The poop ScoopNovember 26, 2012
Safety concerns.
The safety issue came up again in a conversation with Jane after she had an unsettling ride on Schnapps. Of course his bad behavior had to be on the day I was out for Poloroids of my hemorrhoids and Robbi needed to go to the foot doctor (speaking of injuries). That left the stable unmanned. "What would you do if…?" Jane queried, was the topic of the day. There have been times a horse has returned without their rider and the rider managed to get back to the stable on foot. Also, there have been times where the rider needed a vehicle to come get them because they are injured to the point of needing medical attention. Luckily, there was someone at the stable that new where to go to get the distressed rider. Sometimes there isn't anyone around to come to a rider in trouble. What do you do?
We need to have a safety plan in place for everyone to follow. The new map in the tack room is a great starting point. Everyone should know the names of the ponds, fields, woods and main roads around the property. Staff, boarders and lessees all need to learn where all the gates are and where the keys are to those gates. It would make finding you easier if you needed to be rescued because of injury, heaven forbid. I spoke with a fireman from the Chardon Fire Department and he would like us to have names on the gates and learn the mountain trails in the event of a person needing medical attention.
Along with habitual helmet use, the new inflatable safety vests everyone is sporting are another great way to stave off injury. Always keep your cell phone on you and not on your horse. If you are riding in the evening, write down where you are heading for your ride. Make sure someone even if they aren't at the stable knows you are out on your horse. Know the stable address. 8754 Hermitage Rd. Chardon Township.
I think I suggested this before about having a safety meeting-party and a tour of the gates around the property. Everyone could share their thoughts and ideas for safety from past worrisome horse experiences.
December is breathing down our necks again! It's time to review the winter stable routine.
- Never force the handle on the water hydrant. There is a gasket in the hydrant that will break inside the pipe. No one wants to dig up the aisle when it's 15 degrees. Just let it be. Use the other hydrant or drag the hose from the tack room. Leave me a note for the morning.
- Dump dirty water buckets out the manure pit door. If buckets get dumped in the sink the drain gets clogged.
- The water on the wash rack gets turned off during lengthy cold periods. Drag the hose
from under the washing machine to hose off your horse. Return it to the tack room so it doesn't freeze.
- Follow the winter ventilation guide. It is posted on the bulletin board on the back big door of the stable. Fresh air is crucial to having healthy horses.
X-mas party? Any ideas?
