What Covid-19 Protocols Are in Place at Your Barn?

[RedHorses]

What you haven’t thought about is that those people in the grocery store are fighting years of habit formation… They know about keeping their distance, and not touching things, but they’re doing something they’ve been doing the same way for years. They reach past someone to grab something. They pick up every package to examine it for date, package integrity, aesthetics, feng shui energy, or whatever. Because that’s the way they’ve been doing it every week for years. Because human brains are wired that way. It is very difficult to change a habit, especially when looking to get in and out asap.

”‹”‹”‹”‹”‹”‹Boarders have ingrained habits too. The peace we find with our horses makes it harder to keep in mind the things we need to do differently. People will forget. People will be infected and infectious before they know they are.

Yes, it’s hard to trust that our horses will be okay. It’s totally understandable to want the comfort of our horse routine in a world turned upside down. The return to normal requires the restrictions now. The more people act together the sooner normal will return.

Can you email your BM/trainer and ask him to do/look for the really critical things while he’s got the place locked down?
”‹”‹”‹”‹”‹”‹

[ridernc]

In general, a lot of the stay-at-home orders are vague and non-standard across counties. I would encourage reading the actual text of what was implemented in a county because there are some certainly odd things that have slipped into mine. For example, golfing is explicitly called out as an essential activity and therefore golf courses are remaining staffed and open…

[AMWookey]

@ridernc

In general, a lot of the stay-at-home orders are vague and non-standard across counties. I would encourage reading the actual text of what was implemented in a county because there are some certainly odd things that have slipped into mine. For example, golfing is explicitly called out as an essential activity and therefore golf courses are remaining staffed and open…

But what would we do without golfers in NC… I have to go and look now to see if it’s written in as essential services where i am in NC.

[alternate_universe]

My barn is currently closed to anyone who isn’t staff or a boarder. It looks like lessons are still available to boarders. It’s a little wonky right now because counties are doing different things. My home county has stated that residents should not be engaging in any non-necessary travel. But the barn is in another county. I think some boarders who live in this county, which has many more COVID cases, are not going to the barn even though they may still be allowed to.

IMO, the standard (meaning, not selfcare or co-op style) boarding barns all need to close to anyone who isn’t staff. It’s completely unnecessary social gathering in an environment that is unlikely to be totally sanitized.

[reithme2]

Interesting… My state currently has a ‘shelter in place’ policy but our barn remains open. We are only allowing one boarder or staff person in at a time and all lessons are canceled. I’m happy the barn is still available as seeing my horse feels like the only normalcy I have left. On the other hand I’m not convinced current protocols will reduce risk. I also do chores at the barn weekend mornings and worry I’ll have to continue to show up even if a boarder gets sick which is really increasing my risk. I imagine the barn will close in the coming days as most in our state have already.

BO is saying we can stay open as it’s essential for the horses to get exercised as no on site trainers but not sure this is valid or just a loop hole.

Edited to add: OP Im sure you know your situation best but I agree with other posters that a lot of boarders are saying they MUST come out to take care of horses abscess, hand walking or to drop off supplements when in reality these aren’t musts. I’m sure your BO/staff are willing to do ‘extras’ given the situation. Also, would driving by the barn help? Can you see your horses pasture/turnout from the road to help reduce stress?

[AnastasiaBeaverhousen]

We actually get it.
We miss our horses, we miss being with them caring for them and riding them.
Some of us have horses that need to be treated , or require extra care.
So not only are we anxious because we cant be near our horses, but because some of use cant work, dont know when we’ll be working again, dont know how we are going to pay the bills, including the board bill.

But we also understand that there is a lot more at stake then not being able to ride.

You obviously dont think very much of your BM if you think hes being irrational because he doesn’t want to get an illness that could incapacitate him for weeks or months or even kill him.

If you are that concerned that you dont believe your horse will be taken care of adequately then by all means call the BM and discuss your concerns and see what he has to say.

You, my dear, are the one that doesn’t get it. Peace to you as well.
Enlightenment doesn’t always feel good.

[Calvincrowe]

OP-- we are in a “shelter in place” status here in the PNW. All non-essential businesses are closed. While agriculture remains an essential business, and the CARE of livestock and pets is essential, the lesson/training business end of horse facilities is not. You are quite defensive about those who are telling you that the correct procedure for lesson and training barns is to close to all but essential staff. You aren’t hearing what you want to hear, and I’m sorry that your horse is not in a situation that you feel comfortable with. Perhaps you can communicate with your BO to set up a strict biosecurity protocol that will allow you to see your horse but keep the BO/staff safe from Covid-19 infection? We should NOT be riding if an accident will put us in the hospital, taking up critical space needed for the flood of upcoming sick patients. Rural hospitals are especially vulnerable in a pandemic as they are generally too small to handle a large influx of very sick patients. And yes, C-19 will arrive even in rural counties. It’s only a matter of time.

Our barn is closed to owners and boarders, no lessons. The barn staff (cleaners/feeders) live on-site. The trainer and two assistants are coming in separately and adhering to a strict biosecurity protocol (which we used while the barn was open to limited flat lessons only, for two riders per lesson). They are making sure our horses are turned out daily, ridden on the schedule for each horse, that vet and farrier care are continued. We get daily video and picture updates as owners/boarders/leasers. They are a text away from us for questions.

Yes, this is inconvenient and disruptive. So is the fact my job is essentially over for months (teacher) and now I must shift my entire process to an online program of my own creation in a single week, with no ability to access my materials at school, all the while learning how to meet and teach via Zoom, Google Classroom, etc. It’s hard. And without access to my horse, my routine is totally off. But, you know what? I’m willing to sacrifice my freedom of movement so that others can live.

[oldernewbie]

@ridernc

In general, a lot of the stay-at-home orders are vague and non-standard across counties. I would encourage reading the actual text of what was implemented in a county because there are some certainly odd things that have slipped into mine. For example, golfing is explicitly called out as an essential activity and therefore golf courses are remaining staffed and open…

People were golfing in Ohio too and then someone called the gov’s office. They were declared non essential yesterday. I mean seriously! There were pix all over FaceBook of big crowds out playing. Just ridiculous.

[AAHunterGal]

Our barn also just closed due to CO’s Shelter in Place order. It was a really tough decision for our trainer to make, but I totally understand when she is the main one putting herself at risk (as well as the staff).This is a very serious situation and we all need to take it very seriously.

Here is how I’m dealing with it - I’m fortunate that my mare has lots of turnout in a big field with some of her horsey friends. I’ve owned her for a year, and who knows when the last time she had a vacation was? Truth be told, WE love riding our horses - our horses could take it or leave it. I know that while I’m heartbroken and will miss her terribly, she will love having a few weeks to a month of trail rides and easy flats and grass to eat and being able to get MUCH dirtier than I would ever allow. She will be stoked.

So think of this less as a ban on seeing your horse, and more of a vacation for your horse from you. We’re all in close quarters with our nearest and dearest now - I bet you wish you had a vacation from them right now as well! When we are all able to go to the barn again, I bet we’ll be surprised at how refreshed and ready for work they are.

And we’ll all be saving lives in the process!

[Mac123]

Shelter In Place means to Shelter. In. Place.

As in, do not leave your home except for absolutely essential tasks.

While each mandate is slightly different in terms of exemptions, the concept is entirely simple. Stay home. Don’t go visit friends, don’t go to the beach, don’t go to the barn, even if social distancing is observed. Stay. Home. Unless it’s for groceries or medical care.

Riding your horse isn’t an essential activity. Whether or not a barn can skirt through the grey area as most of the language in these mandates centers on “livestock,” I don’t think you can make the case that riding your horse is essential.

Stay home and let staff care for the horses. If you are so concerned for your horse’s well being, it’s a red flag this isn’t the right barn for you. Horses are resilient, if it’s a full care facility as you state, I think he’s going to be just fine. Most of our particulars are ours, not our horses’.

Does it suck? Of course. But if people keep going out for non essential tasks, this virus is going to take forever to eradicate. Stay home so we can save lives and get back to normalcy as quickly as possible.

[AMWookey]

@oldernewbie

People were golfing in Ohio too and then someone called the gov’s office. They were declared non essential yesterday. I mean seriously! There were pix all over FaceBook of big crowds out playing. Just ridiculous.

The stay at home order for NC (just released) allows for golfing. It also allows for exercising of pets. We realized reading it that it changes nothing, unfortunately

[eclipse]

Op… shelter in place means SHELTER IN PLACE!!! it’s now not just about you! Last year I rode for a total of 3 months, because between cancer and my cancer surgeries I was in forced lockdown for most of last year as well! You’re lucky… you’re only getting locked down for THIS year! Many of us are now onto year 2! Suck it up buttercup… yes I’m being harsh, but honestly, I’m sick of the whining from people that are healthy and now having to go through what cancer patients go through every month and every year!

[Denali6298]

@eclipse

Op… shelter in place means SHELTER IN PLACE!!! it’s now not just about you! Last year I rode for a total of 3 months, because between cancer and my cancer surgeries I was in forced lockdown for most of last year as well! You’re lucky… you’re only getting locked down for THIS year! Many of us are now onto year 2! Suck it up buttercup… yes I’m being harsh, but honestly, I’m sick of the whining from people that are healthy and now having to go through what cancer patients go through every month and every year!

But we have to have compassion for people are confused and need to do extra things for dobbin!!! It doesn’t matter about others health issues! Y’all can stay home!!

[hb]

I’m in the PNW and our shelter-in-place order allows for care of animals and livestock. That means the people who work at the barn can go there, but unless the barn is self-care boarders cannot go. I keep my two horses at home. One of them is starting to go downhill and I’d planned to put him down this spring and move my other horse to a local boarding barn until I can afford another horse to keep him company. My vet was out yesterday and we made a plan for palliative care for a month or two so I can keep them home until we know more about how long the order will stand. My friend (boarding barn owner) is ready to take my horse on short notice if I have to put down my other guy quickly in the meantime.

I may try to keep my one horse here solo. Neighbor has horses he can visit with over the fence. Not the same as a buddy in the barn but may work. I have concerns about, if things get worse, the boarding barn being able to get workers and feed. I have a local farmer cut and bale my field every summer. I’m going to put up hay this year even if my horse isn’t living here, just in case. I get enough hay to feed two horses July - April, it’s easily enough to feed one for a year.

This isn’t just a two-week situation.

[Denali6298]

Op you should totally move your horse and show at WEF.

https://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/forum/discussion-forums/hunter-jumper/10609635-wef-unrated-show

[bornfreenowexpensive]

I get what the OP was saying. If this was JUST going to be two weeks…that is one thing. But it’s not. We have been sheltering in place for three weeks already. It will go on through April for sure and my money is on May being a goner too. I think her point is the trainer should fully shut with no end date…or needs to come up with another plan to keep him safe…may mean shutting himself totally. While it is theoretically possible to catch by surface contact…most current research is that isn’t how it is transmitted…it’s your person to person (being with in 6 feet) that is how this is really getting transmitted. But I think a high risk individual shouldn’t be taking risks…and all of us need to be careful.

I’m also a BO. I have not shut down completely. We have about 30 horses. Several being rehabbed. I have less than 10 people total counting boarders, employees and myself. We are trying to maintain social distancing and wiping down surfaces. I’ve asked everyone to take their temps every day. We are all minimizing our outside contacts. Changing our clothes and shoes…of course washing our hands. Everyone is working to keep the horses and themselves safe. And I can tell you…it is hard to keep that 6 foot distance (and people certainly are not keeping it at the stores). But given my small farm, we can make it work…given how responsible they all are. If I had more boarders…I’d probably be shut to all of them.

you have to respect your BO’s rules…but I would have a conversation with him as this certainly is going to be going on for longer than 2 weeks. His safety is important but he also needs an honest longer term plan…even if it is the barn will be shut until the shelter in place is lifted. Then you can decide what works for you.

[Bella99]

In my province (Canada), basically all non-essential businesses have shut down for a minimum of a few weeks. Unfortunately, that includes barns. The professional associations have made it clear this means no boarders or owners, unless it’s an essential service. So currently it is Staff only.

I have emails from both associations to clear up any “foggy” and “vague” details the province has laid out, if any of my clients ask. I have been open and communicative with my clients, giving them frequent updates. We’ve also set up a grooming/lunging regime for any boarders that have requested. We are stretched thin, but we’re trying our best. It has been hard,because as a horse owner myself, i can totally understand the stress of not being able to see them, so I sympathize with my clients. I have been lucky, because my clients trust me with their horses, so it has been a smooth transition. I do hope however, that this time passes quickly.

It sounds like to me, you do not currently trust your Barn. Its unfortunate, but once everything clears up, I might suggest moving or, taking a moment now and talking to the caretakers of your horse. As a manager, it would bring me sadness and stress, if I discovered that one of my clients did not trust their animal in my care, and I would 100% try and resolve it if it was brought up. But also, right now, its not about the horses … but about the people. This illness, it can and will kill people, and it has. During This time, when you cannot see your horses today… is so that you can see your mom. or your dad. your best friend, or your sister tomorrow.

[Mediadise]

Yes some barns have altered their operations. Lessons are not consistent. Secondly visiting is not “opened” – i.e.crowd control.

[lenapesadie]

I just moved my horse. As in today. New facility offers a higher level of care that allows me to feel confident he is ok if we are ordered to shelter in place.

[AnastasiaBeaverhousen]

@bornfreenowexpensive

I get what the OP was saying. If this was JUST going to be two weeks…that is one thing. But it’s not. We have been sheltering in place for three weeks already. It will go on through April for sure and my money is on May being a goner too. I think her point is the trainer should fully shut with no end date…or needs to come up with another plan to keep him safe…may mean shutting himself totally. While it is theoretically possible to catch by surface contact…most current research is that isn’t how it is transmitted…it’s your person to person (being with in 6 feet) that is how this is really getting transmitted. But I think a high risk individual shouldn’t be taking risks…and all of us need to be careful.

I’m also a BO. I have not shut down completely. We have about 30 horses. Several being rehabbed. I have less than 10 people total counting boarders, employees and myself. We are trying to maintain social distancing and wiping down surfaces. I’ve asked everyone to take their temps every day. We are all minimizing our outside contacts. Changing our clothes and shoes…of course washing our hands. Everyone is working to keep the horses and themselves safe. And I can tell you…it is hard to keep that 6 foot distance (and people certainly are not keeping it at the stores). But given my small farm, we can make it work…given how responsible they all are. If I had more boarders…I’d probably be shut to all of them.

you have to respect your BO’s rules…but I would have a conversation with him as this certainly is going to be going on for longer than 2 weeks. His safety is important but he also needs an honest longer term plan…even if it is the barn will be shut until the shelter in place is lifted. Then you can decide what works for you.

If you are under a Shelter in Place Order mandated by your municipality and that order says that riding is non essential then you are violating that order

I do not recall BO owners having the choice of allowing boarders if they want. I believe Shelter in Place Orders are quite clear. If you are responsible for providing the care then none of your boarders should be there.

You can try to justify it to yourself if want . And it is prudent to observe bio security measures in any case.

Dont worry, I’m not going to rat you out or anything,
And if I am wrong I do apologize .

I am wrong and I apologize. It appears that in PA they are leaving it up to BO s if they are going to close to boarders.