With the onset of 2021, many people are excited to start a new year and a new beginning. But what about horses?How will 2021 impact them?As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is likely that the horse industry will experience some disruption. However, it is important to note that this is not a complete negative. There are many aspects of 2021 that could be beneficial to horses and their owners.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the horse industry. Events have been canceled and shows postponed, resulting in a decrease in income for many owners and riders. Many horse owners have also had to reduce their activities, such as competing and training, due to restrictions on travel and limitations on the number of people who can gather in one place.
The decline in income and lack of activity has had a negative effect on the horse industry, and it will take some time for it to recover. However, there are still some positive aspects of the pandemic that could benefit horses.
Benefits of the Pandemic
One of the benefits of the pandemic is that it has forced horse owners to be more conscious of their horses’ health and well-being. Many owners have had to become more creative in how they care for their horses, such as providing more exercise in the form of hand-walking or ground work. This has allowed owners to build a stronger bond with their horses and to further develop their horsemanship skills.
Another benefit of the pandemic is that it has created an opportunity for horse owners to focus on the basics. With shows cancelled, riders have had to take the time to focus on schooling their horses and developing the basics. This has allowed them to become better riders and to understand more about their horses’ needs.
The Challenges of 2021
Despite the benefits of the pandemic, there are still many challenges that the horse industry will face in 2021. The most pressing issue is the lack of financial resources due to the cancellation of events. This could lead to a decrease in the number of horses available for sale and could cause an increase in the cost of horses.
Another challenge is the potential for the spread of disease. With the restrictions on travel, there is a greater risk of infectious diseases, such as strangles and equine influenza, spreading amongst horse populations. It is important for owners to be vigilant and to take precautions to protect their horses from disease.
Conclusion
Overall, 2021 is shaping up to be an interesting year for the horse industry. While the impact of the pandemic has certainly caused disruption, there are still many opportunities for owners and riders to benefit from the changes that have occurred. It is important for owners to remain optimistic and to make the most of the opportunities that arise in 2021.