Club Closed until March 30, 2020

March 16, 2020

Given the most recent information provided by the Province of British Columbia regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Southlands Riding Club will be closed for a two-week period, effective immediately through March 30, 2020 (subject to change). This includes all access to the property - including the Clubhouse - except for staff and designated personnel working with our Rescue Program horses (volunteers will not be permitted onto the site until further notice). 

This decision was a very difficult one for staff and the Board to make as we understand the implications for members and especially for coaches. A number of factors contributed to the decision to temporarily close the Club - notwithstanding our civic duty to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. With an already overburdened healthcare system dealing with the current pandemic, we felt it unconscionable to further stress this system in the event a riding-related accident was to occur on our property. Not only would this put the injured at additional risk - with longer wait times for emergency medical services, for example - but also mean they and family would be exposing themselves to potential risks once inside the hospital. Our decision follows the notice today that Horse Council BC are closing their offices and all associated programs through until April 12, 2020.

At the Club, staff will continue to work - respecting the social-distancing guidelines - and will be taking this time to work on projects on the property that would otherwise be highly disruptive to riders (tree pruning, irrigation system repairs, etc.) or are rare for our office staff to have time to perform (grant writing, website updates, policy revisions, etc.). We will continue to provide weekly updates - or as necessary - and are committed to having the facility clean and ready for your return. 

We will continue to respond to emails and calls, however members are not to use the Clubhouse or come onto the property until further notice.  Anyone found to be using the property will be subject to disciplinary action; this is a matter of health and safety for all, and we anticipate our members to comply accordingly. Please see below for our FAQs on the closure.

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.

We also remind all members of the need to continue to practice the biosecurity measures put in place by your barn and laid out in the Club’s email of 13 March regarding the equine coronavirus.

We realize this is a difficult time for all of our members and we reiterate that this decision was not taken lightly. We all need to do whatever we can to protect our entire community from this pandemic.

Take care, The SRC Board & Management 

CLUB CLOSURE FAQs:

Will any of the facilities be open to Club members during the closure?

No. All facilities will be closed - this includes the track, lunge pens, outdoor rings and Clubhouse in addition to covered/indoor rings. 

Will I receive a rebate on my monthly or annual dues?  

Unfortunately the Club is not able to refund members for this period. Our Club is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization and your dues help to pay for our annual operating costs; these costs will continue to be incurred by the Club during the closure. We will not be able to process any membership downgrades during the period of closure.

Will any staff be on-site during the closure?  

Yes. Regular maintenance and management will continue during the closure, respecting all WorkSafe requirements and BC Ministry of Health recommendations for social distancing.

As a volunteer with the Rescue Program, can I continue to perform my duties?

No. During the closure only Club staff and designated Rescue Program personnel will be permitted onto the property. The Rescue Coordinator will inform you when volunteer duties may resume.

Photo: Canstock/Zabava

Equestrian Events Cancelled Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19)