March 20, 2020:

COVID-19 and Equestrian Facility Operations

In an effort to minimize the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19), Equestrian Canada (EC) and the Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations (PTSOs) recommend the following as best practices concerning equestrian facility operations, consistent with the recommendations of applicable health authorities.

Due to federal, provincial/territorial and local government recommendations on the movement of individuals, as well as the current states of emergency declared by provinces/territories, EC and the PTSOs recommend that all facilities that host equestrian-related activities, including but not limited to boarding stables and lesson barns, cease public-facing and non-essential activities until greenlit by the aforementioned government authorities.

Please read the full statement here: Coronavirus – Facility Update_EN FR

Please read this FAQ from CapriCMW: COVID-19 – FAQ – Equine-final

March 17, 2020:

Horse Council BC strongly recommends you keep up to date with information being released by the provincial health authority and apply the safest practice you can to conduct your business. This is an unprecedented time for everyone and erring on the side of caution is prudent and socially responsible. Please read this notice from CapriCMW: COVID 19 -March 17 -final_1 (002)

Following the most recent information provided by the Province of British Columbia regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Horse Council BC has suspended all activities effective Monday March 16th through to April 12th (subject to change). This includes, but is not limited to, all HCBC and Equestrian Canada Sanctioned competitions, events and clinics. Please continue to check ww.HCBC.ca for news and updates. Updates will be posted here as we have them.

Beginning Tuesday, March 17 the HCBC office will be closed to the public and all HCBC staff will work from home until further notice.

Mail and in-person service as well as shipments from the HCBC Online Store will be unavailable. Membership renewals are available online anytime or by phone during regular office hours (8:30 -4:30) at 1-800-345-8055.

Staff can be reached by email or phone Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. There will be no in-office activities or in-person meetings until at least April 12 at which time that will be re- evaluated. Please expect delayed processing times for items sent via mail or courier.  Staff extensions and emails can be found here: https://www.hcbc.ca/index.php/about/our-staff/

Further to the suspension of HCBC programs and activities, HCBC strongly recommends that riding facilities and clubs postpone all activities and gatherings until April 12th.

HCBC strongly recommends that riding establishments and clubs confirm with their respective insurance companies if you continue to offer programs and services during this period.

HCBC, with guidance from the Government of British Columbia, will continue to monitor the situation and advise on this status as new information becomes available.

All members are reminded to follow the advice of British Columbia’s Chief Medical Officer and all levels of Government. Additional details and up-to-date information can be found on the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control webpage: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19?utm_campaign=20200311_GCPE_AM_COVID_2_NOTIFICATION_BCGOV_BCGOV_EN_BC__NOTIFICATION

Additional resources:

Public Health Agency of Canada’s Public Health Measures Information

Equestrian Canada statement and updates on COVID-19

BC Ministry of Health

We would like to thank the equestrian community for your ongoing patience and cooperation at this time. It must be our highest priority to protect the health and safety of all the BC equestrian community. We hope this passes quickly and that you and your families remain well.

Sincerely,

HCBC Staff and Board of Directors