Livery yards that are situated rurally can give horse owners a peaceful environment to stable and enjoy their horses. However, their remote locations often make them attractive targets for theft and vandalism or can make it harder to deal with yard emergencies. Whether you own or manage a livery yard, or keep your horse on one, implementing simple safety and security measures is essential. Below, our Livery Yard Insurance team explore practical steps to keep your rural livery yard safe and secure:
Understanding the main risks
Rural locations, by nature, can be isolated and challenging to monitor, especially if there is no owner on site 24/7. This can make them particularly vulnerable to:
- Equipment Theft: Saddles, bridles, horse trailers and other equipment can be valuable and relatively easy to steal, especially if access is easily obtained to storage areas.
- Horse Theft or Injury: Horses that may be stolen, or those who may become injured, either intentionally or through another incident such as fire or breakout when the yard is unattended.
- Vandalism or Trespassing: Vandals or trespassers may cause damage or endanger the horses, and dealing with such issues as the release of horses or damage to property can prove more difficult in rural locations.
- Fires or Emergencies: Being in less populated areas mean that emergencies such as yard fires can take longer to be noticed and may take longer for emergency crews to reach the premises.
Securing the Yard
Having a secure perimeter to your yard is the first barrier against unwanted visitors. Having sturdy and well-maintained fencing and gates is key. These should be checked and inspected regularly. Gates should be heavy duty, not be able to be lifted off the hinges, and locked where possible, especially overnight if the property is unattended. You can deter trespassers with signage implying CCTV is in use, or simply that it is a private property. Lighting can also be an effective deterrent if you are able to install motion sensitive lighting.
CCTV is becoming commonplace on yards although will be dependent upon the connectivity available at the premises. Remote monitoring can help alert if there are any issues, as well as recording any activity on the yard.
Challenge anyone that comes onto the yard that you do not recognise to ensure they have a legitimate reason for being there. Gate or lock codes, or locations of keys should not be shared with visitors unless necessary.
Protecting the Horses
You should have adequate records of the equines on the yard, and the contact details of owners. As a yard owner (except for DIY yards) you should have access to the Horse Passport to allow prompt identification of horses. It is also an idea for horse owners to ensure that they have clear photos showing the horse from several angles, and any identifying marks.
Permanent identification in the form of microchipping or freeze marking helps to not just discourage potential thieves but also increase the chances of the animals being recovered and returned to the rightful owners in case of being stolen.
Stables, barns and paddocks should be secured overnight but also remembering the ability for horses to be let out easily in the event of an emergency such as a fire. Check fences and hedges on a regular basis ensuring vulnerable areas are secure so that offenders could not use them to enter the yard or paddocks.
Ensure that the horses are checked at least daily, ideally twice a day, and ensure that all horses are actually seen. For DIY liveries, ensure that it is in their contracts that daily visits are expected. Late night checks are also strongly advised where possible to show a presence on the yard even after dark.
Protecting Tack and Equipment
All tack and equipment on the yard should be stored and secured appropriately. Tack rooms should be adequately secure- such as mortice locks and reinforced windows- and should be kept locked at all times when not in use. Avoid the use of signage such as ‘Tack Room’ or ‘Rug Room’, as this can easily identify areas where valuable equipment may be stored. Wherever possible, valuable tack or equipment should be taken home each night, so it is also an idea to ask liveries to keep only essential equipment at the yard.
All equipment should be kept in enclosed areas, behind locked doors. Windows can be an open invitation to thieves - protect them with metal bars or grilles and ensure the roof is not a weak area that thieves may target for entry. Take a photograph of tack, tools and equipment and keep a record of the make, model and serial number where possible. This will greatly assist the Police if items are stolen
Horse boxes and horse trailers should be insured, should be left locked and should not be used as storage for tack or other equipment which may invalidate insurance. Have a designated parking area which is made secure, and preferably away from the road or public footpaths.
Create a Local Community
Setting up a local neighbourhood watch with neighbouring property or business owners can help create a network to support the security in the local area. This could include sharing details of suspicious activity, or even just being able to communicate promptly in the event of an incident or emergency. There are various local Horse Watch schemes and police-force led initiatives as part of Operation Gallop.
Ensure you report all thefts or concerns to the police. Action cannot be taken by the police if they do not know the details. Please report everything, whether it is a theft or a suspicious vehicle or person, and ensure you request an incident number. Ring 101 or report online to your local police force; if a crime is in progress always dial 999.
Holding the Correct Insurance
Making sure you hold the right Livery Yard Insurance is key. This includes making sure you are covered for the equipment and buildings on the yard and ensuring that any liveries have their horses, and equipment adequately insured as well.
You also need to ensure you are aware of any specific requirements on the security or storage of specific high value items on your policy.
Having Emergency Plans
Having clear plans for emergencies such as fires or theft can prove useful. Where applicable these should be shared with liveries- such as fire evacuation plans- and having useful phone numbers on the yard, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits can be a huge advantage to deal promptly with issues that may arise.
Overall, prevention and planning are key. Understanding the risks to your own premises can help you take the necessary steps to protect the equipment and equines kept on site, as well as ensuring you have the necessary equipment and plans in place to deal quickly and effectively with any incidents that may occur. The best starting point in enhancing your stable security is to single out all the weak spots and vulnerabilities. Once you’ve done that, it will be easier to focus on the main areas and come up with the most practical solutions.
If you own a livery yard, keep it safe with valued protection from SEIB. Call us now to get a Livery Yard Insurance quote on 01708 850 000 or email info@seib.co.uk to find out more.
About SEIB
SEIB Insurance Brokers have been providing insurance for Horses for over 60 years. We provide a flexible range of policies to suit your needs from Horsebox Insurance and Horse Trailer Insurance too. Our experienced team of horse owners can help provide you with advice on what cover you might need.