Horse Safety Alison Flury – AliBoo Farm Inc.

Stirrup Safety – Safety Check Inc.

Horse Sense

NOT – One end of the horse kicks the other bites

DEF: How horses think and react and how to work around them

Inherent risk associated with working around and with horses

Maintain safe conditions

How many things are wrong in this

picture?

Equine Instincts

Constant awareness to surroundings Louds noises, rustling, sudden motion,

anything that looks out of place

Desensitization- gradually introduce horses to items until they no longer perceive them as a threat

Startle easily, strong flight instinct Perceive danger first instinct is to run away

If unable to run, kicking out or rearing occurs

New Employee

New Hire Orientation

Health and Safety Guidelines gone over and demonstrated

Hands on Training and Overseeing

Working around horses safely and competently

Working around horse

Pay attention to the position of the ears Very good hearing

Express emotional state

Be aware of there blind spots Right in front of nose and directly behind

them

What Ears Tell Us Alert – ears pricked forward head up eyes wide

nostrils flared and muscles tense

Attentive – ears flicking back and forth

Angry – ears pinned back flat against head, bared teeth and tight pinched look around mouth and nostrils, tail swishing, legs lifted

Frightened – Head up, whites of eyes visible, tail wringing

Relaxed – Head and neck low, ears to the side, eyes calm, mouth relaxed, lower lip may droop

Proper Attire

Well fitted clothing, nothing baggy, draping, or loose

Work gloves to avoid splinters, blisters, rope burn

When riding a helmet is NECESSARY

Avoid Dangling earrings and other jewelry

Wear sturdy shoes or recognized riding boots SANDALS AND FLIPFLOPS NOT APPROPRIATE

INCORRECT CORRECT

Approaching a Horse

Avoid coming up to a horse in their blind spots

Approach from the side or at an angle so they can see you coming

Talk to the horse

If the horse is in an enclosed area, wait for the horse to turn around and face you before approaching

Pay attention to the horses demeanor

As you approach the horse put a hand on his body so that he can keep track of where your at

Make movements that are smooth and deliberate

Act confident

INCORRECT (never stand behind a horse

without him knowing)

CORRECT (always approach from the

front of the horse)

Leading a Horse

Secure horse with halter and lead rope Make sure that the lead rope is not wrapped around your

hand or dragging on the ground

Fold the lead rope to hold it properly and have two hands on it

ALWAYS use a lead rope never lead a horse around by the halter

Stand on the left side facing forward positioned at the horses shoulder for control and safety

Keep a foot in length between you and the horse and do not let the horse crowd, pull ahead, or lag behind you

INCORRECT(never wrap a lead rope

around your arm) CORRECT

Stall Safety

Be aware of your position when in an enclosed area so you do not get pinned

When bringing a horse out of the stall: always shut the door behind you when you

walk in to put the halter on so the horse does not run out

make sure the horse is facing you

When putting a horse away turn them around in the stall to face you by the door

INCORRECT (stall door not opened all

the way and latch out CORRECT

Grooming a Horse Talk to him and keep your nearest hand on him so he

knows where you are

Keep your body close to the horses, but be mindful of where your feet are in relation to him

Keep your feet parallel to the horses body to avoid being stepped on

DO NOT pass under the horses neck

DO NOT sit or kneel on the ground next to the horse, crouch down when it is necessary to reach something lower

NEVER set your hand on the ground

Be aware of their sensitive places, typically the belly and flanks but make sure to keep an eye on them as all horses have different areas that tickle them

INCORRECT (never place hands or kneel

on ground next to horse) CORRECT

Barn Safety

Cleanliness

Fire Protection

Organization

Plan for emergency’s

Good Housekeeping

Put equipment back in its proper place after use: roll up hoses, hang up shovels, etc

Regularly check for protruding nails, splintered boards, and other sharp edges

Store feed out of reach of horses and in an airtight rodent proof latching container

Make sure all doors and gates are strong and working properly, if necessary add an extra latch or clip to keep horses secure and safe

INCORRECT CORRECT

INCORRECT CORRECT

Good Housekeeping Cont.

Stalls and water buckets must be cleaned daily

Designated areas for equipment and machinery

List of emergency contact numbers

WASH BUCKETS

STORE TOOLS IN DESIGNATED

AREAS

Fire Protection

Equip barn with fire extinguishers, maintain regularly and enforce a no-smoking policy around the barn

Keep floors clean: sweep up loose hay and debris that can create fire hazard

Keep overhead area clear: knock down cobwebs, check light fixtures

Store machinery and flammable substances a safe distance from barn

Store Hay in a separate building: keep covered and well ventilated

Fire Protection Cont.

Don’t overuse extension cords

Keep electrical cords out of reach of horses

Unplug cords when not in use

Keep rodents under control; encase wiring so its rodent proof

Have wiring inspected by a licensed electrician

CORRECT~ Always have a fire extinguisher available and

in working condition~ Extension cords neatly wrapped and hung

properly

INCORRECT(hanging of extension and placement across

ground

Safe tack

Make sure good condition and properly adjusted

Tack must be regularly cleaned and conditioned

Inspect your tack before each ride: if damaged get it repaired or replaced

Always double check your girth

CLEAN TACK AFTER EVERY USE

~ CHECK GIRTH ~ (too loose in this)

Arena Safety

Never walk through an arena without looking first in both directions

Call “Gate” or announce your intention when entering an area

Come into the center to speak with someone when others are riding in the arena

Keep arena well ventilated and clear of hazards

INCORRECT CORRECT

CREDITS

Alison Flury – AliBoo Farm Inc. aflury@aliboofarm.com

Janet Flury – Safety Check Inc.jaflury@safetycheckinc.com

www.safetycheckinc.com

www.AliBooFarm.com

Visit us online on Facebook at Stirrup Safety

Lexa Smith – Reverse Prints Photography 239-810-0881