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

[slp2]

I don’t think the “shelter in place” is completely clear when it comes to equine facilities. Kentucky sent out specific guidelines for equine facilities—but other than that state (that I know of) —I think it seems open to interpretation. Our state is shelter in place and once the order came through, the barn I board my 3 horses, was closed. No visits, no holding for farriers, vets. etc. No packing supplements or giving meds. For 3 weeks (at least that’s what we hope).

However, now I’m finding that other barns in the state are allowing their boarders to come out by appointment with added safety / cleaning protocols.

Meanwhile, in Illinois (where several of my friends board or are barn owners) the shelter in place hasn’t effected them much. All are still allowing boarders, some allowing casual riders (non-owners out to exercise their friends horse, etc.) and even lessons still going on. Some of these are large, big-name trainer barns too!

So clearly, it’s not clear and it seems that some regions are all just seeing what the other barns are doing—and then doing the same. It’s a crazy, confusing time for sure!

[woodhillsmanhattan]

I have already posted, but I just want to put another thing out there to consider…

My barn is a small operation. There are only a handful of us and it is not uncommon for me to be the only one at the barn or the only one riding… So we remain open. The other day I was lightly hacking my horse in the indoor. He is a 16 year old warmblood. I have owned him for 12 years. We have done the 1.30m and training level eventing. I am a young professional but keep him at a different facility than I teach/train at. He felt lovely, sound and responsive for our ride, but a bit fresh. It was suppose to be a low key day for him, so after 20 minutes I took him outside to ride in the fields (we ride in the fields 2-3 times a week so this isn’t new)…we walked a bit, we trotted a bit, I sent him into the canter and explode goes the horse and off goes the rider. My skull cap popped off my head and helmet cover came off as I landed on my side and the side of my head hit the ground. The helmet still did it’s job, but I definitely have a new helmet coming in the mail. Horse continues to leap and buck all the way back to the barn. My neck made a few cracks and I jammed my thumb, but other than a hurt pride I am OK.

We all know that falls happen. We all know that accidents happen even on the ground. But it was a good wake up call. What if something more serious had happened? Our healthcare providers are being worked to the bone right now. This is a horse I know like the back of my hand. We were on a routine, casual ride. We were not doing anything dangerous. So along with being empathetic to others (including barn managers and owners!..as well as people like the OP who maybe have had to compromise on a boarding situation and is concerned about her horses welfare…), PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE be safe!

If you feel comfortable and have the means to continue riding, go for it. But wear a helmet, keep it simple, and maybe don’t hesitate to give your horse a lunge first

[AnastasiaBeaverhousen]

I am glad that you are okay woodhills. Pretty nasty fall.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

@woodhillsmanhattan

f you feel comfortable and have the means to continue riding, go for it. But wear a helmet, keep it simple, and maybe don’t hesitate to give your horse a lunge first

learned that lesson long long long ago!!! We have a strict helmet rule. We are not riding the 3 year olds. We are not training hard but keeping horses healthy with the work that they need. I’m quick to put any horse on a lunge (unless it’s a rehab that I cannot) and lucky most have a lot of turn out. And I’m not being chincy on the chemical assistance for the couple of rehabs that’s I have either. We are lucky that our healthcare resources are not maxed out in my area…yet. But we are preparing for it.

[trubandloki]

Hey OP, I am one of those people that does understand the concept of boarding at a facility where the care is not 100% what you would want but that you have always been able to make up for it by being there every day yourself… That is how boarding worked for me for the longest time. Nothing about the situation was dangerous. It was just some what lacking. Hay and water was always done. Supplements not so much… that type of thing.
So, I can totally understand how not being able to go every day would lead to some worries in a situation like this. Not everyone has access to a barn that meets every need.

Now, I am not saying I agree with the feeling that this barn owner is over reacting. I totally get why someone would close their barn at a time like this. Heck, the regulations in my part of the world seem to say that is what should be happening.
I am just saying I understand how it puts some people in a difficult spot.

[comingback]

Here in PA, most places have kept boarders away. Obviously, self care situations are a different story. Our trainer, barn manager, and another worker are the only ones onsite (neither the BO or trainer live onsite).

I’ve upped my service from basic board to training board. Trainer isn’t riding but is lunging. I figure I would have spent that money on ad-hoc lessons anyway, so the billing isn’t that different for me. Others may be in different situations.

I miss my horse time, but want our trainer and barn workers to stay healthy, otherwise who will take care of the animals? I’m thankful to be at a place that gives exceptional care, and I have no worries on that front.

[peedin]

My state has a shelter in place order with non-essential businesses closed. I board at a large barn–think 80 horses. Busy lesson program. The barn is closed to boarders and students except for emergencies. Friday afternoon I got a call from the BM that my horse cut her face and was bleeding. She wouldn’t let him near the wound so I went out. Horse now has 20 stitches in her face. Fortunately there is no aftercare needed. I texted BM this morning for permission to come out later to check stitches. He said that is fine. BM and I get along but I would never dream of showing up without permission.