The Welsh First Minister has just announced the escalation of restrictions to apply to the whole of Wales, from 6pm on Friday 23rd October for a period of 17 days, until Monday 9th November.
The short, time-limited firebreak lockdown will be similar to the first lockdown in March, here are the 5 main points listed on the Welsh Government website to provide clarification:

  • people must stay at home, except for very limited purposes
  • people must not visit other households or meet other people they do not live with
  • certain businesses and venues, including bars, restaurants and most shops must close
  • secondary schools will provide learning online only for the week after half-term, other than for children in years seven and eight. Primary schools and childcare settings will remain open.
  • face coverings continue to be mandatory in the indoor public spaces that remain open (subject to certain exemptions and exceptions), including on public transport and in taxis

Whilst professional sport can continue, organised sport cannot, this unfortunately means that all face to face Pony Club training and competition at Branches and Centres will be suspended in Wales from 6pm on Friday 23rd for 17 days, restarting on 9th November.

The Government has requested that all travel is limited where possible and whilst riding is not prohibited by the Government, they have stated all exercise must be undertaken alone or with members of your household. Therefore, it is important that Members safety is paramount at this time.

Due to the restrictions on travel the Welsh Government is advising that you should try to put in place alternative arrangements that do not involve travel if possible. Please visit the guidance for livestock and equine owners. They have also stated that whilst vets will be available, they should only be called for urgent treatment that cannot be deferred until after 9th November.

We all hope that Pony Club activities will be quick to resume after this temporary lockdown, therefore we encourage everyone to abide by the guidance and law and work to keep everyone safe: