Equine Care During Covid-19

Resource Pages:

• American Association of Equine Practitioners: Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in Equestrian Facilities

• The Equine Disease Communication Center: Coronavirus Disease Resource Page

• American Horse Council: American Horse Council Coronavirus Resource Page

• eXtension Horse: Infographics on COVID-19

Protecting yourself and your barn

• Essential equine care is care that must happen to ensure that animal welfare standards are met. Please see the AAEP Principles of Equine Welfare for more information.

• Engage In Essential Activities:

  • Feed and care of horses

  • Necessary veterinary or farrier care

• Limit Non-Essential Activities:

  • Lessons or clinics

  • Riding where social distancing standards cannot be maintained

How can I reduce the risk of COVID – 19 spread in my barn?

• Disinfect the following surfaces at least once a day:

  • Water and feed buckets

  • Halters, lead ropes, and cross ties

  • Grooming supplies

  • Stall and barn door handles

  • Shovels, broom and wheelbarrow handles

  • Frequently touched surfaces such as light switches, countertops, doorknobs.

• Do not touch anything unless you need to use it

• Wash hands and have hand sanitizer available

• Avoid Sharing Equipment

• Consider restricting access to essential personnel only (veterinarians, farriers, facility employees essential to the care of equine) or restricting visits to owners and essential personnel only

• Stagger appointments to avoid person to person contact

• Implement a check in and check out procedure to establish tracking should someone in the facility become ill and exposure risks need to be tracked.

Can I see my horse and ride?

• The Governor’s Executive Order permits leaving for exercise and care of animals. However, social distancing guidelines and gatherings under 10 people must be maintained. We suggest that barn owners and managers implement stricter hours and the use of time slot sign ups to limit exposure.

My barn is closed but I want to see my horse! What can I do?

• Ask for updates or pictures of your horse.

• Arrange for a no contact drop off of treats or other items your horse may need

What if I have COVID-19 and I cannot care for my horse?

• Create a plan now that outlines the instructions of care for your horses and identify people that can care for your horse. Make sure to include all feeding instructions, supplements, blanketing and other care that is done daily. Consider organizing your feed and tack rooms with labels that clearly identify when and how something is used.

For more information please contact: Leona Ransdell at leonar@vt.edu or 540-231-6345