by Nikki Alvin-Smith Unless your new horse housing consists of a run-in shed placed in the middle of a pasture, you’re probably going to want to add lighting to your new horse barn. In addition to planning ahead in the construction project for lighting needs, it’s a good idea to also consider hard wiring for […]

by Nikki Alvin-Smith The increased use of large square and large round hay bales for equine forage needs has resulted in a lot of people being hurt handling these awkward, heavy bundles of cured grass. Most horse owners are well-versed in how to properly stack, store and distribute the familiar small square hay bales. These […]

Informational webinar with USHJA Safety Committee Chair Joe Dotoli and Virginia Tech’s Dr. Stefan Duma and Dr. Barry Miller scheduled for Tuesday, June 20 at 7 p.m. ET.  Lexington, Ky.—June 19, 2023—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is proud to launch the Equestrian Safety Vest Research Campaign, pledging $100,000 towards a $450,000 fundraising goal to begin the […]

Be Prepared to Care for Your Horse in Remote Areas By Alayne Blickle, Horses for Clean Water Matt and I do a lot of trail riding. We know that once we head down the trail with our horse buddies and out into the backcountry, we leave the security of cell phone coverage behind and enter […]

Story by: Jackie Bellamy-Zions, Equine Guelph Planning on getting hitched in 2023?  Equine Guelph is rolling out a brand-new online course March 6 – 20 on TheHorsePortal.ca – Horse Trailer Safety (Part One). “WAY too many private horse owners tell me ‘they didn’t know’ after an incident with their horses and trailer/transport. Hauling horses is a serious […]

Overlooked Farm Practices Can Be Dangerous Fire safety in the barn often involves common concerns such as moisture content of hay and its storage, providing evacuation plans and emergency services contact numbers, 24/7 illuminated exit signs, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, removal of cobwebs from light fixtures, no smoking signs, keeping the barn aisle free of […]

(Photo Caption: EquestriSafe provides many options to provide contact information in the event you and your horse become separated, whether in an emergency evacuation or out on the trail.) Be Sure Your Horses Are Identifiable in an Emergency. Necessity is the mother of invention, and this holds true for EquestriSafe. After noticing other methods of […]

Use Colorado’s Sunny Winter Days to Maintain Your Place There’s always something that needs doing, maintenance-wise, on a horse farm, and it’s wise to get it done sooner rather than later. Broken fences, noxious weeds, nefarious critters causing damage, and windy weather that wreaks havoc on the horse barn are common issues that require attention. […]

A Winter's Lesson by Alys Culhane The phrase “to eat crow” brings to mind the image of an individual, fork and spoon in clenched fists, white napkin tucked under chin. Before him on a plate is a cooked crow, claws facing upwards. The phrase means to acknowledge a blunder. The following story is about a […]

This is a wonderful resource for young horsemen and women. We need more resources on horse safety so we thought we would share this with you. Safety has never been this much fun! EquiMania.ca is a website full of interactive games and resources geared towards youth wanting to learn more about horses and their care. There is […]

Applications are now open for the 2023 AHP Equine Media Student Award To find out more about 2023 American Horse Publications (AHP) Equine Media Student Award applications and guidelines, click here. Applicants for the 2023 AHP Equine Media Student Award must be seniors in high school or undergraduate matriculated* college students under the age of […]

Will it get any easier? Getting over fear as I age has become more and more difficult. When I was a kid and even in my thirties, I would ride anything. After a pretty bad wreck with one of my horses that put me in the ER, I started to lose some of my nerve. […]

Consult your local fire department to improve fire safety in your barn and let them get familiar with your property in case of an emergency.

The first priority when purchasing a safe horse for yourself is to be honest about your own riding abilities. Find a riding instructor who has some teaching credentials, such as a Certified Horsemanship Association instructor, who can evaluate your skills honestly and objectively, and doesn’t have the “perfect horse” for sale just for you. Don’t […]

Do you feel confident that your horse will act calm and obedient in any situation? Can he be trusted to perform as expected while being led, ridden, or loaded into a trailer? While riding, do you feel in control and confident that your horse will look to you for direction? Whether riding, leading, tacking up, […]

By Tony Hawkins, DVM, Valley Vet Supply Technical Service Veterinarian In Parts 1 and 2, we covered heat stress prevention for dogs and horses – last but not least, let’s look at this topic as it relates to cattle. Simply put, cattle are not designed to be the most efficient at cooling themselves down. Cattle […]

By Tony Hawkins, DVM, Valley Vet Supply Technical Service Veterinarian In Part 1 of this series, we discussed heat stress in dogs, which are very prone to overheating. Now, we’re moving on to horses. Horses are very proficient sweaters, making them some of the most efficient animals at cooling themselves – but, they are still […]

By Tony Hawkins, DVM, Valley Vet Supply Technical Service Veterinarian Heat can have a devastating impact on our animals – it’s something that, in a clinic setting, I have seen first-hand. All animals outdoors in the heat – whether large or small – require shade, continuous access to fresh water, and air movement and ventilation. […]

Recently Rutgers University addressed riding safety and traumatic brain injuries, and the need to replace helmets and vests more often than most riders think. According to the Equine Science Center at Rutgers University (https://esc.rutgers.edu/), riding is considered one of the most dangerous sports in the United States because injuries are more likely to be severe […]

As an introduction to this article I would like to mention that it of utmost importance to stay safe while loading horses. Teaching them the proper way to load and understanding how to do this safely and effectively is what this article is all about. Clinton Anderson's lifelong experience as a horseman and clinician will […]

Stable Management and Lesson Schedule In this article series, I would like to offer guidance to parents who have not decided where to take their children for riding lessons or who are not satisfied with their current stable.In part 1 and 2 of the series we examined the question of the facilities of a riding […]

Personality and Attitude of the Riding Instructor In this article series, I would like to offer guidance to parents who have not decided where to take their children for riding lessons or who are not satisfied with their current stable. What are some aspects that we should not ignore if we want high-quality riding lessons […]

In this article series, I would like to offer guidance to parents who have not decided where to take their children for riding lessons or who are not satisfied with their current stable. What are some aspects that we should not ignore if we want high-quality riding lessons and ...

When deciding to go for a trail ride there is one important safety practice that is often overlooked. When riding in a group you should always keep at least one horse length between horses on the trail. Here's a story to illustrate my point. Learning from our mistakes A group of us were planning a […]

Note from HST Editor: While there are a variety of ways to protect America's Horses please keep in mind there is more than one way. This is one avenue. The issue of old, neglected horses is very sad. Do your part to help keep our Horses safe. ~ Karen Pickering America's horses need our protection. […]

I recently came across this article and had to share it. Proper equipment is such an important part of horse safety. Anytime I come across information that will help you stay safe around horses I will share. I've been around long enough to know that limiting the chance for accidents to happen is so important. […]

Horse Safety is of utmost importance. When we're around horses for a lifetime you learn to read the signs your horse is trying to communicate. If we can channel our youth to learning safety before they start handling and being around horses on their own, it's a win for them and the horse. We should […]

I recently came across this article on a study about transporting horses safely. There are so many things to consider from my perspective. It's amazing to me that horses will climb into a dark box without ever knowing where the trip will end and how long they will be required to stand in this small […]

Horse Safety in the barn is an often overlooked item. I recently moved to Colorado from Washington. While I was transitioning between the move from Washington and Colorado, our friends in Colorado agreed to take my horses until we found a place of our own. It was an incredibly generous offer and my friend made […]

Be Prepared  I often talk about the “tools in your toolbox”.  What I am referring to is the knowledge and ability to help your horse through any situation that might arise, whether it is behavioral such as spooking or environmental such as them getting stuck in a fence.  A great example of this is your “emergency […]

Do you have grumpy horses at feeding time? You’ve just bought beautiful hay for your beloved horse. You groom him or her, love them and as soon as you bring his feed, he pins his ears or even shakes his head at you in a threatening manner. Now why would he do that? Some horses […]

Reduce the risk of taking an unnecessary fall from your horse Keeping your tack clean and oiled is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe in the saddle. It’s a task that we may avoid but consider what happens if an essential piece of gear breaks while riding or driving […]

Heading out on a trail ride is fun for you and your horse. It’s a relaxing break from the monotony of riding in the arena and a fun way to explore nature. Whether you go for a short ride on nearby trails or head out on a multi-day horseback riding adventure, a little preparation is […]

Safety Tips for Barnyard Decorations Christmas is coming and many people like to show their holiday cheer by decorating their homes and barnyards. Holiday decorations can be beautiful, but they can also be a health hazard for your horse. Here are a few tips to help keep your horse and barn safe for the holiday […]

Stay safe while loading and unloading your horse. It seems that horses either load easily or they don’t. I’ve had horses that climb the walls, paw, kick or pull back in the trailer. I usually try and find out ahead of time if a horse hauls well before loading them into my trailer. Another thing […]

Coming up on a horse can be a dangerous even if your horse isn’t aware of your presence. They cannot see directly behind and if you surprise them you may get yourself kicked. Obviously when working around horses the biggest concern is staying safe and not getting injured. Even a well-mannered, quiet horse can kick […]

Waiting until the wildfire approaches dangerously close is no time to draw up a disaster preparedness plan.  Learning the hazards of storing hay is too late after the barn is reduced to ashes and all is lost.  It is not a scenario that one fathoms will ever happen to them, until it does.  Equine Guelph’s […]

Environmental modifications are the top tip for protecting equine respiratory safety.             by Kim F Miller             The safety of the equine respiratory system has been a hot topic amidst the terrible fires throughout the West. Horse owners in and beyond the region have had a crash course in "particulate matter," "air quality index," "inflammatory […]

They’re very small, nearly invisible. They hide in tree stumps, in trees, near trails, even on or under the trail. If you’ve ever encountered bees on a trail ride it cannot only be terrifying, but dangerous. I’ve only run across bees twice on a trail ride. Both times could have been devastating. The first time […]

Smart riders do groundwork before getting in the saddle to make sure their horses are tuned in to them and using the thinking side of their brain. On average, during a routine training session, I’ll do 30 to 45 minutes of groundwork and then 45 minutes to an hour of riding. Once the horse is […]

Driving horses seemed to be the perfect alternative to riding when my mare, April, became too lame to ride much. I myself, suffering from a hip injury decided it was the perfect thing to do until I could resolve the painful issue of mounting and dismounting. I had a miniature horse so decided to put […]

For serious equestrians, riding horses is more than a casual sport or leisurely pastime. Riding is an art and a passion. Like other pursuits of this nature, horseback riding is not something you learn to do well in a few months—or even a few years.  Leading to an important question for parents - what's the […]

Whether you are new to the equestrian world or an experienced veteran that has practically lived your life in a saddle, there are some things that must be remembered. Saddles are not something that can be skimped on and knowing what kind of saddle you need is one of the keys to success.  But what […]

Springtime always makes me think of fresh grass and fresh horses. A little sunshine, a little taste of the luscious green Pacific Northwest grass, and the horses are feeling good! Perhaps feeling a little too good! The danger when turning horses out comes at the gate: Two things can happen; 1) Your horse rips away […]

How long after the injury did you administer first aid? I was away on a trip and the caretakers at the boarding facility didn’t notice it for two to three days according to the veterinarian (based on tissue damage) What caused the injury? A nail sticking out about an inch from a post on fencing […]

Avoid an Accident by Gaining Knowledge Saddened by the loss of a 12-year-old barrel racer and heading into the busy lesson and clinic season, safety has been heavy on my mind. Becoming a parent brought a heightened awareness for my children’s safety with horses, as well as my own. This brought a screeching halt to […]

Information from a Veterinarian for Horse and Pet Owners COVID-19 is a term that has rapidly acquired worldwide recognition.  The seriousness of this highly contagious disease is inescapable.  The situation and information regarding COVID-19 is fast changing.  Below is recently collated information from three veterinary sources:  the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), the American […]

A letter from concerned reader. I was thinking about our sport, the virus and risk. Each and every one of us should dial back risk as much as possible right now. If you end up needing treatment your exposure to the virus and the chance of bringing it back to infect your family goes up […]

Recently I had the opportunity to speak with horse industry professionals about what they need to have in "your" barn when they come to you as a service provider. These professionals include your Veterinarian, Farrier, body worker, chiropractors or others. Often times when we build and design a barn our thoughts are about what "I" […]

How nice it would be if during a natural disaster or emergency, you casually walkout, hook up your truck and trailer, load your hay, supplements and all the other items on your checklist; walk to the barn, grab your halters, fly masks and equine identification; all your horses willingly walk into the trailer and you […]

Being around a green or untrained horse can be dangerous in a variety of situations. The goal of owning and riding your horse is to enjoy them. A difficult or unruly horse is no fun. Here are some tips to help you and others enjoy your horses to the fullest while staying safe. New to […]

Safety Considerations When Riding on the Trail As an avid trail rider I enjoy a peaceful, relaxing ride on some of the most beautiful trails the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Over the years I have learned some valuable lessons from my own experience but also from clinicians and instructors on the subject of trail […]

Photos and videos by Karen Pickering Learning to be safe while driving Disclaimer: I’m fairly new to driving. While I had a great instructor for my first few lessons, I’m not an experienced driver. Over the years I have driven draft teams but very little. These are observations based on the little experience that I’ve […]

It was a wet, rainy, windy winter day. I had decided to take my senior mare, Dawn, out for a trail ride at Les Hilde Trailhead. I had driven down for the day to my lot at Cowboy Campsite. When I started out it was cool but nice enough for a ride. I knew most […]

Be Prepared for a Safe Trip Whether driving a few miles to an event with your horse or planning a trip, there are some considerations before you begin your journey. In this day and age staying at home with your horse limits the experiences you can enjoy. From local competitions to horse camping with friends, […]

Be prepared, not scared One of the most critical lessons I’ve learned in working with horses is to always be prepared for what could happen. Safety when working around horses should always be at the top of your mind. Horses are a flight animal; humans are prey animals. If we understand this, it’s a little […]

A Trail Riding Horror Story Several years ago, I had planned a “send-off” ride for my best friend, “T”. She was moving to Tennessee, so I organized a group ride with some of our closest friends. Her mare, Rosie, hadn’t been ridden much since T was preparing for the move. Rosie was a spooky horse […]

Horse safety vests are a good investment for any skill level, but especially for newer riders. These types of vests can't prevent a fall, but if you do, it will help protect your upper body from an impact.