• Keep all barns "smoke free" and post large conspicuous no smoking signs.
• Store manure away from barn and maintain a safety check with respect to heat and combustibility.
• Store manure away from water run-off areas and become knowledgeable about environmental rules for manure storage and removal for your area.
• Have a fire extinguisher and first aide kits located in an obvious place in the barn and have them checked regularly.
• Regularly inspect barn, riding areas, paddocks and fencing for , breaks, condition of the footing, or other dangers i.e. broken posts or rails, protruding nails or other sharp object, holes, wet or slippery areas.
• Examine farm area or acreage to determine if animals are adequately prevented from escaping and coming in contact with cars, roads, highways etc.
• Post large visible signs warning of the dangers associated with horses and horse activities.
• Ensure that all visitors to the barn are supervised by a knowledgeable horse person. All small children should be kept under close supervision.
• keep barn tools and other equipment stored in a safe place (i.e. tractors, harrows etc. should be kept out of riding rings, paddocks or aisles).
• all feed including grain, supplements, pellets, hay and all medications should be stored in a safe place and particularly out of the reach of children and animals should they "become loose".
• Have one person designated to "lock up" at night and give the barn and horses a thorough check.

Horses:

• Barn aisles should have sufficient width for horses to pass one another without interference and with sufficient room to prevent stabled horse from biting or kicking other horse as it passes through aisle; do not allow to become cluttered.
• For each horse, maintain a list of emergency contact phone numbers including the owner, the preferred vet and farrier. Keep these numbers either posted by the horses' stall or maintained on a list that is easily accessible by barn staff.
• For the health of all horses in the barn establish and maintain a specific immunization and deworming program with the help and advice of your veterinarian. Keep up to date records.
• Have individuals tack, untack and groom in their horse's stall or a designated grooming stall and not the barn aisle.

Activities:

• Determine level of knowledge and competence of new boarders upon arrival and at regular intervals so their specific needs can be addressed.
• Establish a ride with a buddy rule or ensure beginners are not left on their own.
• have riders wear boots with a "heel" and a safety approved riding helmet.
• Do not allow lounging if others are riding unless with the consent of the other riders.
• People working with horses should be knowledgeable and wear protective footwear.
• Riders should not jump unless in a supervised situation.
• Develop, post and maintain specific rules which suit your specific situation. (i.e. rider must wear a safety approved riding hemlet with a secure harness when riding etc.)
• Encourage boarders to regularly check and maintain their tack and other equipment in good working condition.

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