Keep Safe courses offered for equestrian yard owners and managers

By Amanda Stevenson

Event diary

21 August 2008 12:39

Ride Welland will be running two events for equestrian yard owners and managers in September. Whether you run a stud, a racing yard, a riding school or a livery yard; whether you are already in business or still at the planning stage, the Keep Safe events will bring you up-to-date with the latest health and safety requirements.

Keep Safe will be run on working private livery yards in East Northamptonshire and Rutland. Participants will have the chance to gain a practical insight into yard security, fire prevention, risk assessment, insurance and employment law.

Hugh Crouch of Leicestershire Constabulary and Leicestershire Countryside Watch will lead a practical session on yard and equine security, with a walk around the host yard observing best (and worst!) practice. A large animal rescue specialist from the regional fire service will talk about fire prevention and what to do if the worst happens. And a representative of NFU Mutual will give a brief update on the latest news in the insurance world.

Participants will have the chance to fill in a risk assessment on the yard.

Why attend Keep Safe?

Rural crime is a serious problem, and Keep Safe will offer the chance to see how you can make your yard more crime-proof
  • There have been several instances of arson in stables over recent weeks. How can you protect your stables and horses from such attacks?
  • The Compensation Culture is with us to stay. Carrying our regular risk assessments on your yard will help to show a duty of care to your staff and customers.
  • The BHS and some county councils are keen to introduce the registration of livery yards, which will mean you will be subject to the same Health and Safety rules as riding schools. Make sure you are prepared by attending Keep Safe.
  • Have you got the insurance cover you need? Check you are fully up-to-date with the NFU Mutual.
  • Even if you don't currently have staff, did you know that simply paying someone cash in hand to help out may mean you are subject to the same rules as an employer? Find out what you can and can't do at Keep Safe.
  • Have the chance to chat with other equestrian yard owners over a buffet lunch.

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    Two Keep Safe events are being held:

    • Wednesday 17th September, Near Whissendine, Rutland
    • Thursday 25th September, Near Kettering, East Northamptonshire

    Keep Safe events are anticipated to run for approximately 3.5 hours, from 9.30am to 1pm, and will be followed by a buffet lunch.

    Details of the exact locations will not be divulged until acceptance of your registration and deposit. This is to protect the livery yards concerned.

    For details of how to register, email elizabeth.england@cla.org.uk or call 01858 436588 for a form.
    On acceptance of your registration you will be asked for a £10 deposit. This will be refundable at the event, or you may prefer to donate it to your local Countryside or Horsewatch scheme.

    For further information about Ride Welland, visit: www.ridewelland.co.uk