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How safe are your equestrian premises? 
 
As horse owners and carers we invest a great deal both financially and time wise in ensuring our horses have the best care to enable them to remain fit and healthy. 
But, what about their surroundings? Have you considered the potential hazards at your premises? How can you keep your employees and visitors safe from harm or ill health? All equine premises should risk assess their business and activities accordingly. 
Did you know that if you employee 5 or more staff, you will need to document policies and risk assessments? 
 
Across the equestrian industry it remains paramount to prioritise the welfare of horses and ensure their safety at all times. With this in mind, sometimes the health, safety and welfare of those working with and around horses may go unnoticed. But, just like any other business, the health and safety of all individuals should remain a key focus. 
A lot to think about, isn’t it? 
 
There are many health, safety and environmental considerations to ensure your premises remain safe and compliant with legislation. So, where do you start? 
 
Key health and safety priorities include: 
 
Risk assessment: regular, frequent and thorough risk assessments are essential to identify potential hazards and implementation of suitable control measures. 
Safety training and education: ensure all employees, volunteers and riders are trained in safety procedures, horse handling, and emergency protocols as appropriate. 
Equipment and facility maintenance: completing regular inspections of all equipment (saddles, bridles, helmets, etc.) and facilities (stables, arenas, fencing) and ensuring prompt repairs or replacement as necessary. 
Emergency preparedness: to include first aid training in both human and equine first aid and ensuring suitable, well stocked first aid kits are held on site at all times. 
Emergency procedures: developing and communicating clear emergency procedures for situations such as accidents, fire or severe weather events. 
Personal protective equipment (PPE): provision of suitable PPE as identified during the risk assessment process. Implementation of strict guidance for correct and valid safety equipment to be worn whilst riding and handling horses eg hats, suitable footwear and body protectors. 
Stable and arena safety: maintaining clean and organised stables to reduce the risk of injury or disease. Ensuring arenas and yard areas are free of hazards and footing is well-maintained to prevent slips and falls. 
Supervision by qualified individuals: ensure all riding and handling sessions are supervised by qualified instructors. Maintaining a controlled and calm environment to reduce the risk of horses spooking. 
Client and visitor safety briefings: provision of safety briefings to all visitors and clients, highlighting potential hazards and site safety rules and requirements. Installation of suitable signage to indicate restricted areas, emergency exits, and safety information. 
Regulatory Compliance: stay informed and comply with local and national regulations related to health, safety, and animal welfare. Maintain appropriate insurance coverage for the business, staff, riders, and horses. 
 
Spend some time focusing on these priorities to ensure a safe and healthy environment for both humans and horses in an equestrian business. 
 
Many years ago, before I became a Health and Safety professional, I worked with horses full time – back then health and safety wasn’t really a “thing” that we considered. Along with owning my own horses, this extensive equestrian background has enabled me to fully understand the challenges faced by our equine professionals when it comes to health and safety. 
 
IMG Equine can provide specialist support and advice to guide and assist you with not only keeping people safe but meeting the requirements set by organisations such as The British Horse Society and The Association of British Riding Schools (for whom we are an approved advisor for). 
 
Some of the key areas we can assist you with are: 
 
• Site visits and full health, safety and environmental audits. 
• Risk assessments. 
• Fire risk assessments. 
• COSHH Assessments. 
• Policies and procedures. 
• Health and safety training. 
• Event risk assessment and guidance. 
 
Written by Jane Patching 
 
If you need any assistance with the above please contact Jane Patching on 07743 198414 or jane.patching@influentialmg.com 
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