NZ Standardbred Breeders' Association

Health & Safety in Standardbred Breeding

The health and safety of people and horses in our breeding community is paramount. Breeders often operate in dynamic environments with animals, equipment, vehicles, and variable conditions — making proactive risk management essential. The NZ Standardbred Breeders Association (NZSBA) is committed to supporting members in maintaining safe, professional, and legally compliant workplaces.

Understanding Your Responsibilities

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, breeders who employ staff or work with contractors are considered Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs). As such, they have a responsibility to:

  • Identify and manage risks associated with handling horses and operating a stud or farm
  • Maintain a safe environment for workers, visitors, and volunteers
  • Provide training, supervision, and protective equipment where necessary
  • Be prepared for emergencies and promote a culture of health and safety

These obligations apply whether you operate a commercial breeding property or breed a few mares as part of a family-run farm.

Practical Resources for Breeders

Harness Racing New Zealand has compiled a range of tailored resources for those working within the breeding and training sectors. These include:

Equine Facility Safety Checklist – a simple starting point for identifying physical hazards
Horse Handling Safety Guide – outlines best practice for safe and confident handling of horses
Health & Safety Policy Templates – customisable documents suitable for breeders of all sizes
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Examples – including vet visits, vehicle safety, and more

You can access these tools and more by visiting: HRNZ Health & Safety Resources for Breeders & Trainers

We strongly encourage all breeders to download and adapt these documents to suit their operations. Even small studs benefit from having a written plan and consistent procedures in place — both for peace of mind and compliance.

Support & Advice

If you’re unsure where to start or need support implementing these practices, NZSBA is here to help. Please get in touch with us at [email protected] to discuss how we can assist you in creating a safer environment for your people and horses.