Smile for the camera
Although Jo lives on site, she has installed CCTV in five locations across the yard, including the main driveway, the lorry and trailer parking, the main yards and the barn. It not only deters thieves but also means that if an accident takes place at the yard, she has evidence of what happened for insurance and horse welfare purposes.
“The cameras play 24/7 and I have access to each of them from my computer at home as well as my mobile, so I can see what’s happening on the yard from the other side of the world at any time of day or night,” Jo says. “We also have wildlife cameras dotted around as extra security and surveillance. Once a month I climb up and clean the screens on the cameras as spiders love to build webs over them.”
There is also a camera on the property’s only other external gate which is chained and padlocked.
“We have 5ft post and rail fencing with electric which is checked weekly. Any repairs needed are made instantly to ensure that horses can’t get injured or escape onto the road,” Jo reveals. “We are also part of the local Neighbourhood Watch and West Midlands Horse Watch, and we find the local equestrian Facebook pages really useful for lost or stolen animals and items.
“We have good relationships with other local yards and keep an eye out for each other, notifying of anything untoward, such as a suspicious car parking up or people hanging around.”
Trailers are wheel-locked and there is a camera on the lorry parking area too.
“We have good relationships with other local yards and keep an eye out for each other, notifying of anything untoward, such as a suspicious car parking up or people hanging around”
Keeping connected
“We have a yard Facebook messenger group which we use to let others know if we’re going out hacking, or taking the lorry or trailer, and when we get back,” says Jo. “There’s also a white board in the tearoom which details dates and times of when professionals such as vets, farriers and dentists are coming onto the yard so that everyone knows to expect someone.”
When a new horse arrives, Jo makes note of their medical history in case something happens when the owner isn’t here.
“I also have a copy of their passport so I know their basic information, and I make a list of when all of the horses are due their vaccinations, dentist and farrier appointments. Horse welfare is the most important thing, so I do what I can to ensure they stay safe, secure and healthy.”