Source: Horse Council BC

March 16, 2020

To our valued members,

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 16 - April 12, 2020 (subject to change). This includes, but is not limited to, all HCBC and Equestrian Canada Sanctioned competitions, events and clinics. Please check ww.HCBC.ca for news and updates.

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.

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

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.

Additional resources:

• Public Health Agency of Canada's Public Health Measures Information
• Equestrian Canada statement and updates on COVID-19
• BC Ministry of Health
• Equestrian Events Cancelled Due to Coronavirus
• Caring for your Horse During a Pandemic - Equine Guelph

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 Board of Directors and Staff

Photo: Canstock/Zabava