Ivan Kelly earns his living as a dressage trainer.

The restrictions and social distancing have made it impossible for him to coach.

The 39-year-old who lives in Ramsey said: ’I’m freelance travelling to clients all around the island so unfortunately I simply cannot work.

’In a typical week, I’d teach in every corner of the island.

’Now, I’m confined to my house I have been able to do some online tutorials. It means I can stay in touch with clients and also be helpful to equestrians stuck at home wanting to learn. It’s good to give back.’

Of course, no lessons means no pay.

So Ivan, like many other self-employed people, is suffering from a lack of income.

He said: ’I’m doing my best to avoid looking for assistance from the government, knowing how stretched it already is so I’m relying on savings to keep me going.’

Another big issue for Ivan is the horses he looks after.

Ivan said: ’Government restrictions have hit the industry too. It’s making all equestrians rethink their training.

’Most horses are kept on livery and daily exercise is essential to prevent behavioural and health problems.

’It is frustrating not being able to earn my living,’ he added, ’but it’s essential to do my part for the bigger picture.’

Ivan, who grew up in Kilkenny, Ireland, moved to the island in 2012, working as a private trainer, then moving over into self employment.

He works with riders of all levels and disciplines helping them find the correct basis of training for whatever they compete in.

Ivan has always had a deep love of horses, taking every opportunity to be around them and gave up a place on a fine art degree to train formally in horses as a teenager.

He began his professional career working in some of the top breeding yards in Ireland before moving over in training and riding.

It was at this time Ivan began to specialise in dressage, both competing and judging.

Ivan then successfully applied for a United States immigration visa along with sponsorship from one of America’s major brewing firms to help pay for him to both work and compete on the competitive US dressage circuit.

He was employed in New York as a working student and was soon appointed as general manager and assistant trainer.

He also taught extensively but is most proud of volunteer work, especially working with young riders as team trainer for America’s oldest pony club. Ivan occasionally still works in the USA, Ireland and the UK.

’All plans are on hold for now but as it’s a universal situation all my clients are understanding,’ he said. ’One of the benefits of our training is that the client must hold the knowledge themselves and really understand it, essential at this uncharted time.’

In the meantime Ivan has been filling time catching up with reading, part of an online worldwide equestrian learning and literature group.

’I’m very grateful for support from clients and friends alike,’ he said. ’The community spirit here reminds me why I love the island so much.’