When an emergency hits your barn—a fire, a flood, a colic case at midnight—chaos is the enemy. Without a written plan, decisions are made in panic, and both horses and people are put at risk. An equine facility emergency action plan (EAP) is your roadmap to a coordinated, calm response. It’s not just a document; it’s a commitment to safety that can save lives and reduce liability.
Under OSHA’s Emergency Action Plan standard (29 CFR 1910.38), what is required for workplaces with more than 10 employees?
Select one answer.
Start with OSHA compliance
If you have employees, your facility likely falls under OSHA’s Emergency Action Plan standard (29 CFR 1910.38). This standard requires a written plan that is kept in the workplace and available for employee review. The plan must include procedures for reporting emergencies, evacuation routes and procedures, and a system to account for all employees after evacuation. Even if you have fewer than ten employees and can communicate the plan orally, a written document is still a best practice for consistency and training.
Identify your specific risks
No two equine facilities face the same threats. Begin by listing the emergencies most likely to occur in your region: wildfires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, barn fires, or medical crises like colic and injuries. The Kansas State University Veterinary Health Center recommends tailoring your plan to address the specific needs of your horses and facilities. Survey your property and surrounding area to determine the most appropriate evacuation route for each disaster type, as advised by Cincinnati Insurance.
Build your emergency contact list
Your plan is only as good as the contacts you can reach. Compile a list that includes your regular veterinarian, local equine hospitals, farriers, and any people who can assist in an emergency. Keep this list easily accessible and share it with all individuals involved in horse care. As noted by K-State, be an active client of a vet practice with annual appointments, as many practices will only see active clients for emergencies.
Establish clear communication protocols
Determine how you will communicate during an emergency with key personnel, including veterinarians, barn staff, and emergency services. Ensure everyone knows the appropriate contact information and procedures for reporting emergencies. Your EAP should outline who calls 911, who contacts the vet, and who alerts other boarders or owners. Designate a primary and backup coordinator to manage the response.
Plan for evacuation and shelter-in-place
Your EAP must include both evacuation and shelter-in-place protocols. For evacuation, identify primary and secondary routes that can accommodate a trailer and are passable in all weather conditions. Make advance arrangements for trailer space, either with your own equipment or through a friend or hauler. Woodside, California’s equine evacuation guidelines recommend keeping a leather halter and cotton lead rope outside each stall—nylon can melt in high temperatures. Also, train your horses to load calmly before an emergency.
If evacuation is impossible, your plan should specify shelter-in-place procedures. According to Mad Barn, when evacuation is not possible, outdoor turnout often increases horses’ survival chances. Ensure your plan includes access to alternate water and electricity sources, as recommended by the University of Tennessee’s equine disaster guide.
Stock essential supplies
Your EAP should list the supplies you need to have on hand. This includes a well-stocked equine first aid kit, a go-bag with fly spray, blankets, and shipping boots, and a grab-and-go documentation envelope. The documentation should include feed, supplements, medications with dosing, health issues, Coggins tests, vaccination records, and identification photos. Woodside recommends keeping at least a 4-7 day supply of hay and supplements, and at least 2 gallons of water per horse in your trailer. Mad Barn suggests storing two weeks of feed, water, and medications on-site.
Train, review, and update
A plan that sits in a drawer is useless. OSHA requires that all workers receive initial training on the EAP, with refreshers provided regularly or whenever updates are made. US Equestrian advises that everyone at the barn should be made aware of the plan and review it annually so all parties know their roles and responsibilities. Post your plan in the barn and discuss it with all concerned. Practice evacuation drills, test your trailer, and update contact information as needed.
Quiz: Test your knowledge
Before you finalize your EAP, check your understanding of the key requirements.
Question: Under OSHA’s Emergency Action Plan standard (29 CFR 1910.38), what is required for workplaces with more than 10 employees?
- The plan must be in writing and kept in the workplace.
- The plan can be communicated orally.
- The plan must be reviewed by a lawyer.
Correct answer: The plan must be in writing and kept in the workplace.
How the Featured Expert Can Help
Randi Thompson, founder of the Equine Safety and Success Network (ESSN), offers legal and safety consulting services for equine operations. With over 45 years of experience, she helps facilities develop robust safety standards and risk management protocols, including emergency action plans. To learn more about her consulting services and the Equine Safety and Success Guide (ESSG), visit Randi Thompson Live.