Worried about the farm when you travel?

Leaving a farm isn’t like leaving a house. There are animals, routines, and systems that don’t pause just because you’re away.

This page is here to help you leave without the constant mental loop — by focusing on the few things that matter most and can realistically be handled during normal chores.

The goal isn’t perfect preparation.

It’s clarity, visibility, and knowing the farm is ready.

If these thoughts come up before a trip…

• What if the water freezes or stops flowing?

• What if a gate comes loose?

• What if a horse is off feed and no one notices?

• What if supplies run low while I’m gone?

• What if something feels off and the helper doesn’t know who to call?

These aren’t overreactions. They’re common farm-owner worries.

The solution isn’t doing more — it’s setting things up so problems are easier to notice and help is easier to reach.

The Everyday Stables approach

Make problems easy to notice

Most issues start small. Water intake, feed, manure, and behavior tell you almost everything — if they’re checked consistently.

Make the farm easy to step into

Clear routines reduce hesitation. When someone doesn’t have to guess, things go more smoothly.

Make help easy to reach

When contact information is obvious, people act faster and with more confidence.

High-impact prep that fits into regular chores

This isn’t about extra work. These checks can happen while you’re already feeding, watering, or closing up.

• As you do chores, scan gates, latches, and fencing

• Do a quick drive-by of the property, or an ATV loop if you have one

• Watch for obvious issues: downed fencing, water leaks, icy areas

• Top up feed, hay, bedding, medications, and supplements with a small buffer

• Clearly label feed and scoop sizes (AM and PM)

• Put all medications in one place with simple instructions

You don’t need to catch everything — just the things that would cause trouble quickly.

A simple departure plan

A few days before you leave

• Confirm who is helping and when they’re coming

• Decide what must be done daily versus what can wait

• Check inventory so nothing runs out mid-trip

• Make sure there’s a backup water option (extra buckets, spare trough, heater)

The day before or day of

• Do a quick visual check during chores or a drive-by

• Stage feed and supplements so there’s no guesswork

• Make sure your helper knows:

• where things are

• what “normal” looks like

• how to reach you if something feels off

Post critical contact information in the barn

This is one of the most important steps.

Post a printed contact sheet in a visible location such as the feed room, tack room, or barn office:

• Your name and phone number

• Backup contact (family member, neighbor, barn manager)

• Veterinarian name, clinic, and emergency number

• Farrier name and phone number

• Farm address (important in emergencies)

• A simple note such as:

“If something feels off, call or text. You’re not bothering me.”

Paper matters. It’s faster than a phone when stress is high.

Daily checks while you’re away

Instead of listing everything here, use a consistent daily checklist that keeps attention on the right things.

A simple AM/PM check catches most problems early — without asking anyone to diagnose or make judgment calls.

Head on over to our resources page for a checklist for you to use!

If something doesn’t look right

No one needs to solve the problem — just take the next step.

• Not eating and not drinking: notify you and monitor closely

• Signs of colic (rolling, repeated pawing, no manure, sweating): contact the veterinarian immediately

• Sudden lameness or swelling: restrict movement and notify you

• Water system failure: switch to backup water and notify you right away

Adjust this guidance to match your comfort level and local resources.

You’re allowed to leave

Putting a few simple systems in place means you don’t have to carry the farm with you in your head.

When routines are clear, checks are consistent, and contact information is easy to find, you’ve done what you need to do. The farm is ready.

Go enjoy your time away.

Be present, rest, and travel knowing things are set up to be noticed early and handled calmly if needed.

That peace of mind matters too.