Personal Safety

Every year, hundreds of accidents and incidents occur on horse farms and equine facilities. Knowing how to reduce this number is integral to the success of your operation. Utilize resources available at Penn State Extension on topics such as fire safety, animal handling, ammonia and manure gas monitoring, horse farm risks, and safety requirements.

Horse Farm Safety

To be able to create the safest possible environment for your horses, you have to invest time and energy in the introduction of farm safety procedures. With the right information, you’ll be able to save lives, protect property, prevent accidents, and keep your horses safe.

It’s possible to minimize and even prevent fire damage, for example, by implementing the right building techniques, detection equipment, and best management practices.

It’s easy to become acclimatized to the smell of ammonia gas. There are, however, a range of easy-to-use instruments for measuring ammonia levels. When you know the levels are putting you and your employees at risk, you can do something about it and keep the levels within a safe level.

Horsemanship and Safety

Horse handling and riding can be dangerous, so make sure you follow basic horse safety rules as a precaution. Whether you’re leading a horse, trying to break, or catch a horse, understanding what safety precautions to take means you can stay safe and reduce or prevent accidents or injury. A horse kick injury, for example, can catch the most experienced horse handler unawares.

One particular course offered at Penn State Extension focuses on safety and education as part of the Horsemanship and Handling Skills Examiner Training. The course is aimed at previously-trained examiner and anyone interested in becoming a new Horsemanship Skills Examiner.

Equestrian accidents and falls can happen at any time, and while they might be an unfortunate part of the equine industry, it is possible to keep yourself safe by wearing the right equipment.

Wearing a helmet is important, but what is the best riding helmet design and what are the important factors to consider? Whether you’re looking to provide protective equipment at your facility or are looking for your own protection, it pays to be aware of the design characteristics and safety features that are most effective.

Knowing the best way to store such equipment, clean and care for it, and make sure it’s properly adjusted all have an impact on its effectiveness. Ideally, it should have ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) or SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) Certification.