What goes on a horse emergency plan?

Horse data (name, age, breed, sex, identification, particularities), owner with two phone numbers and emergency contact, stable address with GPS, routine and emergency vet, farrier, insurance, known diseases, allergies, medication and behavioral hints.

Where to post the emergency plan?

On the box door clearly visible, in the tack room and on the stable halter (laminated tag or QR tag). For transport, a copy in the trailer or on the halter used for loading.

QR code or plain text: which is more useful?

Both combined. Plain text immediately readable, also without power or signal. QR code links to the full horse file with all details.

How often to update the plan?

At least once a year and at every change of owner, vet, farrier, phone number or insurance. Also after diagnosis or new medication.

Is the emergency plan mandatory in Switzerland?

No specific obligation. But horses must be registered (TVD, passport) and holders are responsible for proper care. A visible plan is the simplest way to live this responsibility daily.

Guide

Horse emergency plan with QR code: printable stable template

3 min read

When a horse colics, a box burns or a trailer overturns, every minute counts. Whoever stands at the stable not knowing the horse needs all relevant data at a glance. This guide shows what belongs on a horse emergency plan, how to link it to a QR code and where it must be visible.

Why an emergency plan with QR code matters

In daily stable life, the people who know a specific horse best aren't always on site. Managers, sharers, apprentices or helpers don't have the information together when something unexpected happens. A visible emergency plan solves this exactly when it matters.

A classic plain-text notice on the box door covers the essentials. The A4 space is limited though. The QR code takes over for details (full insurance, history, medications).

The Society of Swiss Veterinarians notes that rapid availability of holder and vet data is decisive in emergencies.

What belongs on the emergency plan

Horse data: name, nickname, age, breed, sex, coat color, distinctive markings, identification (TVD, passport ID).
Owner and backup: full name, mobile, second contact (landline or family), alternative emergency person.
Stable: address with postal code, GPS coordinates, manager name and mobile.
Vet and emergency: routine practice, regional emergency service, 24h clinic.
Farrier: name and phone.
Insurance: holder or private liability with insurer and policy, OP or health insurance if present.
Health: known diseases, allergies (especially medication), continuous medication, last vaccinations.
Behavior: scary at loading, biter, gelding with stallion manners, lead from the left.
QR code: links to the full horse file (app or public emergency profile).

QR code: paper or digital

The QR code has become the simplest bridge between physical stable notice and digital horse file.

Plain text first. Horse, owner, vet in readable text.
QR code as second layer pointing to a stable URL that loads even with weak stable signal.
Robustness. Laminated label or aluminum plate to survive rain, sun, dust.
QR test. Scan regularly and verify the target is still correct.

Where to place the plan

Four proven locations:

Box door or stable inscription. Eye level, plain text plus QR.
Tack room or owner's cabinet. Second copy in case the box notice is damaged.
Stable halter. Small QR tag or mini-card, visible outside too.
Trailer. Laminated copy for breakdowns, accidents or police checks during transport.

For multiple horses, label each notice with horse name and box number.

Swiss context

No specific legal obligation for a horse emergency plan. But several rules converge.

Identification. Each horse must be registered with the FSVO, passport and TVD mandatory.
OPAn. Holder responsible for care, movement, social contact.
Regional emergency services via Swiss Equestrian and cantonal associations.

A visible plan is the simplest way to organize responsibility in a large Swiss stable.

Printable template

Block 1: Horse

Name, nickname, age, sex, breed, color
Distinctive markings
TVD, passport ID
Location (stable, box number)

Block 2: Owner and backup

Name, mobile
Second contact
Trusted person with mobile

Block 3: Emergency contacts

Routine vet, address, phone
Regional emergency service
24h equine clinic, phone, address
Farrier, phone

Block 4: Health

Known diseases or diagnoses
Allergies (medication especially)
Continuous medication and dose
Last vaccination and deworming

Block 5: Insurance

Holder or private liability, insurer, policy #
OP or health (if present), policy #

Block 6: Behavior

Loading, bridling, giving hooves
Preferences or fear triggers
Other hints useful in stress

QR code bottom right linking to the full file.

Frequently asked questions

What goes on the plan? Horse, owner, stable, vet, farrier, insurance, health, behavior.

Where to post it? Box door, tack room, stable halter, trailer.

QR or plain text? Combine both.

Update frequency? At least yearly and at each contact change.

Mandatory in Switzerland? No specific obligation, but holders are responsible. Visible plan is the simple solution.

Sources

Emergency plan with QR code in HorseCompanion

HorseCompanion creates for each horse a QR code that links directly to the emergency file. The notice stays current when phone numbers or vet change. Start for free

Updated: June 2026