Horse Safety & Injury Risks

Understand the equine environment

Horses may startle, kick, bite, bolt, rear or move unpredictably even when familiar or well trained. Sulkies, moving horses, vehicles, machinery, gates, fencing, electrical fencing, uneven footing and weather can create hazards. Handling, driving, training, loading and unloading horses require appropriate skill and care. No facility can eliminate all risk.

Visits and safe conduct

• Arrange your visit in advance and check in with the designated property contact on arrival.
• Stay in permitted areas. Do not enter a stall, paddock, track, exerciser or restricted work area without authorization.
• Do not touch, feed, lead, ride or drive a horse without the responsible person’s permission and suitable supervision or authorization.
• Keep clear of moving horses, sulkies and machinery. Avoid sudden movements, running, loud noise or other conduct that may startle a horse.
• Wear closed-toe footwear suitable for a working stable. Use correctly fitted, appropriate protective equipment, including a helmet for mounted or driving activities, as required for the activity, applicable rules and site instructions.
• Children must remain with a responsible adult. A child’s presence does not authorize participation in horse-related activities.
• Do not participate while impaired by alcohol, drugs or another condition that makes the activity unsafe. Ask for help if you are unsure of your ability or an instruction.
• Follow posted instructions, keep designated routes clear and close gates as directed. Smoking, vaping and open flames are not permitted in barns or near hay, bedding, feed or fuel.

Horse care, equipment and biosecurity

Owners and trainers must clarify the allocation of daily care, supervision, feeding, turnout, training, equipment checks, veterinary decisions and emergency contacts in their service arrangements. Renting a stall does not by itself mean that every care or training service is included.

Use equipment only if trained and authorized, inspect it before use, and report damage or unsafe conditions promptly. Do not use an exerciser or track when access has been restricted. Inform the property contact about suspected infectious illness before bringing a horse onto the premises, and follow any applicable isolation or biosecurity directions.

Discuss appropriate personal, equine, property and liability insurance with your insurer. This notice does not provide insurance coverage or confirm another person’s coverage.

Injury, hazards and emergencies

For an immediate threat to human life or serious injury, call 911. Provide the address: 5222 Wellington Road 125, Erin, Ontario, and the location of the incident on the property. Then alert the property contact when it is safe to do so. Keep access clear for responders and do not place yourself in danger.

For a horse injury or illness, promptly notify the responsible owner/trainer and contact an appropriate veterinarian under the horse’s care and emergency arrangements. This website is not an emergency reporting or veterinary service.

Report incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions promptly. Preserve relevant details and follow instructions intended to protect people, horses and responders. Responsibility for veterinary decisions and related costs should be addressed in the applicable written agreement.

What this notice does and does not do

This is a safety and risk-information notice. It is not a signed release of liability, an agreement to indemnify anyone, or a waiver of claims. Merely reading the website, making an enquiry or visiting a webpage does not create such a release.

A separate participation, facility-use or rental agreement may be required before an activity. Any proposed release must be presented separately so the participant can read and understand it. Nothing here excludes any duty or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded, or limits a person’s non-waivable rights. The enforceability of any separate agreement depends on the circumstances and applicable law.

For general background, see Ontario’s Occupiers’ Liability Act. Contact us before your visit if you need an explanation of the rules or an accessible format.