancing measures are enforced. Clubs deciding to close their grounds will be supported by the HRCAV. Further information will be sent to Club Secretaries by email today.

The HRCAV office will be manned, with staggered attendance to limit contact. Please be patient if your enquiry is not attended to in the usual efficient manner. A staff member will get back to you in due course. Any urgent business should be sent to info@hrcav.com.au or by leaving a telephone message.

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this difficult time. Please be careful and stay safe.

HRCAV ADVICE 16th MARCH – Suspension of competitions

Due to the escalation of concerns about the Corona virus and the need to provide our Clubs with clear guidance about events and activities, it has been decided to suspend all HRCAV competitions until 18th May 2020. The HRCAV will continue to monitor the situation and will extend the period of suspension if necessary. Like the official HRCAV Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/HRCAV-213545695476432/ ) or monitor our website to stay informed.

Event organisers are advised that entry refunds must be provided upon request, with the usual vet or medical certificate requirement waived until competitions resume.