The inherent risks and complex legal landscape of the equine industry present a persistent challenge for professionals who dedicate their lives to working with horses. A new initiative based in Saluda, North Carolina, aims to directly address these concerns by creating a more secure and standardized environment for all participants. Distinguished equine educator and legal consultant Randi Thompson has officially launched the Equine Safety & Standards Network (ESSN), a professional organization designed to bolster the horse industry from the ground up. This network provides equine programs with the essential tools to improve safety practices, strengthen their operational systems, and elevate professional standards. A primary goal of the initiative is to significantly reduce the liability exposure that often looms over business owners. The resources offered by ESSN are meticulously tailored to serve a broad spectrum of equine businesses, ranging from local riding schools and competitive training barns to extensive recreational trail riding operations, ensuring its applicability across the diverse sectors of the industry.
A Practical Approach to Risk Management
At the heart of the Equine Safety & Standards Network’s mission is a commitment to providing practical, real-world tools that can be seamlessly integrated into the daily workflow of any equine business. Rather than introducing cumbersome new procedures, the network focuses on embedding best practices into existing operations. This is achieved through a comprehensive suite of resources, including detailed safety and operational checklists that cover everything from facility maintenance to emergency preparedness. Furthermore, ESSN offers standardized horse and rider evaluation templates, allowing instructors and trainers to consistently assess skill levels and suitability, which is a critical component of risk mitigation. A significant focus is placed on liability awareness education, empowering professionals with the knowledge to identify and address potential legal pitfalls before they escalate. By providing clear best-practice frameworks for instructors, trainers, and facility managers, the network’s purpose is to instill greater confidence and clarity, transforming safety from an afterthought into a foundational element of a well-run equine enterprise.
Forging a More Secure Future for Equine Professionals
The establishment of the Equine Safety & Standards Network represents a direct evolution of its founder’s extensive experience within the equestrian world. The launch coincided with Randi Thompson’s return to the American Horse Publications (AHP) community, a professional network that proved instrumental in her past successful ventures. This new initiative synthesizes years of hands-on work as an equine legal consultant and expert witness, roles in which Thompson has been deeply involved with case analysis and sophisticated risk management strategies. ESSN effectively translates this deep well of legal and safety expertise into a cohesive, accessible resource for the professionals on the front lines of the industry. The network’s introduction was a strategic move to empower the individuals who dedicate their careers to horses, aiming to strengthen the future of the equine industry not only in the United States but on a global scale. This development provided a pivotal resource that promised to fortify the operational and legal standing of equine businesses for years to come.
