1.6 Conclusion
Safety procedures when working with horses on feedyards remains important. Insurance companies indicate they are still paying the most compensation on injuries related to horses on the feedyards.
But…one safety official thinks that safety programs are making a difference:
“We still have the horse wrecks; however, they are not as life changing or as devastating. The cowboys used to be the first to leave a safety meeting, but now they are the last to leave because they still have questions at the end of the meetings.”
Make feedyard safety a top priority.
Always keep in mind that every worker deserves to make it home safe every day
This first Horsemanship lesson provided a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing horses in a feedyard setting. It covered horse behavior, training, care, and health, emphasizing the importance of safety and proper handling techniques. The lesson module aimed to equip feedyard workers with the knowledge to prevent injuries and ensure the well-being of both horses and handlers through effective horse training and health maintenance practices.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding Horse Behavior: Recognize that horses are prey animals with a different brain structure than humans, leading them to react instinctively to danger. This behavior can impact their interactions in a feedyard setting.
- Proper Training and Handling: Ensure that horses used in the feedyard are adequately trained and able to work calmly around cattle. Handlers should be knowledgeable about appropriate behavior, body positioning, and techniques to calm and manage horses effectively.
- Daily Health and Safety Checks: Conduct regular health checks, maintain proper nutrition, and ensure horses are in good condition to handle the physical demands of the feedyard.
Resources:
- Evidence-Based Horsemanship both book and DVD available
(Martin Black & Dr. Stephen Peters)
Inside Nature’s Giants (Horse Anatomy) Racehorse (45 mins)
Videos:
Helmet Safety Videos (2 mins)
Horse Behavior (Dr. Miller: 10 Horse Behaviors) (19 mins)
ChatGPT was utilized to help create glossary word definitions.