Safety in the Horse Stable
Safety in the Horse Stable
In the Equine Management Stable Manual that is published by Equestrian Canada (EC), there is a section on safety in the stable that is a must know for anyone doing rider levels or coach certification! We’ve read the chapter and picked out the important bits.
Dress for Success
Clothing is important. In harsh Canadian climates, sometimes we need to wear many layers, but let’s think about what those layers should include!
- Boots, gloves (especially when working with young stock or anything where using a rope!)
- Jeans or pants are preferable to shorts
- Sweatshirts and Jackets should not have hoods. Anything baggy could get caught in machinery (or pulled on by a naughty horse)!
- No dangling jewelry. EC doesn’t say anything specifically about rings, but I know many a horse person who swears against them.
- Tie back your hair
- Wear a helmet, even on the ground, when in unsafe situations (such as with young horses or when loading on a trailer)
Fire Prevention
One of the key pieces of the EC guide is the need for an Emergency Action Plan. More on that in another article, but basically an EAP is a guide that is posted in plain sight that helps in an emergency.
In addition, NO SMOKING! in stables or arenas (by anyone, including trainers)
And know where your fire extinguishers are (and have them checked). Smoke detectors are also really good too (just don’t put them above the area where the farrier is going to shoe a horse!)
Storage and Cleanliness
Hay should be stored in a separate area (as should bedding) because it can be a fire hazard. Just bring in, if possible, what is needed for the day.
Grain should be stored in a separate area. It’s also a fire hazard, but also, it would be bad if horses accidentally got into it unsupervised!
Tack should be stored in a separate area, if possible, and grooming kits should not clog the barn aisles. When not in use, wheelbarrows, shovels, brooms, and manure buckets should be out of the way.
Final Tips!
Check for damage regularly and this includes stalls, waterers, tack and more. Things break (especially in winter!)
Make sure things are kept tidy, which includes hay nets and halters. Tie your hay net with a quick release knot and keep halters off the ground and hung neatly by your horse’s stall.
Remember that safety is of crucial importance. If you want more guidance on Rider Levels or Stable Management, check out the other news articles. Stay safe!
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