Showing Consideration Towards Barn Operator When Closure Occurs
In the United States, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) have issued guidelines for horse stable operations and rider visitations under COVID-19 conditions. These guidelines address the classification of equine facilities and protocols for horse visits to ensure safety during the pandemic.
However, the implementation of these guidelines has placed a significant strain on barn owners. Closing a barn to anyone except non-essential personnel creates a huge work, resource, and financial strain for the barn owner. This is especially true as barns are having to stockpile supplies in case their feed stores begin to close or run short.
The pandemic has also led to a financial crisis for many barn owners. The lack of support from lessons, training, and active clients has resulted in a significant loss of income, causing a financial hemorrhage. The thought of being unable to visit horses for an indefinite period of time can be panic-inducing for boarders, but it is a reality that barn owners are grappling with.
Barn owners are balancing the worries of keeping their families safe, their businesses afloat, and the possibility of getting sick. The additional strain of work due to the pandemic will put a lot of work on the barn owners, especially those who are high-risk individuals.
Social media posts demanding board refunds, special allowances, and threats of sneaking out during the pandemic have only added to the stress. The county and state veterinary board has stated that boarders are not essential in the daily care of the horses, with the exception of self-care boarders whose horses rely on them for food, water, and shelter.
The writer's sister still has to work and interface with clients on a daily basis, while the writer's parents are worried about visiting their new grandchild due to the pandemic. The family's boarding farm is very low-traffic and private, but the thought of asking boarders not to visit their horses due to a potential "stay at home" order has caused a debate within the family.
In a recent email, a boarder threatened the family with liability if a medical issue arose with their horse during the period. The email was forceful and contradicted their interpretation of the rules.
The writer encourages reaching out to barn owners to thank them, ask about their wellbeing, or order supplies for them as a way to nurture the caretakers of horses. During these challenging times, it is important to remember the hard work and dedication that barn owners put into caring for horses, and to support them in any way possible. The writer's 86-year-old grandmother lives alone, and the family is concerned about her getting groceries, adding another layer of complexity to the current situation.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the horse industry, placing a significant strain on barn owners and their businesses. It is important to remember the challenges they face and to support them in any way possible.
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