With temperatures set to continue to rise across the UK this week, the HPA has considered the safety risks to horses, players, grooms, and officials and have issued the following update. We are monitoring the situation as it develops and further updates will be provided if the situation changes.
RED WARNINGS
The Met Office has issued several red weather warnings for extreme heat across the UK for Wednesday and Thursday this week. We would like to advise members that if there is a red weather warning in force in your area, ALL polo is suspended during the times specified. This includes all training, chukkas, and matches in the affected area. Horses must not travel through a red weather warning area whilst this warning is in force unless in a veterinary emergency.
AMBER WARNINGS
Where there are amber warnings in place, please continue to follow the HPA’s guidelines on extreme heat, which can be found in the Welfare Booklet. Pay particular attention to the guidelines on aggressive cooling measures and where possible, rearrange play for the cooler parts of the day. In addition, as per our rules, free changes are permitted in areas covered by an amber warning or with a forecast temperature higher than 28°C.
