FAQs on Essential Equine Activities During a Pandemic

View of a pond with a fence in front of it

Remember these are general guidelines and are not state-specific. Daily life constantly changes during a pandemic, so the best thing you can do is contact your state agricultural agency about specific situations.

Essential care is that which is required during the pandemic to meet welfare standards. Talk with your veterinarian to determine what must be done now and what can wait. More on Equine Welfare from the AAAEP

Horse owners need to determine if transportation is necessary for essential animal care, and then plan accordingly.

This is understandable, IF you cannot see your horse due to barn closure, invent other strategies:

Request photos/videos of your horse
Identify a ‘no direct contact’ location to drop off treats for your horse

Consider bringing something for the people taking care of your horse during this incredibly difficult time. Please keep in mind all the tough decisions and hard times they are facing, as well.

Only if they provide primary care for their horse. If this is the case, time blocks should be established for those boarders to enter and provide that daily primary care. The boarder and farm owner/operator are responsible for responsible for ensuring CDC guidelines are adhered to throughout the visit to reduce potential exposures. Another option is to add full care board during this time.

Individual horse owners and horse farm owners/operators must understand the life and death nature of the pandemic. If a farm owner decides to allow entry to their property, they carry significant responsibilities for potential exposure to and spread of COVID-19. They also carry the burden of ensuring the CDC guidelines are adhered to by every person at the facility for the entire time they are there, and for establishing a tracking mechanism (check-in/check-out exposure log), should someone who was in their facility test positive. Careful consideration of risks and preventative measures will help farm owners make informed decisions that will safeguard personal, client, and horse health.

having a plan is critical during these stressful times. Develop a Personal Preparedness Plan to detail the essential care instructions for each of your horses.

FAQs-Essential Equine Care Activities During a Pandemic FlyerDownload

Information provided by E|H ExtensionHorses.org