This new weekly series talks about the details that matter when building or renovating a barn or equestrian facility. It’s a known fact that horses know a million ways to hurt themselves, and our best defense is to share our knowledge on how to keep our friends safe. Our colleague, noted equine facilities designer Holly Matt of Pegasus Design Group, has generously agreed to write this weekly column. Have tips you’d like to share? Send them to [email protected].
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When you look to improve your farm or barn, the expenses can grow rapidly. But what about free things you can do, to make your current budget and situation go much farther?
There are two services we use on a daily basis in helping our clients get the information to make the best decisions for their horses and their land management. Most horse people have heard of them, but few seem to take advantage… and we’re here to tell you, as professional equestrian site planners, you should be!
The first person we like to talk to is the local Agriculture Extension Agent, usually part of your state’s agricultural department or a land grant university. They might be called different things, but they are all experts in the field of agriculture and land management. As an example, take a look at some of the information and programs available from Penn State Extension.
In the area of total farm and pasture management, here are some of the things you might discuss when you have the county agent visit your farm:
- Help with grass types and seeding
- Weed and toxic plant identification
- Waste management
- County zoning and agricultural planning guidelines
- Maximizing Land use
The second person we head to is the local Fire Marshall, who will walk your property and give you insight into how things should work in an emergency and how best for you to make a safer and more responsive environment. The marshall can also help with creating a safety management plan, including a fire drill to practice. Fires happen all too often – practice makes perfect here, just as in the saddle. If you do the drills so they’re second nature, you’ll be far better prepared in an emergency situation.
The Fire Marshall can help you:
- Understand code evaluations.
- Response time, water availability, accessibility.
- Safety management plan and check list.
- Material types and flame spread ratings.
There is a lot of good information out there to help you prepare (like this article) but nothing – nothing – beats having an experienced Fire Marshall actually walk your property with you.
Yes, we know these things will never be our favorite things to do. But they’re critical to a well-managed farm. And they’re free for the asking.
Here is a professionally designed evacuation plan. Together with your local Fire Marshall, you should develop your own and post it conspicuously in key locations. Make sure that other notices don’t end up covering it!
