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The fundamentals of caring

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When it comes to safety, everyone is involved and has a role to play. Sometimes, through lack of knowledge, one does not think about the impact of their actions or inactions, which can have grave consequences for everyone. So, it is important to understand the equine living environment, and to pay attention to the risks and potential consequences of not doing the right thing while in the stables. And don’t forget, this applies at home and also when travelling and attending events.

A box stall is the horse’s personal space, and to protect your horse, you should really consider treating it as if it was your own personal space.

Behave responsibly

The do’s and don’ts that matter most

Loads of different contaminants or dangerous substances are carried by you or your pets. They can easily end up on the horse’s hay, feed and water, which once ingested, will enter the horse’s blood stream and urine which in turn, may be sampled for doping control. Even little amounts can have a very significant impact on equine health, but also on your and the horse’s ability to compete. So please just apply these fairly basic rules at home and when travelling or competing and staying in temporary accommodation.

Context Risks Consequences
No urinating
When at home or invited to someone’s home, you use the toilet. One of the main reasons for contamination, doping cases and suspensions is caused by urinating in a horse’s box. This is your horse’s living space and not your toilet, please respect that.
Contamination
Intoxication
Doping case
Illness
Death
Disqualification
Suspension
No littering
Something to throw away? Bins exist exactly for that. And that coffee you just spilled onto the hay may not seem like a big deal, but it could actually result in a positive doping case.
Contamination
Intoxication
Doping case
Injury
Illness
Death
Disqualification
Suspension
Wash your hands
Medication, creams and other products will leave residues on your hands, and if a horse licks your hand, these substances will end up in the horse’s bloodstream. Furthermore, viruses, bacteria and parasites are everywhere, and who knows what or who you’ve touched before.
Contamination
Intoxication
Doping case
Illness
Death
Disqualification
Suspension
No smoking
Horses are no fans of nicotine, cigarette butts, E-liquids or any kind of substance that can be smoked, including cannabis. Beside intoxication and contamination, fire is also a strong risk linked to smoking in the stables.
Fire
Contamination
Intoxication
Doping case
Injury
Illness
Death
Disqualification
Suspension

Organise stables

Neat & tidy, things stored away safely

A lot of tools, equipment and products are used in and around the stables, and it is important to keep all of them away from the horses’ reach. Furthermore, products & medication need to be stored and locked away. Last but not least, any kind of fire, such as bonfires, are not a great idea in stables’ environment.
Keep stables neat, tidy and safe.

Context Risks Consequences
Equipment & Tools
Various sharp tools and pieces of equipment are frequently used in and around the stables on a daily basis. A horse could easily step on, rub against, or even ingest them, which is why it is of utmost importance you always keep potentially harmful items safely stored away, just as you would do for small children.
Accident
Injury
Death
Out of competition
Products
All products, whether synthetic or natural, should always be safely stored away and never be left unattended in the stables as they could spill over or even be ingested. Furthermore, only authorised and trained personnel should have access to such products.
Accident
Intoxication
Injury
Illness
Death
Out of competition
Medication
Veterinary and human medications are sometimes present in the stables. A horse ingesting a wrong substance could result in health issues and/or a positive doping case. All medication must be safely stored and locked away from horses, and should only be used by authorised and trained personnel. Horses should always be treated in a separate treating box, and everything must be disinfected after, including buckets and hands.
Contamination
Intoxication
Doping case
Illness
Death
Disqualification
Suspension
Fire
Even if fireworks and open fires can be beautiful or practical, they are not great when it comes to safety, and they are definitely a no-go in horses’ box stalls or anywhere else inside or close to stable facilities.
Fire
Accident
Injury
Death
Out of competition

Maintain premises

Keep it up, keep it running

All stables’ facilities, permanent or temporary, must be kept in good condition and suited for horses. Structures free from damage & hazards, including floors, walls, access points and passages are key to avoiding accidents. Furthermore, water and electrical systems need to be in good working order to ensure a safe and habitable environment for the horse. This applies at home and also in any locations you may be visiting temporarily, such as when attending an event or travelling to that event.

Context Risks Consequences
Building infrastructures
Poor maintenance just like ill-conceived constructions can lead to weak or thin structures, falling parts, damaged walls, and uneven floors, all becoming potential sources of danger to horses & humans. Fix it, stay alert and keep everyone safe.
Accident
Injury
Death
Out of competition
Water systems
Water systems are essential to fulfil the horse’s needs such as drinking, grooming and for stables maintenance. Leaks and humidity however, should be avoided. Slippery floors and mould are hidden dangers that can strike any time and compromise horse welfare, so just like in your own home, anticipation is crucial.
Accident
Intoxication
Injury
Illness
Death
Out of competition
Electrical systems
Electricity and lighting are key components of a functioning stable. All electrical systems must be well installed, monitored and maintained regularly. Malfunctioning electric systems can pose a serious fire hazard and/or may lead to electrocution. So, for your safety and that of your horses, keep them in check.
Accident
Electrocution
Fire
Injury
Death
Out of competition

Secure the perimeter

What’s outside stays outside

Potential danger coming from surrounding areas is sometimes underestimated. Some plants, animals and even people can put the horses’ welfare at risk with all the related consequences. The best move is to anticipate and learn how to identify and prevent these threats from entering the stables and/or being in contact with your horses.

Context Risks Consequences
Dangerous plants
Certain plants are poisonous for horses and can contaminate their hay and feed, thus potentially leading to a positive doping case. Identifying and removing them is a game changer.
Contamination
Intoxication
Doping case
Illness
Death
Disqualification
Suspension
Dangerous animals
Insects and rodents can carry viruses, bacteria or parasites. Other animals such as snakes and spiders may be venomous. Identifying and preventing these troublemakers from entering the stables is a great additional layer of protection.
Accident
Contamination
Intoxication
Injury
Illness
Death
Out of competition
Unauthorised people
No one enters your house unless invited right? The same goes for stables, only authorised people should be allowed in. This will help prevent unintentional or intentional wrong doing from happening.
Accident
Contamination
Intoxication
Doping case
Injury
Illness
Death
Disqualification
Suspension
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