STABLE MANAGEMENT

By Eleanor Blazer

LESSON ELEVEN

MISCELLANEOUS DUTIES

As you can see by the “help wanted” ad in lesson ten there may be duties the stable manager is expected to perform that have little to do with horses. Operating equipment, making repairs and running a computer are examples of possible extras. While I can’t teach you how to drive a farm tractor or how to pull a horse trailer we can go over safety issues.

TRACTORS

Farm tractors and the attachments they operate are dangerous.

Do not attempt to operate a tractor without proper instruction. Contact a local dealer or vocational/agricultural school to see if they offer classes.

It is estimated 500-600 persons are killed each year due to tractor accidents. 50% of those deaths are related to roll-over incidents.

The following information was taken from

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service:

Basic Tractor Safety Practices

* No extra riders
Don't allow extra riders, and don't ask to be an extra rider. Make this a firm rule, and avoid a major cause of tractor accidents. Tractors are designed only for the drivers. Even in cabs, riders have only limited protection, and they may interfere with the tractor's operation. The warning "hold tight" is practically useless after the first minute or two.

* Get on and off safely
Don't mount or dismount when tractor is moving. Keep the mounting steps, handholds, and operator platform clean and dry. Do not jump from the tractor. Set brakes if there is the slightest chance of rolling.

* Stuck in hole
When stuck in a hole or soft spot, a tractor can easily upset backwards when the clutch is engaged. If power is applied and wheels stick, the chassis may revolve around the axle. When you can't back out, get help!

* Hitch to the drawbar only
Never hitch to the axle or seat bracket-you're inviting a backward upset. Engage the clutch smoothly, and avoid sudden acceleration.

* Use tractors only for jobs intended
Tractors are meant to be implement carriers, transport units and remote power sources. Tractors are not designed for recreation, nor for use as a tow truck or to run errands, herd cattle, etc.

* Stay clear of ditches and embankments
Keep tractors and implements away from ditch and embankment edges. Edges may be undercut or weakened and not be able to support the weight of the equipment. Implements that slip over the edge will tend to pull the tractor with them.

* Loader accidents are common
Move and turn tractor at low speeds. Keep load low while moving. Add rear weight, and keep wheels wide. Lower loader to the ground when parking or servicing.

* Drive at a safe speed
When speed is doubled, the chance of a side upset is four times as great. Adjust speed to conditions.

* Operating on slopes and hillsides
Keep wheels spread as wide as possible for the job-even when on level ground. A tractor will overturn sideways much more easily if the wheels are close together. Watch for rocks, humps, or holes which may cause the tractor to tip. Make uphill turns with caution, particularly with tricycle-type tractors. Turn downhill if stability becomes uncertain. Backward upsets are apt to happen when climbing hills, going forward out of a ditch, or overloading the drawbar. If you have to go up a steep slope, back the tractor up the slope. Use a lower gear when going downhill.

* Sharp turns cause upsets
High speed, rough ground, and narrow, high-speed wheels greatly increase the chance of upset, especially when turning. Slow down before turning, and avoid sharp turns if possible.

* Sharp turns and short hitches
Equipment can "ride" up on tractor tires and cause a serious accident or damage. Allow plenty of turning room, especially when using duals or extended wheels.

The Human Safety Factor

Knowing what to do and how to do it goes a long way to ensure safe tractor operation. Another vital factor is you. the operator. It is important to be in good physical and emotional condition when you are operating a tractor. If you are ill, tired, angry, emotionally upset, or if your mind is on something else, you could make a fatal mistake.

It is important, too, that you are comfortable enough while operating the tractor so that you can function well. If you are too cold or too hot, or the tractor noise level is too high, or the seat adjustment is incorrect, you will not operate the tractor as well as you would if you were comfortable. Discomfort is distracting, and it contributes to fatigue.

Short, frequent breaks will rest you better and faster than longer, less frequent ones. And, if you are exhausted, stop. You could save your life by doing so.

If You Are Under 16

A United States federal labor law affects tractor operators under the age of 16.. Except when working for a parent or guardian on a farm owned or operated by that person, a minor is not permitted to operate a tractor over 20 pto-hp and certain other farm machinery (although these jobs can be started at age 14 with special 4-H or vo-ag training).

Persons under 14 may be employed to do any job that is not classified as particularly hazardous IF they have the written consent of their parents or guardians. There is one exception: those under 12 are not permitted to work on farms that used 500 or more man-days of farm labor during any quarter of the preceding calendar year.

Check with your county Extension office or local government office for up-to-date information.

Preventive Maintenance

Many factors affect the reliability and safety of a tractor. Safe operation begins with making a pre-operational check before each tractor use. Keeping the tractor in good repair is an important part of safety.

Before starting the tractor, check:

* Tire condition and inflation level

* Fuel, oil, and hydraulic fluid levels

* Condition of fuel and hydraulic lines--no leaks

* Shields in place

* Platform and steps clean, free of debris, chains, and tools

* Clear visibility from within cab, mirrors clean

* Brakes operational

* Steering operating correctly

* Air cleaner and coolant

* All lights working

* SMV emblem in place and clean

* Neutral-start safety switches operating correctly

The tractor operator's manual is an important safety manual. Read it, know and understand the information in it. Follow all operating precautions and the recommendations outlined in the manual.

Before starting the tractor, make one more check-of your clothing. Loose, torn, or bulky clothing can catch on moving parts, pedals, or levers. Clothing should fit well and be in good repair. Shoes or boots should be in good condition and have slip-resistant soles. Laces should be tightly tied and not extend out beyond the shoe. Long hair should be tied back or kept under a hat.

Keep Power-Takeoff Stub Shaft Guarded

An unshielded or partially-shielded stub shaft can be deadly to the careless or unsuspecting operator. It can catch clothing or a loose shoestring and wrap a person around it in a fraction of a second. Keep the stub shaft guarded when not in use to provide power to other implements. There are two types of PTO stub shaft shields commonly in use.

* Master shield which provides a zone of protection around the stub shaft

* PTO stub shaft guard which completely covers the stub shaft.

If you must remove the PTO master shield for installation of mounted implements, the stub shaft guard should always be in place. Use older tractors that lacked adequate PTO stub shaft protection with extra caution. If a shield becomes damaged or lost, replace it as soon as possible. Shields are cheap insurance against injury.

Never step over a rotating PTO shaft…walk around the tractor and implement to get to the other side. Never try to stop a rotating shaft – you can loose a hand or your life.

Safety on Public Roads

Use all required and available safety devices and driving skills when operating tractors on public roads. The risk is high! Roll-over protection, safety hitch, SMV emblem, rear-view mirrors, signal lights, hand signals, clearance lights and/or reflectors are all aids to safety on the highway.

Slow Moving Vehicle Sign (SMV)

Make sure all loads are properly secured.

Allow traffic to pass. Be considerate of others, and pull over to the shoulder when necessary. Keep your tractor and implements in your lane. If your equipment is wider than the traffic lane, keep it over on the shoulder. Avoid excessive speed, and drive defensively.

Consult local, state or province officials for regulations on moving extra wide equipment on public roads.

Safe Refueling

Prevent fires and explosions when refueling. The greatest danger occurs when handling gasoline, gasohol, or LP-gas, because these fuels vaporize easily to form explosive mixtures.

Never refuel your tractor while the engine is running or is hot. Static electricity, a spark from the ignition system, or a hot exhaust could cause the fuel to ignite. Grounding out the tractor by use of a ground wire or by dropping mounted equipment so it touches the ground can reduce static electricity.

Always refuel your tractor outside. Locate large storage tanks at least 40 feet from any building. Keep the storage area free from weeds and other easily ignited materials. Label your fuel containers so that they can be identified quickly and accurately. Carry gasoline and diesel fuel in approved safety cans. Approved cans bear Underwriters Laboratories or Factory Mutual labels.

Never smoke while refueling.

Carry a first aid kit and an approved ABC-type dry chemical extinguisher. Every tractor should have at least one 5-pound extinguisher.

End of Perdue Article

TRAILER TOWING

If you own a horse or manage a stable there will come a day when a horse will need to be transported. It is best to prepare for this day well in advance – not the morning of the trip.

The Horse

All horses should be taught to load in a trailer. Horses need to know how to lead, stop and back on command to load. Take the online course “Training Performance Horses” to teach horses these basic cues.

For hands-on help with training a horse to load or addressing problems please visit the web site horsetrainingonline.net

The Equipment

TRAILERS/BOXES

Horse trailers, or boxes as they are called in some countries, need to be safe.

Consider the size of the horses you will be hauling. Make sure the trailer is large enough to accommodate the horse comfortably.

Know the outside height of the trailer including open vents and roof rack so that when you pull under a marked overhang, such as at a motel, you don't rip the roof off the trailer.

A “bumper pull” trailer DOES NOT HITCH TO THE BUMPER OF A VEHICLE. This common, but incorrect term for a straight pull or “tagalong” has been taken literally with dire consequences.

Do not attach a trailer to a car bumper.

Of the various types of trailers, the straight pull type is the most likely to sway.

Of the various types of hitches, the 5th wheel or gooseneck setup is most stable for hauling four or more horses.

SAFETY CHECKLIST

It’s a good idea to develop a checklist to be used before every trip and after every stop.

· Is the floor safe and solid? Use a knife or screwdriver to check for rot in wood floors.

· Are the floor mats fitted snugly?

· Are the lights hooked up and working? Check turn signals and brake lights.

· Are the brakes hooked up and working?

· Is the trailer level?

· Are the safety chains properly hooked?

· Is the battery for the breakaway braking system charged?

· Are the tires in good condition and properly inflated? Check tires for rot if the trailer has been standing idle for awhile.

· Are all latches properly latched?

· Is the trailer hitch securely in place and locked?

· Do you have the proper sized ball for the hitch and is it securely seated and locked?

SAFE DRIVING TIPS

· If you are hauling one horse in a two-horse straight load, the horse rides on the left side. If you are slant-loading horses, they are tied on the left side. This is because most roads are “crowned”, which means higher in the middle. Concentrating the weight on the left or “high” side keeps the trailer from tipping.

· Make sure the hitch on your vehicle allows your trailer to travel level. If your horses are always standing uphill they may scramble or constantly shift position to try to compensate for the angle. At the very least, they will arrive at their destination stiff and sore and probably out of sorts.

· Do not load a horse facing backwards unless the trailer is specifically designed for rear-facing travel. Loading a horse backward puts the majority of the weight on the back and strains the hitch.

· NEVER remove the bars off the windows so the horse can stick his head out while you’re driving. Not only does this practice lead to serious eye problems, but if another vehicle gets too close, your horse’s head could be injured.

Here’s a list of items to carry with you for your own safety and that of your horse.

· Number one on your list is identification and health papers. You should be able to identify yourself and your horse. You’ll have your driver’s license, but for your horse an I.D. sheet with pictures will help.

· Contact Information - the most important paper you can carry is one detailing instructions of who to contact in case you are incapacitated. List friends who know you and your horse, and your veterinarian.

· Program your emergency numbers into your cell phone and designate them with the acronym ICE, which stands for In Case of Emergency.

· A cell phone is a very handy means of communicating. If you have an accident with your trailer and you’re stranded, the cell phone may save your life or your horse’s life.

· Have notes about the care of the horses – description of each horse, along with details about feed and medications (if needed).

· Your vehicle should always carry a first aid kit. Keep it filled with supplies for both animals and humans. In most cases, what works for you will work for the animals. Carry a lightweight blanket and a container of water. If your horse is stressed or injured you will want to make sure he doesn’t go into shock. A blanket will help keep him warm. If he’s recumbent and thrashing, a second blanket or towel will protect his head and will keep his eyes out of the dirt. Anxiety may cause him to become very particular about the water he drinks. If he has some from home it may soothe him.

· Carry an extra lead and halter in your truck. The ones on your horse may be destroyed; extras in the tack room of the trailer may be unavailable if the door is damaged or blocked.

· Also carry extra cash, fire extinguisher, wheel chocks, emergency flares, WD-40 and duct tape, a working flashlight, and a tool box including spare belts and hoses, wiring repair kit, light bulbs and fuses.

TOW VEHICLE

Before attempting to tow the trailer make sure the towing vehicle is equipped to do the job. The vehicle should be the correct size, equipped with a safe tow package and have a braking system.

To ensure the tow vehicle is large enough to pull the trailer you must know the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of the trailer. The GVW is the actual weight of the trailer, horse/s and equipment you’ve loaded in the trailer.

Stamped on the trailer may be the rating for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR is the manufacturer's recommended maximum allowable weight of this trailer when it is fully loaded. You should be aware of this rating so that you do not overload your trailer. This number will not tell you the actual weight of your trailer after it is loaded…just the capacity limit.

The GVW is the weight we need to determine the tow vehicle size.

This plate is from a 1998 aluminum gooseneck two horse slant load with a tack room.

The GVW rating is 10,400 pounds.

To determine how much your trailer actually weighs you need to have it weighed. It is possible the weight is on the title or Certificate of Origin (if the trailer is new).

After getting the weight of the trailer, add the weight of the horses, your tack, feed, water and any other items you’ve added. This is the GVW.

The trailer from which the rating plate was taken weighs 3,700 pounds.

Figure the weight of two horses at 2,000 pounds, tack – 200 pounds, feed – 100 pounds; other supplies - 300 pounds, which brings the GVW to 6,300 pounds. This is well within the 10,400 weight limit.

The towing capacity of the vehicle needs to exceed the GVW of the trailer. The truck or car manufacturer will have the information.

The truck used to pull the above trailer is a 2010 Dodge 3500 Quad Cab, dually. The towing capacity of this vehicle (according to the manufacturer) is 17,000 pounds.

Another rating that must be taken into account is the Combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (CGVWR) or it could be stated as GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) of the tow vehicle. This is the manufacturer's recommended maximum allowable weight for the combination of the vehicle and trailer together. This rating includes passengers, fuel and any other items that will be in both the vehicle and trailer.

Most people who transport horses prefer pickups that have dual rear wheels. These trucks offer stability and are rated for pulling trailers. The dual wheels also offer some confidence in case of tire failure.

TIRES

It is very important that tires on the trailer and towing vehicle are in good condition. The time to cut corners is not when buying tires for the trailer or tow vehicle. Purchase well-made tires that are rated for the job.

If the tires look worn, are weather-checked, have bubbles or any other flaws – do not continue with the trip. It’s not worth it.

Be sure you have a good spare tire, with sufficient air pressure, for the truck and the trailer. It is rare that the spare will fit both.

For ease in changing flat tires a trailer ramp and several chocks should be stored in the trailer. These ramps allow flat tires to be changed easily and safely…in many cases without unloading the horses. The chocks will keep the trailer from rolling should you need to unhook it from the tow vehicle.

For more information about safety and hauling horses take the online course Equine Safety and Rescue.

DRIVING THE RIG

If you’ve never pulled a trailer or have limited experience practice without the horses until you feel confident.

Backing

1. Locate a large vacant parking lot in which to practice. Use cones to back between. Practice several different approaches.

2. With your hand at the top of the steering wheel the back of the trailer will move in the opposite direction of your hand. (The bottom of the steering wheel moves in the direction of the back of the trailer.)

3. Practice backing a straight line and backing between the cones.

4. Practice backing using your mirrors.

Before driving the rig go over the safety check list. Make sure it is hooked properly, brakes and lights work, and safety chains are in place.

Adjust your mirrors, seat and steering wheel before driving off. Fasten your seat belt.

Do not talk on the cell phone, text or become distracted. All your attention must be focused on driving the rig and what others are doing on the highway. Defensive driving is a must when pulling a trailer.

Don’t hit the brakes. You must leave room between you and the vehicle you are following. Because of the weight it will take you longer to come to a complete stop. A handy measurement guide is one vehicle length for every 10 miles (16.0 km.) per hour you are driving. For example if you are driving 60 mph. (96.5 km per hour) you would have at least six vehicle lengths of empty space between you and the car ahead. Increase this buffer zone if weather is bad, it’s dark or the chances of a problem seems high (another vehicle is weaving around).

You must accelerate smoothly and slowly. Quick jerky takeoffs are hard on horses.

When merging into traffic give yourself plenty of time to accelerate your vehicle. You are longer and heavier than other vehicles. Watch for an opening and try to match the speed of the moving traffic. The goal is to blend in with the flow.

Remember to use your turn signals when changing lanes or turning. Check to make sure they shut off after completing the maneuver. Make your lane changes or turns smooth and gradual.

If your trailer starts to sway - don’t slow down. Tap your brakes sending short signals to the brake controller which will slow your horse trailer and allow the trailer to pull straight behind the tow vehicle with minimal swaying.

On long trips check on the horses about every four hours to ensure they are maintaining good health and not at risk for dehydration. Offer water, check the tow vehicle and trailer – do a walk around. This brief break will allow horses to urinate. It will also give you time to stretch, use the cell phone and make any needed adjustments. During hot weather, park the trailer in a shaded area. Use common sense regarding the amount of time spent during the break. Don’t leave the horses standing in a hot trailer while you sit in air conditioning.

During a long trip I recommend unloading the horses and allowing them to rest. At least tie them to the side of the trailer for a few hours with feed and water. Some horses will not urinate in the trailer.

If you want to rest for a long period of time locate a fair grounds or horse park where you can rent a large pen or stall. This should be arranged before setting out on the journey.

When I was learning how to pull a horse trailer my dad (a long-haul truck driver) told me to pretend I my load was loose eggs rolling around. The goal was to arrive at my destination with none broken. This concept taught me to drive with caution, alertness, smoothness and patience.

* Rules and regulations vary for each country. Check with your local government about driver certification and licensing required to pull trailers.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Because you are taking an online course it’s obvious you know how to operate a computer.

Computers have made record keeping easy. There are many software programs available for the stable manager.

If you are operating a business having a presence on the internet in the form of a web page or social group (such as Face Book) can help bring in clients. Be careful of your content…make it professional and avoid airing private issues publicly.

Please make sure you publish where you are located. It’s amazing how many web sites who offer boarding, lessons, stallions at stud and horses for sale never tell where they are located!

Click Here to Take Quiz

Assignment:

1. Locate a trailer and make a video of the pre-trip safety check you would perform.

While making the video locate the information plate so you can answer question eight on the quiz.

   (Question 8 on quiz - Locate the plate on your trailer or the demo trailer in your video. What is the GVW?)

2. Write a short report about the kind of trailer you own or would like to own (and why).

Send the link video link and your report to elblazer@horsecoursesonline.com Please make sure your full name and email address are on all documents.