Equine Influenza rules for riding clubs:

All horses competing in official Riding Club competitions must have a valid vaccination certificate which undeniably relates to that horse, completed, signed and stamped on each line by a veterinary surgeon, who is not the owner of the animal. It must state that the horse has received two injections for primary vaccination against Equine Influenza given no less than 21 days and no more than 92 days apart. (Only these first two injections need to have been given before the horse may compete). In addition a first booster injection must be given no less than 150 days and no more than 215 days after the second injection of the primary vaccination. Subsequently booster injections must be given at intervals of not more than 1 year apart, commencing after the first booster injection. None of these injections must have been given within the preceding 7 days, including the day of the competition or entry into the competition stables. Annual vaccinations may be given on the same

date each year but this is not recommended.

The vaccination certificate must under penalty of elimination accompany the horse to all official competitions and the competitor is responsible for producing it on demand.

NB. Any competitor whose certificate is found to be incorrect will not be allowed to compete so to avoid disappointment on the day ensure that a photocopy is sent to the organiser in advance with your entry and it is your responsibility to ensure it is correct.

 

 

Help the campaign to change the rules:

For years now we have suffered at the hands of British Riding Clubs with regards to the dreaded Flu Certificates. This rule is a logistical nightmare for any Club that put on Area competitions.

Time and time again we have lost team members due to incorrect flu certificates and quite frankly it's driving us nuts not to mention disappointed individuals, team members, parents and team mangers!  For example, we had one competitor whose booster was only a few days early back in 2005 but subsequent boosters were within the time limit but due to BR rules she could not compete although any vet would verify that the horse was indeed covered. 

I, myself do not vaccinate my horse due to allergic reactions but I could still go to the same venue on the same day and enter as an open individual!  This rule is a farce as it currently stands.

We are therefore proposing an amendment to this rule (please see the form to be downloaded) so we may follow other affiliated organisations such as British Dressage, BSJA, Pony Club and the British Driving Society who have all dropped this rule and now leave up to the individual to vaccinate.   We are not in any way proposing the abolishment of flu vaccinations merely making it more practical and fairer for the event organiser and competitor. Obviously if venues have a requirement that competitors must have a flu certificate then it is up to the individual to produce it or not to compete.

In order to get things changed we have to complete a form that’s in the Rule book. This is then sent up to Head Office who then have to raise it at a Sports Committee Meeting.

Click here for the form

you can email the form to: info@littlebranshill.co.uk

If you feel as strongly as we do and want to make a change then please download this form which is already completed for you. All you need to do is add your name, address, Riding Club and telephone number. Please then send the form to me Mrs Lesley Reed, Little Branshill Farm, 127 Hastings Road, Battle, East Sussex TN33 0TN. I am sending these forms off in batches by recorded delivery so I can monitor how many have been sent.

We need your help and support to get this through . So far we have many Area 10 Riding Clubs 100% behind us actively helping and we will shortly go National with our appeal. Please fill in the form now and bring this rule up-to-date and comply with what the members and event organises really want.

Thank you

Lesley