Pennsylvania rules on "stay at home" and boarder/leaser/lessonette access to the barn

[pluvinel]

Per the Pennsylvania Equine Council

[INDENT]Covid UPDATE 3/27/20 - PDA provided updated guidance today for facilities, such as riding stables, that are responsible for the care and welfare of animals. Such facilities are also considered life-sustaining and may remain open for animal care. They are encouraged to follow PDA’s on farm guidance for preventing spread of COVID-19. Livestock boarding facilities must make their own decisions as to whether to allow animal owners to visit. PDA cannot offer legal advice on this matter and encourages facility owners to discuss with their own legal counsel. If visitors are allowed, they should come during scheduled appointments and practice social distancing.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/PaEquine…=page_internal[/INDENT]

[OutsidersOpinion]

If your barn is a registered business, then it is not open to customers. Just like clothing stores or let’s say zoos. Employees are still there to mail out online orders or feed the zoo animals. But no in person customers.

People who have their horses in situations where the horses have feed, turnout, water, and someone to look after their general health DO NOT need to be going to barns. Let the trainers and barn owner/staff, who are actually essential, work without the risk of getting sick.

I am a professional and am outraged that clients from hot spots are trying to come to my barn when they are in a travel restricted area. These guidelines are in place for a reason, and these people’s horses are on training packages regardless. Please do not ask why I am not willing to put my health at risk, I live in the middle of nowhere for a reason!

No one is going to judge normal businesses for shutting down and will return to them when they reopen. Please have the same respect for your boarding barns.

[gertie06]

Very simple message to boarders: “barn is closed. If you wish to ride or visit your horse, you may do so…but not on this property. Please seek alternate stabling accommodations. We follow state laws and CDC recommendations here.”
P.S. Your boarders sound like jerks.

[NaturallyHappy]

I have some boarders exhibiting jerk like behavior. One made the comment she’s a nurse and is immune to everything (where’s that fruit bat?). I closed my barn…a cavalier attitude like that smacks of irresponsibility everywhere, not just here. Absolutely frightening to me.