Workplace environment
Stabling and collecting yard
Riding arenas
Electric fencing and visitor access
Horse handling and health
Stabling and collecting yard
- The size and construction of the stables should provide a safe place to work.
- Access to stables should be restricted and signs erected to show the restriction.
- The stables should be well ventilated.
- Stable floors should be slip-resistant.
- Walls and partitions should be free from nails and other protrusions.
- Doors should be in two halves (upper and lower) and open outwards.
- Doors should be of substantial construction, fitted with two heavy-duty hinges, and bolts at the top and bottom.
- Light switches should be outside the stable area.
- A properly constructed staircase should be used to access the hayloft.
- Paddocks should be cleaned and well drained.
- Riders should mount in an enclosed safe area.
Riding arenas
Riding arenas should provide a secure area where the horse and rider can be easily managed. Arenas should:
- have posts and rail fencing at least 1.2 m high with the rails facing inwards
- have gates wide enough to allow horse and handler to pass comfortably
- be well drained and free from holes
- be free from glass and rubbish.
- a sliding type or outwards opening door
- kickboards at least 1.35 m high which slope outwards at 10° angle
- plenty of lighting and ventilation
- a sign giving directions on entering, leaving and use of the arena.
If riding is to be done outside an arena, riding schools should consider:
- rider competence
- suitability and experience of the horse
- riding surface
- presence of other horses
- supervision.
Electric fencing and visitor access
Do not put electric fencing in an area where horses are ridden.
Car parks should be placed away from riding areas. A viewing area should be provided for visitors to watch riders in safety.
Visitors should not interfere with riders. Care should be taken with small children and some people with an intellectual impairment.
Horse handling and health
Employers should consider general horse handling practices, including:
- loading and unloading of horse transport vehicles
- handling of horses in a confined area
- lunging a horse.
Understanding horses and developing a relationship based on trust and respect is important in creating a safe work environment for horse handlers (PDF, 29 KB).
Horses should be properly fed and watered, given adequate rest, receive necessary veterinary treatment and not be worked while sick or injured.
Information on the health and humane treatment of horses is provided in appendix 1D of The Horse Riding Schools, Trail Riding Establishments and Horse Hiring Establishments Industry Code of Practice 2002.
Further information on the workplace environment is provided in section 4 of The Horse Riding Schools, Trail Riding Establishments and Horse Hiring Establishments Industry Code of Practice 2002.
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