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Risk Management for 4-H Youth Development Work: Large Animals–Horses 1

Saundra TenBroeck, Wendy DeVito, Dale Pracht, Chad Carr, Brittani Kirkland, and Georgene Bender 2

This is one publication in the series Risk Management for 4-H Youth Development Work. This series is intended to equip UF/IFAS Extension county faculty, staff, volunteers, and youth for the important task of providing best practices in risk management strategies.

Our goal is to conduct educational events and activities that coincide with the 4-H mission and mandates while protecting the safety of participants, sponsors, property, finances, and the goodwill/reputation of the 4-H name. The inherent risk of events and activities can be mitigated through planning and preparation. This risk management guide has been created to outline ways to prepare for, and deal with, the specific risks associated with your program.

Early planning is key to conducting successful events and activities. A helpful tool in this process is the Risk Management for 4-H Youth Development Work: Pre-Event Planning Guide and Matrix which can be found within the Risk Management for 4-H Youth Development Work Series: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_series_risk_management_for_4-h_youth_development_work. As you work through this matrix, questions may arise that are unique to your situation and may not be completely answered by the series. Extension faculty and staff should refer these questions to appropriate personnel. Questions that require time for research punctuate the need for early planning.

When considering potential risks for youth at events which involve horses, a good place to start is breaking all of the foreseeable situations into groups of risk types. This publication will address risks in the following six categories:

  1. Injuries to People

  2. Injuries to Horse

  3. Risk of Property Damage

  4. Biosecurity – Diseases Transmitted to Humans

  5. Biosecurity – Diseases Transmitted between Horses

  6. General Precautions

Brainstorming the potentialities in each category will give you a "leg up" in being ready for anything.

Introduction

Preparing for risks associated with horse events is similar whether the event is held at a horse show facility/gathering place or at a privately owned facility of a parent, leader, or volunteer. Both situations involve youth gathering at a facility that is not their own and likely bringing their horse. Even farm owners who invite 4-H groups onto their property to interact with their horses should be aware of the potential risks and have a risk management plan in place.

Creating a risk management plan for horse events does not mean you need to identify every possible risk; that would be impossible. However, it does force you to stop and think about the various situations that might arise and how to either lessen the chances of them occurring or how to react if they do occur. Having a plan in place demonstrates diligence to provide an event that is as safe as reasonably possible for the youth, public, and horses.

State Equine Liability Law Requirements

First and foremost, Florida Statute §773.06 requires that state Equine Liability Law notices be posted prominently by any equine activity sponsor or equine professional. The sign should state "WARNING: Under Florida law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities." There is a lot of fine print between the lines of that seemingly simple statement. It would be prudent for any equine event host to read the full statute to understand who and what are covered and what exceptions are not. The statute also includes details for when and where signs should be posted.

Insurance

As for any other 4-H event, accident insurance should be secured. A common vendor often used through Florida 4-H is American Income Life Insurance1, although there are additional vendors. You can apply for accident insurance at http://www.americanincomelife.com/who-we-serve/4-h-insurance/4-hces-coverage-online-application. In addition to accident insurance, most facilities will require liability insurance to be purchased for the event. State facilities will likely be covered under the State of Florida umbrella policy. County and private facilities often require proof of a $1 million liability policy. For more information, refer to the Insurance document in the Risk Management for 4-H Youth Development Work Series and Florida 4-H Policies (http://florida4h.org/policies/)

Additional liability insurance can be purchased from companies1 such as: K&K Insurance (www.kandkinsurance.com), Advantage Equine Agency (www.advantageequine.com), and Francis L. Dean & Associates (www.fdean.com/special-events.aspx).

Injuries to People

The safety of the participants and spectators is likely the overriding concern for event hosts. People who own, ride, and/or show horses should already be familiar with dangers involving horses and know how to work safely around them. However, youth or public spectators who have no experience with horses need more safety instruction and supervision. Regardless of a person's level of experience, horses are large animals with minds of their own and accidents can, and will, happen. An event coordinator's best approach is to hope for the best, but plan for the worst.

Injuries that could happen to people range from extremely minor, to very severe, up to and including death. You should plan for the worst scenario and know immediate care plans until an EMT arrives. Event coordinators/staff should know what emergency equipment is available, exactly where it is, and who may use it (fire extinguishers, AEDs, first aid kits, etc.). That said, the more likely situations will include bee/wasp/bug stings, heat issues, and minor cuts and punctures. When you factor in injuries that involve the horse, things start to get more severe—kicks, bites, head injuries, broken bones, etc. The potential injuries to people are too many to list here, or even to foresee. Refer to Appendix Table 1 for examples of risks to people and suggestions for avoiding or mitigating them. Please note that volunteers/agents should be familiar with youth health forms prior to administering any medication, sunscreen, etc. to a child.

Helmet Use

When considering potential injuries to the mounted participants, it is a best management practice to require use of a helmet. You may check to see if your event requires helmet use by Florida Statute §773.06. Read the law and the exceptions closely, because many 4-H events involving horses fall into one of the exceptions. If helmet use is not required by state law, consider the policy for the Florida 4-H Area & State Horse Show Official Rules. This rulebook requires helmets to be worn at all times when mounted, and also when handling the horse on foot in congested areas (warm-up and class make-up areas). Although, this rulebook only applies directly to Area and State 4-H Horse Shows, county programs are encouraged to adopt these rules as their County rules. Good practices apply to all levels of the 4-H program.

Injuries to Horse

As an event organizer, your primary concern may be for the safety of the participants. But ask those participants and most of them will be more concerned for the safety of their horses. To prepare for the safety of the horses, meet with the facility manager well before the event and thoroughly inspect the grounds. Watch for things that could cause injury such as loose boards, exposed nails, uneven footing, roots or stumps in riding areas, etc. Give the manager time to rectify issues that can be fixed. Some events (such as jumping and barrel racing) require a specific type of footing in the arena. Confirm that the arenas you have chosen for these events have suitable, safe footing.

Before the event, riders should be familiar with how to ride safely in groups, understand the actions and reactions of horses, and be able to avoid putting themselves in dangerous situations. There are few things an event coordinator can do to prevent horses from hurting each other. But some of those precautions include limiting warm-up areas to those in specific upcoming classes, controlling how riders and horses gather in close proximity outside of arenas, and empowering staff to point out and stop potentially dangerous situations when observed in passing. Appendix Table 2 lists more examples of risks to horses.

Risk of Property Damage

Easy to overlook is the reverse situation of the horse or participant possibly damaging the facility itself. Minor damage that often happens without intention comes from innocent tasks such as hanging buckets or decorating barn areas. The facility will likely have methods of hanging buckets available that do not require nailing any new hardware to stall walls. Participants should also avoid using adhesives that leave permanent residue when decorating their stall areas (like liquid nails, etc.).

A more impactful risk to the participants involves threats to their personal property and to the facility. They should be reminded about the potential for theft and to keep their tack and other valuables locked in a tack stall or vehicle. More important is the risk of fire, especially in barns. "No Smoking" signs should be prominently displayed, and enforced, in all barns. If fans, clippers, or other power equipment are used, they should be unplugged when not in use. Those types of powered devices should not be used in such quantity to overpower the circuits. More examples of how property can be damaged are in Appendix Table 3.

Biosecurity—Diseases Transmitted to Humans

Animals, including horses, may carry microorganisms that can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms in humans. These microorganisms are shed in an animal's feces and (sometimes) saliva. After shedding, they may also survive in an animal's environment. Organisms of concern include Salmonella, Campylobacter, E.coli, and Cryptosporidium parvum. Participants, staff, and the public should be aware of touching one horse then another. After touching animals, hand to mouth contact should be avoided until hands can be thoroughly washed. If there will be significant attendance by the general public, it is also a good idea to post sanitation reminder signs and even provide hand wash or sanitizer stations (see Appendix Table 4).

Transmission of equine disease directly from horse to human via insects is unlikely. As a general precaution, and for the comfort of both, people should use mosquito repellent on themselves and insecticide spray on their horses.

Biosecurity—Diseases Transmitted between Horses

Event organizers should check if there are any current outbreaks and gathering restrictions set by the State Veterinarian. Horse movement restrictions put in place by the State of Florida will override your planning and likely result in having to cancel the event. Even when there are no statewide restrictions, all horses traveling should be tested and negative for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), documented on a current Coggins test. Proof of "negative Coggins" within the past 12 months should be either collected at arrival to the event or submitted with the registration. In either case, the physical appearance of the horse should be compared with the description on the Coggins test to ensure a match. Show organizers may choose to contact their local FDACS inspectors to check Coggins upon arrival at the event.

The owner of a boarding stable or pasture, the sponsors of an event, or the person designated in charge of an event is responsible for ensuring that the report of the EIA test requirements have been met and must maintain records for a period of 2 years. These records must be available for inspection by a Department of Agriculture representative whenever requested and must include the following information:

a. The name of the horse;

b. The name of the owner of the horse or the name of the owner's representative;

c. The EIA test date, which is the date the blood sample was obtained to be submitted; and

d. The laboratory accession number of the report of the EIA test.

Diseases that are transmitted via direct contact or contact with objects are more of a concern to a facility host than those transmitted by mosquitoes or other vectors. Mosquitoes typically do not transmit diseases from one horse to another (EIA being an exception). They carry it from an intermediate host (such as birds) to horses, and sometimes people. Therefore, a horse with a vector-transmitted disease usually does not put other horses at immediate risk. However, if horses are in an area where mosquitoes carried a disease from infected birds to one horse, then there is a possibility for the mosquitoes to carry it to other horses, and sometimes humans. Please note that EIA can be transmitted from horse to horse by mosquitoes, which is why all horses should be tested and negative for carrying EIA before mingling (negative Coggins).

The more likely threats when assessing potential for communicable diseases are those that are transmitted by direct contact, aerosol, or communal contact with objects. As horses are being visually compared to the Coggins test description, they should also be observed for signs of illness (non-clear nasal discharge, fever, lethargy), and, if present, isolated or turned away. Buckets should be cleaned and sanitized between uses by different horses and communal water troughs should be avoided. Stalls should also be completely stripped of bedding and sanitized between groups of horses. Refer to Appendix Table 5 for more thoughts related to communicable diseases.

General Precautions

Many of the risks you will most likely face do not fit into one of the above categories. One of the greatest risks involves weather. At most outdoor events in Florida, you can count on either heat and humidity, rain and thunderstorms, or both. Any good risk management plan should have contingencies for the weather. For the heat, that could be as simple as having an air conditioned space available to bring someone who is having issues with the heat. For thunderstorms with nearby lightning, there should be a plan defining when activities should be paused and when they should be resumed. Refer to Appendix Table 6 for more details about planning for severe weather.

One of the most unpredictable situations that might be encountered is the impulsive reactions of upset participants, parents, trainers, etc. The significant majority of youth who show at horse shows and their 'entourage' take the ups and downs of horse shows in stride. However, there might be that one unusual situation that causes someone to react emotionally and persistently. In such cases, there should be one 'authority' who is tasked with handling the situation. If attempts at calming the upset person fail and it is causing a disturbance to the others, there should be a plan in place for asking that person to leave. General 4-H Code of Conduct procedures apply in this case, as well as any other standard operating procedures you have in place for the specific event. Similarly, on the occasion that protesters come to the event, there should be one person tasked with handling them as well as any media response.

Summary

Creating a risk management plan for horse events does not mean you need to identify every possible risk. Reviewing the examples in the tables and completing your own risk management plans encourages you to slow down and think about various situations that could arise and how to mitigate the associated risks. After due diligence when planning educational events and activities, you will find the benefits of youth programming almost always outweigh the risks. Finally, as with all Florida 4-H programs, you should review and adhere to the policies found on the official Florida 4-H Policy page, http://florida4h.org/policies/, which will always take precedence over any printed materials.

More Information

Analysis of Florida's Equine Immunity Act: http://www.floridabar.org/DIVCOM/JN/JNJournal01.nsf/c0d731e03de9828d852574580042ae7a/a199980328cc138485256adb005d6175!OpenDocument&Highlight=0,*

Safety Articles from eXtension: http://www.extension.org/pages/67890/horse-sense-youth-equine-farm-safety-course-now-available#.VC8Ur8vD8Uh; https://www.extension.org/pages/15658/helmet-fitting-guidelines-for-horse-owners#.VA8xerdOWzd

Biosecurity Toolkits: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/equine_biosecurity.html

Moving Horses Into and Within Florida: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/content/download/35263/830148/EquineRequirements.pdf

Horse Show Planning & Management: http://extension.psu.edu/4-h/projects/horses/educators/guidelines/2014-horse-show-management-guidelines

Cornell Extension, Animal Project Participation: http://nys4h.cce.cornell.edu/Documents/Staff/Risk%20Management/Section7.pdf

Equine Liability Statute and Helmet Law: http://leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0773/0773.html

Equine Infectious Anemia Statute: https://www.flrules.org/gateway/RuleNo.asp?ID=5C-18.011

References

Advantage Equine Agency Inc. (n.d.). Welcome to K&K Insurance. February 17, 2017. Retrieved from http://www.advantageequine.com/

American Income Life Insurance. (n.d.). Special Risk Division of American Income Life Insurance. February 17, 2017. Retrieved from http://www.americanincomelife.com/#4

American Income Life Insurance. (n.d.). Submit 4-H/CES Activity Report. February 17, 2017. Retrieved from http://www.americanincomelife.com/who-we-serve/4-h-insurance/4-hces-coverage-online-application

Florida Statutes § 773.06. Equine Activities. February 17, 2017. Retrieved from http://leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0773/0773.html

Francis L. Dean & Associates, Inc. (n.d.). Special Events. February 17, 2017. Retrieved from http://www.fdean.com/special-events.aspx

K&K Insurance. (n.d.). Welcome to K&K Insurance. February 17, 2017. Retrieved from https://www.kandkinsurance.com/Pages/Home.aspx

University of Florida, Department of Animal Sciences (n.d.). Area and State 4-H Horse Show Rules. Retrieved from February 17, 2017. http://animal.ifas.ufl.edu/youth/horse/showRules.shtml

University of Florida. (2016). Florida 4-H Participation Form. February 17, 2017. Retrieved from http://florida4h.org/participation-form.pdf

University of Florida. (n.d.). Florida 4-H Policy. February 17, 2017. Retrieved from http://florida4h.org/policies/

University of Florida. (n.d.). Pre-Event Planning Guide. February 17, 2017. Retrieved from http://florida4h.org/volunteers/training/files/notebook/Risk_Management-Pre_Event_Planning%20_form.pdf

University of Florida. (n.d.). Pre-Event Planning Matrix. February 17, 2017. Retrieved from http://florida4h.org/volunteers/training/files/notebook/Risk_Management_Pre_Event_Planning_Matrix.pdf

University of Florida. (n.d.). Risk Management Checklist. February 17, 2017. Retrieved from http://florida4h.org/volunteers/training/files/notebook/Risk_Management_PreEvent_Planning.pdf

Footnote

1 The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication do not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition.

Appendix Tables

The following tables list a variety of potential risks and suggestions on how to prevent or mitigate them. Obviously, all potential risks are not listed because it is impossible to foresee all potential circumstances, especially when animals are involved. The average risk level for each group of risks is shown on a chart from the Pre-Event Planning Matrix document (http://florida4h.org/volunteers/training/files/notebook/Risk_Management_Pre_Event_Planning_Matrix.pdf). The majority of the risks listed could result in injuries anywhere from very minor to severe or death. The chart reflects the level of injury most likely to occur. As a reminder, the key to the matrix headers follows.

Levels of risk...

I. May result in death.

II. May cause severe injury, major property damage, significant financial loss, and/or result in negative publicity for the organization and/or institution.

III. May cause minor injury, illness, property damage, financial loss and/or could result in negative publicity for the organization and/or institution.

IV. Hazard presents a minimal threat to safety, health and wellbeing of participants.

Probability that something will go wrong...

A. Likely to occur immediately or in a short period of time, expected to occur frequently.

B. Probably will occur in time.

C. May occur in time.

D. Unlikely to occur.

Please note that that the suggestions given on how to prevent and/or mitigate the risks listed are not official 4-H policy. They are simply best practices you may consider as you tailor your own risk management plans.

Figure 2. Mounted injuries.
Figure 2.  Mounted injuries.

Figure 3. Non-mounted injuries related to horse.
Figure 3.  Non-mounted injuries related to horse.

Figure 4. Non-mounted injuries related surroundings.
Figure 4.  Non-mounted injuries related surroundings.

Figure 5. Injuries in vehicles.
Figure 5.  Injuries in vehicles.

Figure 7. Risks at parades.
Figure 7.  Risks at parades.

Figure 8. Injuries from other horses.
Figure 8.  Injuries from other horses.

Figure 9. Injuries from facility.
Figure 9.  Injuries from facility.

Figure 10. Injuries while riding.
Figure 10.  Injuries while riding.

Figure 11. Facility damage by people.
Figure 11.  Facility damage by people.

Figure 12. Facility damage by horses.
Figure 12.  Facility damage by horses.

Figure 13. Personal property damage.
Figure 13.  Personal property damage.

Figure 14. Basic sanitation.
Figure 14.  Basic sanitation.

Figure 15. Diseases that can be transmitted to humans via mosquito or tick.
Figure 15.  Diseases that can be transmitted to humans via mosquito or tick.

Figure 16. Common Aerosol/Direct/Oral Transmitted Diseases
Figure 16.  Common Aerosol/Direct/Oral Transmitted Diseases

Figure 17. Common Vector Transmitted Diseases
Figure 17.  Common Vector Transmitted Diseases

Figure 18. Internal Parasites and other infectious diseases that can be spread through fecal matter.
Figure 18.  Internal Parasites and other infectious diseases that can be spread through fecal matter.

Figure 19. Severe weather.
Figure 19.  Severe weather.

Figure 20. Difficult people/protesters.
Figure 20.  Difficult people/protesters.

Tables

Table 1. 

Injuries to people.

Risk

How to prevent/mitigate

Risk Level

Mounted injuries:

Falls from horse leading to head injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, cuts, bruises, etc.; horse falls, potentially pinning rider.

  • Wear an SEI/ASTM approved equestrian helmet, boots (no sandals/flip-flops), snug-fitting clothes and no rings/lose jewelry that could snag on equipment.

  • Horse should be appropriate for the rider as far as age/training.

  • Be aware of surroundings, noticing things that might spook the horse. Familiarize horse with event-day situations.

 

Non-mounted injuries related to horse:

Head injuries from kicks, head tosses, etc.; cuts, scrapes, rope burns, and bruises; muscle/back strain (heavy lifting); horse steps on feet; bites; debris in eyes.

  • Wear an SEI/ASTM approved equestrian helmet; boots (no sandals/flip-flops); snug-fitting clothes and no rings/lose jewelry that could snag on equipment; gloves when handling ropes; glasses to prevent dirt & lose hair getting in eyes.

  • Anyone handling horses should be familiar with basic horse handling safety. For example; rope should be held in a loose coil, never wrapped around your hands, arms or other body parts. Learn to tie horses properly.

  • Learn to recognize horse behaviors and always be aware of his actions/reactions.

 

Non-mounted injuries related to surroundings:

Sprains, bruises, breaks from slipping on wet surfaces, stepping on uneven ground, rubbing against rough surfaces, feet getting tangled in ropes/hoses; stings (bee, wasp); heat-related reactions; falls from bleachers; dog bites & risks associated with horses spooking from dogs.

  • Inspect grounds for loose boards, holes, sharp edges, etc. Look for holes hidden in grass. Check that bleachers are safe. Note weak trees and low hanging branches and avoid riding too close.

  • Keep equipment ropes and hoses off the ground and stored neatly.

  • Know what emergency equipment is available, where exactly it is, and who may use it (fire extinguishers, AEDs, first aid kits).

  • Have a cool place available and access to plenty of water.

  • Handlers should be aware of where others are in relation to their horses and advise them to move away or how to approach safely.

  • Dogs: ideally, dogs should not be allowed on the show grounds unless they are service dogs. Practically, clear parameters should be set regarding dogs on the grounds (for example, must be on leash, not permitted in food service areas, indoors, horse gathering areas, nor along the outside of arenas in use).

 

Injuries in vehicles:

Range of injuries from vehicle accidents.

Injuries from small vehicle accidents (golf carts, mopeds, bikes, skateboards).

  • 15 passenger van drivers need to be certified. Drivers of any vehicle need to have valid license and insurance (http://florida4h.org/policies/#trans).

  • Parents can transport their youth to events. If youth are being transported by volunteers, adults who aren't their parent/guardian, or UF faculty or staff, the two-deep leadership policy must be followed (http://florida4h.org/policies/#vol).

  • It is a best practice to avoid riding in open pick-ups. Operators of motor vehicles (golf carts, mopeds, etc.) should have a valid driver's license.

  • No skateboards, bikes, mopeds, golf carts, etc. around horses.

 

Injuries when hauling horses:

Injuries from horse lunging back or forward (rope burns, pinned against walls, stepped on).

Cuts, scrapes, bruises from trailer edges.

Hands/fingers pinched in trailer latches/doors.

  • Practice loading horse in trailer using safe methods.

  • Check floors/walls of trailer for sharp protrusions/loose boards.

  • Handle doors/latches carefully and be aware of where others are when closing doors latches.

 

Risks at parades

Parades are exciting. Participants, both human and animal, are energized and sometimes agitated by the crowd, noises, and unexpected events. It is important that 4-H club leaders have an understanding of basic horse behavior and techniques to minimize the stress on equine and their riders.

Many of the risks at parades are either risks to the spectators or risks to youth due to the spectators. The typical parade viewer lacks the 'horse sense' to recognize developing situations and be able to react to it.

  • Ask parade organizers to be mindful of having animals in the parade as far as possible from the bands, fire trucks, and other extremely noisy and quickly moving entrants.

  • Don't throw candy from horseback.

  • Use only well-seasoned horses who have been desensitized to crowds, flags, traffic, whistles, and other parade noises and sights participate.

  • Only allow one rider per horse.

  • Tack should be in good condition.

  • Provide muck collectors and equipment to pick up manure.

  • Provide side walkers. These should not be the same people as banner carriers and muck collectors. Recommended number of side walkers: one per every four mounted or led horses, one per every carriage or cart, and one per every two horses in a multi-horse hitch. The side walker is placed between the horse and the spectators so that they can intercede to protect spectators if a horse misbehaves. The side walker is a qualified horse handler assigned to specific horses and responsible for monitoring safety.

 
Table 2. 

Injuries to horse.

Risk

How to prevent/mitigate

Risk Level

Injuries from other horses:

Cuts, scrapes, contusions from kicks, bites

  • Pay attention to your horse's behavior and that of other horses. Anticipate when one or the other may become aggressive or defensive. Avoid situations that lead to kicks/bites.

  • Riders should be aware of their surroundings and not interfere with or obstruct others riding in the area.

 

Injuries from facility:

Cuts, scrapes, punctures from sharp objects in barns & arenas; limb injuries from uneven footing

  • Inspect barns/stalls/arenas to ensure there are no protruding objects on walls or railings that may puncture the horse's skin. Keep barn isles clean of obstructions.

  • Photograph things at events that may represent risk so you can refer specifics to the facility manager. Look for holes or roots hidden in grass.

  • Perimeter of facility should be secure to prevent loose horses from getting out into traffic.

 

Injuries while riding:

Tendon and bone injuries from inappropriate or uneven footing; injuries from kicks, spooks, etc. when riding in groups

  • Footing in the arena must be suitable for each event and should be free of rocks or other hazardous materials. Be aware of hidden holes or roots in grass.

  • Riders should know general group riding safety and provide space between their horses and others.

 
Table 3. 

Risk of property damage.

Risk

How to prevent/mitigate

Risk Level

Facility damage by people:

Broken rails in stalls, permanent adhesive residue left on surfaces, damaged stall doors; fire; vehicles hitting gates, fences, or other structures

  • Advertise clear rules about how buckets may be hung, stalls latched, fans hung, and stalls decorated without damaging facility.

  • "No smoking" signs should be prominently posted in barns. Heating/cooking appliances should not be allowed in barns. Electric equipment (clippers, blowers) should be unplugged when not in use.

 

Facility damage by horses:

Damage to stall from kicks; broken boards, rails, gates, etc. from improper tying

  • Place "Do not tie horse" signs on structures that are unsafe to tie horses.

  • Assign problem/aggressive horses to stalls next to familiar horses.

 

Personal property damage:

Theft; damage to vehicles; water damage to tack, feed, hay

  • Encourage participants to keep valuables locked in stalls or vehicles.

  • Provide ample space for parking vehicles and trailers with room to drive and maneuver around them.

  • Confirm with facility manager that barns have no known water issues. Wash racks should not be near stall openings

 
Table 4. 

Biosecurity—diseases transmitted by humans.

Risk

How to prevent/mitigate

Risk Level

Basic sanitation:

Gastrointestinal illness caused from bacteria present on horse, manure, dirty equipment

  • Frequent hand washing with soap while being around horses, especially before eating.

  • Use hand sanitizers if soap/water is not immediately accessible.

  • Limit hand to face contact between hand washings.

  • Post notices with the above precautions for the general public.

 

Diseases that can be transmitted to humans via mosquito or tick:

Encephalomyelitis, West Nile, Lyme Disease

  • Fly spray for horses and mosquito repellent for people.

  • Be aware of any ticks that may become embedded on oneself. If a tick should embed, proper removal and disposal should occur.

 
Table 5. 

Biosecurity—diseases transmitted between horses.

Risk

How to prevent/mitigate

Risk Level

Common Aerosol/Direct/Oral Transmitted Diseases:

EHV-1, EHV-4, Influenza, Strangles, EVA

  • Event organizer should check if there are any current outbreaks and gathering restrictions set by the State Veterinarian.

  • Clean and sanitize buckets that are used one horse to another. Avoid communal water troughs.

  • Avoid horse-to-horse contact as much as possible.

  • Ensure hands are sanitized when humans are having constant contact with multiple horses.

  • Horse should be current on all vaccinations.

  • Be aware of horses showing signs of illness (non-clear nasal discharge, fever, lethargy) and do not transport if signs are present.

 

Common Vector Transmitted Diseases:

(Vector = via mosquito, tick, etc.)

West Nile Virus, Encephalomyelitis, Lyme Disease, Equine Infectious Anemia

  • All horses on premises should be vaccinated against equine encephalomyelitis (Eastern, E.E.E. and Western, W.E.E.), tetanus, influenza, West Nile, and (in some cases) rhinopneumonitis.

  • Use fly and mosquito spray to try and avoid vectors coming in contact with animal.

  • All horses traveling should be tested and negative for EIA, documented on a current Coggins test.

 

Internal Parasites and other infectious diseases that can be spread through fecal matter

  • All stalls should be stripped and cleaned both before and after the event. Manure should be disposed of properly, with disposal areas preferably being away from foot or vehicle traffic routes.

  • Stalls should be cleaned regularly during the event to prevent buildup of urine and manure. Stall waste should be disposed of away from barns to prevent accumulation of flies.

 
Table 6. 

General precautions.

Risk

How to prevent/mitigate

Risk Level

Severe weather:

Strong storms, lightning, natural disasters

  • Have a severe weather policy in effect―when to halt activities due to heavy rain, lightning, darkness, etc.

  • Event managers, staff, and volunteers should know who is empowered to set the policy actions in motion.

  • Monitor progress of storms online and be prepared to act.

  • Make decisions to cancel event at a time when participants will not already be traveling in unsafe conditions.

  • Similarly, send them home with time to travel before dangerous conditions begin.

 

Difficult People/Protesters:

Risks to good will/reputation from extremely angry participants/parents/trainers; protestors

  • All should know who the "go to" person is for confrontations.

  • Participants should have signed a Code of Conduct agreeing to good sportsmanship and understanding ramifications of acting otherwise.

  • Have a plan in place to follow so it is known when to ask the person to leave, and how to do it.

 

Insurance

  • All participants should have AIL accident insurance. Specific event insurance should be purchased as well.

  • Facility should have liability insurance. Homeowners should have liability insurance. Most facilities will ask for an additional $1 million umbrella policy.

 

Footnotes

1. This document is 4HFSV372, one of a series of the 4-H Youth Development Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date February 2018. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. Saundra TenBroeck, associate professor, Department of Animal Sciences; Wendy Devito, youth programs coordinator, Department of Animal Sciences; Dale Pracht, associate professor, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences; Chad Carr, associate professor, Department of Animal Sciences; Brittani Kirkland, student, Department of Animal Sciences; and Georgene Bender, regional specialized 4-H youth agent III; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Publication #4HFSV372

Release Date:February 13, 2018

Related Experts

Carr, Chad

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Bender, Georgene

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Pracht, Dale

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Tenbroeck, Saundra H.

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Related Topics

Fact Sheet

Contacts

  • Candi Dierenfield
  • Dale Pracht
  • Sarah Hensley