Horse farms can be inherently risky environments, with physical dangers, equine health concerns, and the well-being of staff and riders all in the mix. The Third Week of September is National Farm Safety & Health Week and there are many best practices for health and safety to consider when it comes to your horse farm and program. By following key safety practices, you can create a safer, more efficient, and enjoyable environment for both your horses and your community.
In part two we’ll focus on three critical areas of equine facility safety: removing physical dangers for humans, horse healthcare essentials, and safeguarding the health of your riders and staff.
Secure Tools and Hazardous Items
It is not uncommon for kids, in particular, to be on premises occasionally unsupervised around a farm. Make sure the following are secured and put away:
Sharp objects
Power tools
Chemicals, including supplements and first aid supplies
Horse Healthcare Essentials
Ensure your equine first aid kit is properly stocked and up-to-date
Timely Veterinary and Farrier care (consider keeping a calendar in your tack room and schedule those appointments early)
Regular Deworming
Keep your vet and emergency vet contact info on hand and easily accessible (I keep a copy in my Equine First Aid box, which was key when one of my mares had a ringbone flare that looked too similar to founder while I was on the other side of the country - don't worry, she's okay)
Rider and Staff Health (And Yours!)
Horses require care every day, whether us humans are healthy or not. Consider developing policies around the health of those at your farm.
A single sick kid coming to a lesson exposes you to risk of illness, requiring extensive rescheduling and loss of income. Consider how you want to handle this in your cancellation policy.
A sick employee may mean more work for you for a short while but keeping them at home or appropriately mindful around the farm keeps you and others healthy, enabling you to be your best self for the horses you have in training.
Do you have someone you could call to help with mandatory tasks and responsibilities if you get sick? Consider whom may be able to help you in a pinch.
From securing hazardous materials to staying prepared for emergencies, small changes can significantly improve your farm’s safety. What steps have you taken to make your horse farm safer? Share your insights in the comments!
Happy Riding!
More from this Series:
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