Stabling Considerations and Emergency Care A view by Ed McAdam, Owner, Longbranch Horse Boarding Facility, LLC This article is intended to focus on a myriad of concerns facing both stable owners and boarders. First, prior to discussing specifics, let us acknowledge some “givens”; recognizing the “one shoe does not fit all”, and that the horse owner is the responsible individual for the care and well-being of their horse. The horse owner chooses how and where to board their horse. Varying degrees of different requirements are associated with full board, partial board, and pasture board; in addition to specific horse care needs in each category. Therefore, throughout the boarding process, the horse owner remains accountable and responsible for their horse. The horse owner makes the decision as to which stable is acceptable to board their horse and at the price the horse owner is willing to pay for specific services rendered. The major elements for care include: honesty, effective communication and the relationship between all parties; stabling arrangement, quality of the stabling facility, nutritional program, insurance, pasture management, and first aid/ emergency care to horses. When discussing the boarding arrangement, specific language in the agreement should include whether or not the subject stable has current insurance for “care, custody, and control’ insurance, general liability, personal liability and fire insurance. Certainly the typical home owner’s insurance held by the stable owner DOES NOT. Nor does the State “Equine Zero Liability Law” provide the proper coverage necessary for care, custody and control. Ask the stable owner to show you the required insurance policy coverage before boarding at that subject stable. Especially, during these economic hard times, when insurance is expensive, the stable owner may not purchase an insurance policy. Shame on you, if you board your precious horse at a horse stable that does not have the above mentioned necessary insurance. The boarder should immediately STOP and find a stable with proper ”care, custody, and control” insurance. Shame on you, if you are the owner of the stable and fail to tell the boarders that you do not have the proper insurance to board horses. I will cite one particular recent incident. A stable owner did not have care, custody, and control insurance and did board two horses of a “friend”. The stable owner went to the grocery store .The boarder showed up with their relative. The relative wanted to sit on the stable owner’s horse for a photograph, slipped of, and got a couple of minor bruises. The following day, the relative got an attorney and sued the stable owner. The stable owner has spent over $40,000 dollars in attorney fees during the discovery process, and the case has not been decided in court yet. Also, due consideration for the boarder, is the purchase of equine insurance covering major injuries and mortality of the horse and should be in kept current. A copy of the insurance policy should be made available to the stable owner for emergency purposes. There is a wide range of insurance coverage categories available for both the horse owner and stable owner. Again, shame on you, if you neglect purchasing the necessary equine insurance. An agreement that should be prepared by the stable owner is an “agent release”. When a boarder chooses someone to perform a service on their horse, that someone is an agent of the boarder, not an agent of the stable owner. As an example, a farrier putting shoes on the boarder’s horse. If the farrier damages another boarder’s property or injures another horse, an “agent release” would “save harmless” the stable owner. It would be the responsibility of the boarder to arrange, assist and cleanup after their agent, and obligated to pay for any damages caused by the agent, and not the obligation of the stable owner. The physical site, stabling facility, and all appurtenances , should be viewed by the horse owner prior to the time the horse owner makes the decision as to the stable of their choosing. For example, which is acceptable “horse no-climb” or barb wire” fencing; grass paddocks or sand; turn out 1 hour or 8 hours; several paddocks or one large pasture for all horses. The horse owner makes that decision. Also, the hay, horse feed, supplements, and additives being dispensed including quantities and timing are known or at least should be addressed at the initial interview. Due consideration should be addressed concerning whether or not the subject stable has on-site “24 hour” supervision by the actual stable owner or trained mature staff. Does the stable owner live on site? This means that the stable owner or trained mature staff is actually present on site, observing the activities, able to immediately act in any emergency and attend to any appropriate needed care, both day and the night effectively. The cleanliness of the stabling facility is extremely important both for safety and health. Is there a clean rest room, shower, and separate utility sink within the stable? Is the rest room cleaned on a daily basis? Does the stabling facility have sufficient equine “first-aid” medication (a complete equine medicine cabinet) for varying types of injury? Is the staff trained in administering medications and first-aid treatment? Is the “equine zero liability law” signage posted? Two signs are required to be posted (Florida law Chapter 773). Does the facility have public potable water or is the facility served by a well? Are emergency phone numbers displayed in the stable for veterinarians, chiropractors, dentist, farrier, trainer, massage therapist, all boarders, stable owner and staff members? Are there smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, suitable ventilation, fans, and exits? Does the stable have several duplex receptacles conveniently located along the interior aisle way 6 feet above the floor level? Is there numerous cross ties provided throughout the stable? Does the facility have experienced mature staff? Is clean drinkable water available in each stall and each paddock? Is the water in each paddock checked daily for cleanliness? Does each stall have an automatic water bowl? Are hurricane and emergency provisions readily available at the stable? Especially during Hurricane season, does the stable have sufficient hay, feed, and drinkable water for a seven day period? Does the stable owner have a Hurricane Plan and trained personnel to be housed on site during and immediately after the hurricane? Does the facility have an emergency generator? Is there sufficient and clean stall bedding in each stall? Is each stall cleaned at least daily? Is it known which trained staff member is in charge in the absence of the owner? Is there a separate and secure feed room, enclosed feed containers, and is the feed room properly ventilated with outside air? Does the feed room have a fan for air circulation? Is there a separate and secure tack room and properly ventilated? Is there a land line telephone in the stable for emergency purposes? Does the facility have a washer, dryer, refrigerator, and micro-wave in the stable for horse care needs? Is there a “back-flow preventer” separating potable water provided for human drinking from equine use (when utilizing automatic stall waterers) within the stable? Does the stable have an automatic pest control system with spray nozzles throughout the stable? Is there one or two ways out of each stall (one directly to the exterior, especially for emergency purposes)? Note also, that a dutch door to the exterior from each stall provides light and air circulation, emergency evacuation, coupled with eliminating the close –in feeling for the horse ; very desirable. No over- head door should be used for emergency egress . Is there a permanent overhead fan in each stall? A side mounted portable fan with an extension cord could present a hazard; in addition to debris and dust being directed horizontally at the horse’ eyes. Is there sufficient horse wash racks? Does the facility have ample bleach and housekeeping supplies and being used? Does the stable owner or trained staff bleach a stall after and before another horse utilizes same? With all due respect, I strongly recommend Synbiont (agricultural wash) for use throughout the entire stable. Synbiont was originally produced for post- harvest cleaning of vegetables and fruit; it is food safe and can be sprayed on most everything. Unlike a detergent, it cleans the host area where pathogens grow by emulsifying the dirt and then it compromises the cell walls of the pathogen, thereby destroying the pathogens, viruses, bacteria, and fungi. There are many, many other considerations to be taken into account. Among them are: Is the surface water sheet flow directed away from the stable? Quiz the boarders as to whether or not the stabling area and paddocks have standing water during the wet seasons. Is there shade in each paddock? Is there sufficient exterior night lighting throughout the stabling area? Is there “No Smoking” signs posted in various locations? What is the requirement for wearing a helmet? Is there a fence and gate separating the stable from the parking area to prevent a horse from escaping beyond the immediate stable perimeter? Does the stable have a lighted arena and area for evening riding? Is the area around the stable free of debris and obstructions for the safety of all people and horses? If you are a prospective boarder looking for a home for your precious animal and a comfort level for your horse 24 hours per day, shame on you, if you disregard these items. If you are a stable owner and do not provide these necessary accommodations, shame on you. Now, from the items mentioned herein, I suggest that you develop your own written check list prior to visiting the stable(s) that you are considering to house your precious animal. Also, it you are presently boarding your horse at a stable that disregards these items, perhaps it is time to request the stable owner upgrade their facility or find a stable that provides these items. If you are the stable owner perhaps it is time to consider these items. Shame on the stable owner if you are not continually enhancing your facility to provide a safe and healthy environment for the boarders and their horses. Where will your horse actually be pastured. As a potential boarder, it is encumbered upon you to take the time and quiz the stable owner about his pasture management program. Hopefully, there is an on- going active program to address the pasture management program.. Then, walk around the pastures and paddocks (herein after called P&P) to see the physical condition. Do those areas, P&P, have a good stand of grass? Questions to ask: How often are the P&P fertilized and with what fertilizer? How often are the P&P re-seeded? How often is the fencing inspected for damage and low tree limbs cut? How does the stable owner treat the P&P for fire ants? We all know that the fire ant products used around residences are toxic and many poison and not permitted to be utilized in the P&P. Note: there is an EPA approved fire ant granule product for use in P&P with “no grazing restrictions” printed right on the label. However, it does take about 36 hours to eliminate the nests. Shame on the stable owner , if the approved product is not being utillized. How does the stable owner eliminate toxic and poison plants (over 100 types in many States), and weeds in the P&P? We all know that the plant and weed treatments utilized around residences are unacceptable for use around horses. Many times horses end up with diarrhea due to eating a toxic weed. Note: there is an EPA approved weed removal product for use in P&P with “no grazing restrictions” printed right on the label. Shame on the stable owner, if the product is not being utilized. Personally, I have found the subject products very useful and effective. Are the P&P irrigated during the dry seasons? Does each paddock have a source (tub) of potable water for daily use by the horses? Are the tubs checked every day for clean drinkable water? A physical inspection of the P&P will provide a good insight as to the quality of service at that particular stable. What type of fencing is provided around the P&P? Naturally, horse “no-climb” fence fabric with 2x6 pressure treated top rail is excellent. If barb wire is utilized, Stop immediately and find another stable for your precious animal. Recently, a horse got caught up in the barb wire and bleed to death. Take the time to make sure that your precious animal will be pastured properly. Shame on the stable owner, if proper pasture management is not taken seriously and effectively implemented. In addition to the boarder’s agreement, does the facility have visitor/friends liability form for everyone to sign when entering the stabling area? Does the Stabling facility record, display, and monitor the standard required vaccinations for each horse being stabled? Is there a written document stipulating the stable protocol provided to each boarder? If there is trail riding on the property?, Does the stable owner have a written “trail ride etiquette” to provide to the boarders for their safety? All this information is necessary and beneficial for the horse owner to make the appropriate decision as to where to board their horse. Shame on the stable owner, for not being the facilitator in these important matters. With the above data discussed, understood, and witnessed by both parties to the agreement, the specifics associated with the emergency care provisions need to be known and adequately addressed. The agreement should include provisions for emergency care when the horse owner is absent, on vacation, or away from the facility and unable to be contacted directly. The suggested provisions include: A “Hold Harmless” clause for the stable owner and staff; and emergency phone numbers for a designated responsible relative, friend, or individual that can and will act on behalf of the horse owner. Authorization should be provided for the horse owner’s Veterinarian to take appropriate medical action and emergency care by the stable owner and staff (as directed by the Veterinarian); and emergency first aid by the stable owner and staff, for emergency first aid, in the absence of the Veterinarian. Specific emergency information should include required medical information as to which medication should or should not be administered to the respective horse. Adherence to the equine insurance policy requirements is required also, specifically for appropriate coverage and prompt notification to the insurance agent. When the horse owner intends to be absent for a period of time, on vacation, hospitalized, or the like, it is encumbered upon the horse owner to contact the stable owner with respect to other telephone numbers and e-mail where the horse owner can be reached and the period of time when being absent. This information should be posted in the stable. It is the horse owner’s responsibility to periodically call to check on the health and well- being of their horse. The horse owner should advise the stable owner of any known precautions; which precautions, were not identified previously, to the stable owner. The arrangement made to accommodate the horse on the property of the stable owner varies with the specific request for full board, partial board or pasture board. Payment by the horse owner with respect to the specific tasks agreed upon, by both parties, involved is important; payment is made for agreed upon services to be rendered ie: if the horse owner is purchasing the hay and feed and does the feeding, then upon the failure of the horse owner to attend to that responsibility, it is not the obligation, without additional payment for the stable owner, to feed the horse. Prior understanding and agreed upon extra compensation should be specifically included in the agreement. The stable owner should be compensated for all services rendered above and beyond the agreement provisions. It would be unacceptable for the horse owner making payments for partial board and expect to receive services rendered for full board. The “key” is communication, communication, communication, coupled with honesty and respect between all parties. Again, the specific directives and agreement language varies depending on type of boarding . However, the typical provisions in the agreement should include: services to be rendered; emergency provisions; type of feed, hay, and supplements offered; (note: for the purpose of this article, I have not discussed any particulars associated with a successful nutritional program; but, shame on the stable owner, if an improper feeding program is provided to any horse in the stable whether or not the stable owner provides the products or not; name of veterinarian, farrier, chiropractor, dentist, and massage therapist; individuals authorized to ride the boarder’s horse; known horse behavior issues ie; wind sucking and kicking; method/time of payment; specifics regarding baths, clipping, exercising; training/lesson specifics; and other provisions that maybe awkward “what arrangements should be made for the care and ownership of the horse upon death of the horse owner and the disposal /final resting place upon the death of the horse”. Shame on the Stable owner if the proper documentation is not available. Lastly, with respect to this article, your visit and tour of the entire facility should be at a time when many other boarders are present and the stable is active. If you feel a little uncomfortable or “first time boarder”, bring along an experienced equestrian to advise you. You need to see the stabling protocol in action and quiz several boarders about their experience at the facility (what they like and do not like). Do not rush the visit, take notes, if necessary, and review the check list elements mentioned in this article that you consider important to you and your horse. In summary: the horse owner is the individual responsible for all aspects of care, health, and livelihood of their horse; appropriate, and ongoing effective communications between all parties is essential; services to be rendered should be prepared by the stable owner, specific for both the horse owner and stable owner to understand their role in the care of the specific horse; and emergency provisions. The horse owner should visit the prospective stable, view the available amenities and discuss the specific services needed with the stable owner prior to making any commitment to board their horse. Again, communication between the horse owner and stable owner is essential for an excellent working relationship and the well- being of your horse. Note; Ed McAdam was a former Trails Council, Florida National Greenways and Trails Council Greenways Task Force, President of Club for 10 years, Florida One of the principal authors of the Public Works “Employee of the Year NACO Awards, and is a Florida Nationally Certified Building Longbranch Horse Boarding Facility years. e-mail member of Florida Recreational Recreational Trails Council, Florida totaling 10 years, SWFWM Myakka River Riders Equestrian “Horseman of the Year 1998”, Florida Trail Standards, Florida 1992’, Recipient of numerous Professional Engineer and Official, and is the owner of the in Parrish Florida for over twenty www.longbranchstable.com [email protected]
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