Horse Barn Safety Considerations

Many people board their horses or board other peoples’ horses.  When there is that much responsibility involved, rules and regulations make everyone safer.  Here are just a few thoughts to make barns safe.

Aisles:

o   Should be free of clutter

o   Should have a non-slip floor surface

o   Should have ample lighting

o   Avoid the use of extension cords

o   Riders should not mount up in barns

Stalls:

o   Should be routinely checked for hazards like protruding nails or broken boards

o   Check feeders and buckets for anything that could harm a horse

o   Post owner/veterinarian/farrier contact information outside of stall

Storage:

o   Everything should have a designated storage place and should be there when not in use

o   Remove items that could cause injury or illness like nails after a farrier visit or baling twine

o   Clean up spilled feed to discourage the presence of rodents

o   Hay and grain should be stored away from electrical outlets

o   Chemical, paints, fertilizers should be stored away and locked up from curious animals and children

o   Ample garbage cans should be provided and accessible to allow everyone to help keep barn clean and safe

Keep horse owner/user emergency contact information easily accessible

Post fire and emergency phone numbers

Post barn’s physical address and any special driving instructions near phone to be able to give to emergency personnel

Have a human first aid kit

Have a horse first aid kit

Have an emergency plan

Taking a few minutes to write and post barn rules (and enforce them) can help provide a safer environment for the horse and the owner.

Here is a University of Kentucky document on Barn Safety:

http://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/uploadedFiles/Barn%20Safety.pdf

Here is an example of Horse Barn Rules:

http://animalscience.uconn.edu/Documents/summerRidingSafety.pdf