Basic Safety on the Yard
No running, jumping, shouting or screaming.The yard should have a quiet, calm atmosphere.
Gates onto the yard should be closed at all times.
All tools should be packed away in a safe area that the horse cannot easily get to.
A fire sign should be in clear sight with easy instructions including: address, assembly point, position of fire equipment and extinguishers.
All horses should be tied to a string, like thinned baler twine, with a quick release knot. These safety clips are ideal but they must also be attached by string. I know of many injuries from horses panicking and pulling back because they have not been able to break free. One horse disappeared down the road attached to a plank of wood with nails sticking out. Horrific and worth preventing.
Kick bolts on stable doors are an excellent idea, as many horses figure out how to open bolts easily.
Gloves, protective hats and footwear with a heel, anti-slip sole and the foot and ankle covered and protected, should be worn when riding and handling the horses at all times.
Feed is kept locked away from the horse and swept up as soon as possible.
Feeding titbits should only be done with the owner’s permission.
Hay nets should be tied correctly and be high enough so that the horse can not get their leg stuck.
Horses should always be at least 2 horse lengths apart.
The yard should be checked regularly to make sure there are no dangerous objects left around, especially baler twine and empty haynets.
It is a good practice to have a record of every horse in the yard and any issues, their medical background, feed, vet used and any other information that would be useful if the owner were not present.
Final Thoughts
HORSES ARE HALF A TONNE OF FLIGHT ANIMAL, BUILT TO BE SCARED OF THEIR OWN SHADOW,
WITH A STOMACH THAT WANTS TO BE CONSTANTLY FILLED, AND OFTEN NOT FUSSY BY WHAT.