Management & Maintenance

equine biosecurity, disinfecting horse barn, disinfecting horse footbaths, preventing disease horse barns, uc davis center for equine health

Practicing good biosecurity at home and while traveling is essential for your horse’s health and safety, and is an important part of industry-wide disease control measures. We collaborated with Dr. K. Gary Magdesian, infectious disease control officer and faculty member in the Equine Internal Medicine Service at the UC Davis veterinary hospital, to present a list of important things to remember when it comes to equine biosecurity.

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Essential Workers - Farm dogs and barn cats are indispensable team members at many horse farms. Dogs protect the farm, help round up livestock, keep predators away, tell their owners if a horse is in trouble, and are cherished companions. Meanwhile, barn cats prevent mice and other rodents from taking over the grain bins and hay storage, plus entertain their owners with funny antics. But not every dog or cat is suitable for a horse farm.

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Minimizing the Risk of Respiratory Issues in Horses - Horses are inherently built to live outdoors. With protection from harsh weather, access to clean water, and good hay, many horses thrive without the need for stabling. However, this ideal scenario may not always be feasible for their owners.

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As I write this article, I am days into the arrival of my new pony Gwynna, the third member of my little herd, with a herd integration in our near future. It seems somehow fortuitous to be riding the various waves of emotion that this transition can present — trepidation, fear, anticipation, and uncertainty — as I unpack what it takes to successfully introduce a new herd member or move from a barn with horses on their own to one where the herd lives together.

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The stall is a fundamental element to stabling or sheltering horses. While a basic backyard stall for a pleasure horse may look different from one in a full-service boarding facility, both are designed to provide a suitable environment for horses and their handlers. Safety for both the human and animal should be a top priority in stall design. It is essential that the horse is comfortable, and that the handler can perform daily tasks conveniently. Regardless of your operating systems or specific needs, the main elements of a safe horse stall remain consistent. There are numerous options available that can influence both the functionality and cost of stall features.

Dust Management horse barns, purdue extension, breathing for horses, respiratory disease equine, roa, dust control horse barn, horse barn renovations, better ventilation horse stable

Horse owners may wonder if the air inside their barns poses any real risk—and if there’s anything that can be done after construction to make it better. The short answer: yes and yes.

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Mud season can be a real challenge for horse owners. Managing water and footing is essential to prevent the area from turning into a soupy mess. This past spring, we moved onto our own five-acre property and are preparing for our first fall and winter with our herd of four on a track system. It takes creative solutions to keep horses high, dry, and out of the muck, at least most of the time. No matter where you live in Canada, these ideas will help you manage the muddy seasons in your area.

Liability Horse accidents, Karen L. Weslowski, equine litigation, horse owner liability, BC Livestock Act, British Columbia equine litigation, personal liability insurance coverage horse owner

Accidents involving horses can happen, even with the utmost care. If a horse-related accident occurs on your property, you, as the occupier of that land, could be held accountable for any injuries or damages that result. Let’s explore the potential legal liabilities horse owners and property occupiers face, how to reduce risks associated with horse-related activities, and the role insurance might play in covering claims for injuries or property damage.

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Owning and operating any kind of farm is a tough job. The last thing you need is a fire. Whether it’s a fully engulfed barn, an indoor arena inferno, or a tractor that got way too hot and decided to take the drive shed with it, a fire is usually considered the worst possible thing that can happen.

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It’s now nearly 150 years since the Great Chicago Fire, which, according to popular legend, broke out after Catherine O’Leary’s infamous milking cow kicked over a lantern in the barn on the night of October 8, 1871. The resulting barn fire, aided by the wind, destroyed three square miles of the City of Chicago, killing approximately 300 people, destroying 18,000 buildings, and leaving 100,000 people – a third of the city’s population – homeless before it was finally brought under control the next day.

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