COVID-19 and Pennsylvania Equine Businesses

Update 4/21/2020: Pennsylvania stay-at-home orders have been extended through May 8, 2020.

Update 4/10/2020: Information about federal relief programs has been added. These may apply to boarding and other types of equine businesses.

Update 4/1/2020: All counties are now under Stay-at-Home orders and we added some information on essential tasks.

Amid the COVID-19 business closings and stay-at-home orders, many Pennsylvania horse boarding farms are looking for guidance on how the "Life Sustaining Business" mandate applies to them. At this time, there is no official horse-specific statement from the Department of Agriculture, but when the question was brought up on a call with PA Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, he urged all farm owners to follow the guidance for Farms and On-Farm Delivery to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. It is essential to continue caring for the animals, but beyond that, private businesses may decide individually whether to allow boarder visits. He suggested that businesses seek legal counsel before making a decision.

One equine legal firm has published an opinion, along with reasoning, for why it makes sense to shut down boarding barns during the crisis. Penn State Extension does not endorse this company, but we want to provide our customers with as much information as possible.

Secretary Redding also encouraged any boarding businesses that do allow boarder visits to offer scheduled appointments for anyone who visits the farm, including boarders, farriers, veterinarians, etc. Some managers are utilizing online scheduling tools to allot time blocks. All visitors must practice social distancing (at least 6 feet between people at all times) and good cleaning measures. This may be a good solution for self-care boarding facilities where closing to boarders is not an option.

Governor Wolf's statewide mitigation effort suggests no more than 10 people together at one time, so that would be an appropriate guide for the maximum number of people at the farm at any given time. However, all Pennsylvania counties are now under Stay-at-Home orders until May 8, and residents are not to go out except for essential tasks such as getting food, medication, medical attention, going to essential work positions, caring for others, or engaging in outdoor activity. While providing daily horse care is definitely considered essential, it is not clear whether riding horses would fall under those categories. Extension Horses, a group of university equine specialists from around the country, suggests the following guidelines (though this is not law):

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) developed a suggested protocol to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in equestrian facilities. This 2-page document would be easy to print and post in the barn. The AAEP recommends prohibiting non-essential visitors, sending home anyone with symptoms, and using every other cross-tie. Any communal items (wheelbarrows, pitchforks, spray nozzles, gate latches) should be disinfected frequently, preferably by whoever touched it last. Follow the CDC guidelines for cleaning and use effective disinfectant products. Avoid sharing equipment as much as possible, and wash hands frequently.

Consider switching to electronic payments for board and other fees. If boarders must drop off supplements, medications, etc., set up a designated drop-off area and disinfect it after every use. Request that boarders alert you to any drop-offs.

If your business is struggling financially due to the COVID-19 outbreak, look into the federal relief bills and find out what you qualify for. Small businesses with fewer than 500 employees, sole proprietors, self-employed individuals, and independent contractors are all eligible for some programs. Some of these loans (or portions of them) are forgivable. These programs are first-come, first-served, so do not delay in applying for them. However, it is important to learn as much as you can about them first and read the fine print so that you don't become ineligible for other programs.

Penn State Extension has published 3 fact sheets on the different programs:

• Phase I of the Federal Relief Bills: SBA and Economic Injury Disaster Loans
• Phase II of the COVID-19 Relief Bills: Unemployment and Workers Compensation
• Small Business Benefits and the CARES Act: What Farm and Food Producers Need to Know

More information on the Paycheck Protection Program is available at the US Department of the Treasury website. It is recommended to go through your existing lender to apply for this program.

Extension Horses, a nationwide group of equine specialists, hosted a webinar called COVID-19 Financial Assistance Options for Horse Owners and Horse Businesses to explain how these programs apply to equine businesses, as well as non-federal safety net programs for horse owners. 

In addition, you should check out the funding resources available as compiled by the American Horse Council (scroll down to the section "Coronavirus Resources for Equine Businesses"). The PA Department of Community and Economic Development also has a landing page for businesses affected by COVID-19. 

If you are a boarder, please respect the decision your barn owner has made to close or stay open. There may be issues with liability insurance if they allow visitors onto the farm during this pandemic. At the end of the day, it is their property (perhaps even their home), and they are trying to keep their families and employees safe.

For more information

• Keep up to date by monitoring the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture website on COVID-19. 
• Educate yourself on COVID-19 by reading the CDC FAQ.
• The American Horse Council has compiled an excellent list of resources for horse owners, non-profits, equine businesses, and equine industry employees.
• AAEP Resources for Veterinarians 
• Equine Disease Communication Center describes the difference between Equine Coronavirus and COVID-19 and provides more resources for horse owners. 
• United Horse Coalition has an extensive collection of resources. 

We will continue to update this News Item with any new information and resources that arise. Stay safe (and wash your hands!).