Keeping Horses Safe with Biosecurity
Like many horsey girls, I dreamed of walking through that iconic archway into the stables at Badminton. Today, thanks to our work with Ag Plus Biosecurity Specialists, that dream has become a pinch-me reality. For the fourth year running, my team and I are privileged to help keep this world-class event safe by disinfecting all 100 stables, plus the isolation block and vet boxes, before the horses even arrive. It’s a responsibility we never take lightly.
Preparation begins long before the event itself. The dedicated stable team at Badminton first empty and deep-cleans the stables, which are used throughout the year. Then, three weeks before the competition, we make our first visit. Using our electric vapour machines, we coat all surfaces with EndoSan disinfectant while also fogging the atmosphere to reach every corner.
A week later, our second visit involves battery-operated commercial knapsack sprayers, giving the stables another thorough layer of EndoSan. These sprayers deliver a consistent spray pattern and pressure, ensuring the disinfectant is applied effectively, without waste. After this visit, the stables are bedded down with Bedmax shavings, ready for our final round of fogging. At this stage, stables are sealed until the horses arrive, maintaining biosecurity until the last moment.
Every machine we use is carefully chosen to deliver EndoSan with precision. Nozzles create a flat fan pattern and droplets of 30–50 microns — the perfect size to coat surfaces without over-saturating or wasting product, while avoiding drift onto surrounding areas. Correct droplet formation is crucial: too large, and the liquid bounces off; too small, and it drifts away; too little, and the process fails.
EndoSan disinfectant itself is a powerhouse. It tackles bacteria, viruses, fungi, mould, spores, amoebae, and algae, boasting a 99.999% kill rate. It works in the presence of organic matter and is fully organic and biodegradable — a safe, effective choice for horses and handlers alike. Importantly, it meets FEI standards and is on the DEFRA-approved disinfectant list, which is mandatory for equestrian events. FEI regulations require that stables, transport, and equipment be cleaned with approved disinfectants to prevent the spread of diseases such as Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1).
For me, it’s especially rewarding to share this work with my daughter Eve, who will be joining me again at Badminton this year. As a family business, passing on this dedication to horse welfare and biosecurity makes the experience all the more meaningful.
Behind the glamour and excitement of Badminton lies a quieter, essential story: meticulous preparation, rigorous biosecurity, and a commitment to keeping every horse safe. It’s a privilege to play a part in protecting the health of these incredible athletes — and to turn a childhood dream into a family passion.
If you’d like to learn more about steps to take to help keep your horse safer… see www.ag-plus.co.uk
Contact Gail at [email protected]
