Biosecurity Code of Practice
Bronze Tier — applies to all StableStop listings
Protecting the health of all horses is a shared responsibility. These guidelines apply to all StableStop bookings and help prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Every listing on StableStop automatically meets our Bronze biosecurity standard.
Before You Travel
- 1Ensure your horse's vaccinations are up to date, including influenza (within the last 6 months) and tetanus.
- 2Check your horse's passport is valid, up to date, and travelling with the horse at all times (a legal requirement in the UK).
- 3Monitor your horse for signs of illness in the 48 hours before travel. Do not travel if your horse shows any symptoms.
- 4Clean and disinfect your horsebox or trailer thoroughly before loading.
- 5Pack your own feed, hay, and water buckets to minimise cross-contamination.
On Arrival
- 1Present your horse's passport and vaccination records to the host on arrival.
- 2Use the designated parking and unloading area.
- 3Allow the host to inspect your horse before stabling if requested.
- 4Use disinfectant foot baths if provided at the yard entrance.
- 5Wash your hands before and after handling horses on the premises.
During Your Stay
- 1Keep your horse in the allocated stable or area only.
- 2Do not allow nose-to-nose contact between your horse and resident horses unless the host permits it.
- 3Use only the equipment and areas designated for visiting horses.
- 4Clean up after your horse promptly — remove droppings from communal areas.
- 5Report any signs of illness in your horse to the host immediately.
On Departure
- 1Leave the stable clean and tidy — remove all bedding, droppings, and personal items.
- 2Disinfect any shared equipment you used.
- 3Notify the host of your departure time.
- 4If your horse became ill during the stay, inform the host and seek veterinary advice before travelling.
Disease Notification
- 1If a notifiable disease is suspected (e.g. equine influenza, strangles, EHV), contact your vet and APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) immediately.
- 2Inform the host and any other riders who may have been in contact.
- 3Do not move the horse until veterinary clearance is given.
- 4APHA helpline: 03000 200 301 (England), 0300 303 8268 (Wales), 03000 996 999 (Scotland).
Biosecurity Tiers
All StableStop listings meet Bronze. Hosts can upgrade to higher tiers for increased trust and visibility. Each tier is cumulative — higher tiers include everything below.
We take the basics seriously
Clean stables, annual Flu + Tetanus, turn away sick horses, emergency vet on file. No declaration required.
We go beyond the minimum
6-monthly Flu booster, sanitisation product between visitors (image evidence). Annual re-declaration.
We actively manage biosecurity risk
Pre-arrival health questionnaire (48hrs), separate stabling from residents (image evidence). Platform reviews health declaration.
Full biosecurity programme
Written biosecurity plan, named lead, disinfection log, post-stay monitoring (48hrs/7 days), EHV vaccination, strangles screening.
Useful Links
- DEFRA — Equine identification and biosecurity: gov.uk/guidance/equine-identification
- British Equestrian — Biosecurity resources: britishequestrian.org.uk
- BHS — Safe stabling guidelines: bhs.org.uk