Animal Care
Equine Care Risk Assessment Template
The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for horse care, stables, and equine facilities.
Free to use Instant PDF download Updated February 2026
The essential guide to equine care safety
Equine care involves the daily management and welfare of horses, including feeding, grooming, exercise, and health monitoring. Working with horses presents unique hazards due to their size, strength, and flight instincts.
This guide covers all key hazards in equine care—from handling and restraint to stable management, fire safety, and emergency procedures for horse-related injuries.
Animal Welfare
Animal Welfare
Activity Benefits
Why equine care matters
Horse Health
Promotes equine health through proper nutrition, medical care, and exercise.
Human-Horse Bond
Enhances the human-horse bond through care, handling, and training activities.
Therapy Programs
Provides opportunities for equine therapy programs benefiting individuals with disabilities.
Disease Prevention
Reduces the risk of disease and injury through preventive care and monitoring.
Risk Identification
Key hazards & control measures
Kicks & BitesHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Severe bruising, bone fractures, internal injuries from horse kicks and bites.
Control Measures
- Approach horses from side, never behind
- Staff trained in horse behavior
- Warning signs for nervous horses
- Proper handling equipment used
Stable FiresHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Burns, smoke inhalation, property damage, loss of horses from stable fires.
Control Measures
- No smoking policy enforced
- Fire extinguishers accessible
- Evacuation routes clear
- Hay stored away from buildings
Loose HorsesMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Trampling injuries, road accidents, property damage from escaped horses.
Control Measures
- Fencing inspected regularly
- Gates secured with proper latches
- Escape protocol established
- Headcollars kept on doors
Slippery SurfacesMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Slips, falls, injuries from wet or icy surfaces in stable yard.
Control Measures
- Yard swept and maintained
- Rubber matting in wash areas
- Grit available for icy conditions
- Proper drainage installed
This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 30 hazards and 60+ control measures for Equine Care, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.
Safety Checklist
Equine care safety checklist
Horse Handling
- Staff trained in horse behavior
- Headcollars and lead ropes checked
- Horse temperament assessed
- Proper approach techniques used
Stable Management
- Stables mucked out daily
- Water buckets cleaned
- Feed stored properly
- Bedding adequate and dry
Paddock Safety
- Fencing secure and intact
- Gates close properly
- Toxic plants removed
- Water trough clean
Emergency
- Equine vet contact displayed
- First aid kit stocked
- Fire evacuation plan posted
- Emergency phone accessible
Ready to create your equine care risk assessment?
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