Competition bans put riding clubs in financial trouble

- It's tough to keep the business going for many associations when they can't organize competitions, for example, the cafeteria normally draws a lot of money into the business, says Anette Tholf, district consultant at Östergötland Equestrian Sports Association.

"Riding clubs have been able to keep their riding schools running, but under the existing restrictions that exist," says Monica Bergström, district consultant at the Östergötland Equestrian Sports Association.

Although it is financially tough times, so far no association has gone bankrupt in Östergötland.

- No, not what we know at the moment. But we are thinking a lot about what happens in the future. In normal cases, we have many camps in front of us, which is an important part of the business. And now that many people have lost their jobs - can they still afford the equestrian sport? says Anette Tholf.

May 15 was the last day to submit an application for the SEK 500 million that the government has allocated as extra support to the sports movement.

- Today we do not know how many clubs have made an application because they are sent directly to the Sports Federation. But much more money will be needed. These are large sums that many have lost, says Anette Tholf.

From June 1, the clubs will organize competitions for children and young people. But current restrictions create problems for the events.

- It is still difficult to carry out a competition for equestrian sports with the restrictions that apply. For children to compete and not so many must be in place, we have to reduce the number of followers, and someone must, for example, drive the car, says Monica Bergström.