The Barn Owner's Vacation Checklist

youll be out of town so they dont worry when they see your sitters car coming and going. Horsesavvy neighbours can also be asked to check on your horse while youre away.
Ready Your Barn
Make any necessary repairs to buildings fences footing and equipment.
Leave your sitter with the number for your maintenance repair professional.
Ensure that smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in the barn are in good working order.
Stock your barns first aid kit.
Have ample hay and grain stored to feed your horses while youre gone.
Simplify the Routine
Write out the feed schedule and rations for each horse or better yet prepackage grain and supplements in Ziploc bags and label them.
Do not prebag any medications but label them clearly and leave detailed instructions as to the dosage and administration.
If you have several horses mark each horses stall and turnout paddock.
Clearly label each horses halter blankets and any other turnout gear and store in a readily accessible location.
The Grand Tour
Prior to your departure have your sitter come for a tour of the barn and property with particular emphasis on the location of first aid supplies emergency equipment the electrical panel and water shutoff valves.
Introduce the sitter to your horses and any other animals or pets you have.
Walk the sitter through your daily routine and leave written instructions as well.
Arranging for Exercise
If you have asked somebody to exercise your horse while youre away make sure they have signed a liability release form and have appropriate insurance.
Show them where to find your tack and equipment and let the sitter know that this person will be coming out to exercise your horses.
Alert Your Sitter
Let your sitter know about any boarders staff or anyone else who visits your property on a regular basis.
Consistency is Key
Try not to make any changes to your horses feed supplements or medications directly before your departure.
Consider Shortterm Boarding
If the above checklist seems overwhelming depending on the length of your trip you may want to consider temporarily moving your horse to a facility that offers full board.
Considerations for Boarders
If you keep your horse at a facility that offers full board your pretrip checklist will be shorter. Nevertheless it is important that you inform the stable owner and staff of your trip dates and provide them with a way to reach you as well as phone numbers for your veterinarian and backup contact.
Let the facility owner know that your backup contact will be coming out