Walk the route a visitor takes
Start at the yard entrance and follow the route to the tack room. Make a list of each access point, who has a key and who closes it at the end of the day. Discuss the list with the yard owner before buying equipment or changing a shared lock.
PSNI's Operation Gallop guidance puts physical security first: solid doors and frames, suitable locks and protection for windows and rooflights. It also suggests considering an intruder alarm, CCTV and sensor lighting. Review those measures together rather than treating one purchase as the whole plan.
Turn observations into assigned actions
| Area | Question for the yard | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Who may enter and who closes up? | Named responsibility |
| Building | Which defects need an installer? | Work requested and date |
| Alarm or cameras | Who responds and checks operation? | Responsible contact |
| Equipment records | Who maintains each owner's inventory? | Where records are kept |
Include the yard entrance in the review. CLA recommends substantial padlocks or deadbolts on doors and considering locked gates; discuss suitable changes with the yard owner.
Agree the daily routine
Keep a written closing checklist suitable for your yard. Give replacement staff a clear handover and review access when people leave. If a repair cannot happen immediately, agree with the yard owner what equipment should be stored elsewhere until it is resolved.
Our printable security checklist groups actions by area and links each to its source. It records actions completed, not a security rating. Keep a separate tack inventory and check your own insurer's storage conditions; this guide does not establish cover.
This is general crime-prevention information from police and partner sources (checked 25 October 2026). For advice on your yard, contact your local police rural crime team.
Sources & further reading
- PSNI: Operation Gallop · Checked 2026-10-25
- CLA: equine crime prevention · Checked 2026-10-25