Shropshire riding centre back in the saddle after equine flu outbreak
A Shropshire riding school has reopened after a severe outbreak of equine flu has left it £25,000 out of pocket.
Bank Farm Equestrian Centre, in Highley, near Bridgnorth, was forced to close for more than a month after the virus spread among its 26 horses.
The centre, which primarily operates a riding school, but also runs a livery yard, hunt simulations and public hacking days, has been closed for the last seven weeks, at an estimated cost of about £25,000.
The yard had 16 of its horses affected by equine influenza after they attended a hunt meet at the beginning of February.
Angie Bloomfield, owner of the centre, said the closure has had a devastating impact on her business.
“It’s honestly been crippling,” she said. “This is the first time anything like this has ever happened and the reality of it is a really depressing state of affairs.
“You can see a difference in the animals’ moods – their symptoms include a deep belly cough and a very snotty nose.
Antibiotics
“The virus starts off quite conservative but quickly evolves into yellow mucus, a high temperature and secondary complications such as lung infections which can need a series of antibiotics.
“Our loss of earnings has been detrimental; the general day-to-day costs of looking after 26 horses is big, along with vet fees and wages for our employees. It’s had a huge financial impact so we’re delighted to be back open.”
After Angie and her dedicated team, consisting of head girl Katie Riley and two apprentices, Neve Riley and Niamh McMorrow, spent three weeks conducting a deep clean, the centre is finally ready to reopen.
“Thankfully, we’re looking good now,” added Angie.
“We have six or seven horses that are still resting so we’re only running on 75 per cent capacity, but this first weekend will be to welcome back our loyal customers and ease back into things. The silver lining is that this happened before summer, which is our main season, so I’m hoping within a few months we’ll be fully over the effects and back to full fitness.”
All British horse racing was cancelled in February after the Animal Health Trust confirmed horses with the virus attended various meets at venues around the country, including Ludlow Racecourse.
