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Emergency Procedures

Every horse owner knows there are many threats that we have to keep our horses safe from. We usually are consistent when putting boots before exercising, blanketing them when the weather is cold, and deworming and vaccinating on time. But, sometimes we over look other potential dangers like weather and other natural disasters. This article will give you some pointers on how to prepare yourself and your horse for any weather dangers that may come your way.

Gather Information

Before you’re ever required to evacuate your horse because of a fire, hurricane, or flood be sure you have each horse’s records filed and easy to locate in an emergency. Papers such as coggins, bills of sale, breed registration, brand inspections, and up to date photos of your horse highlighting any brands, tattoos, and other distinguishing markings. Having these on hand will allow you to identify your horse if he was to get loose in an emergency. If you board your horse ask the barn manager if they have any emergency procedures and what they are so you are informed before an event occurs.

If Your Horse is Left Behind

Train your horse to load. I cannot say this enough it should never be an option, unless in extreme circumstances where your life is in immediate danger, where you should ever leave a horse behind. If you must leave horses behind turn them out in a large pasture with plenty of food and water. Spray paint your phone number on your horse’s side, write it on a hoof with a marker, or braid an ID tag into his mane. Never leave tack on a loose horse unless it is a break away halter that you know will break under pressure.

Horses who are left to vend for themselves can survive on there own, but their chances of getting injured or killed dramatically increase. If you don’t own a horse trailer be sure you can have access to one when you need it. Especially if your horse is boarded, make sure there is a spot for each horse on a trailer. If your horse lives on your property it’s in your horse’s best interest to own a trailer.

Evacuation Routes

Make a list of places that you can evacuate your horse(s) to in case of an emergency. It is a good idea to have places that are in multiple directions in case a storm or fire requires your first location to have to be evacuated as well. Keep addresses and driving instructions in your towing vehicle for easy access if you have to leave quickly and to keep stress to a minimum.

Plan A, B, and C

If you are forced to leave during an emergency have a general plan of action that includes gathering your horse’s info, feed, medications and valuables, loading up and traveling to your first safe location. But you must also have plan B and C if plans change. Also have different plans of action based on the type of weather. In most cases, such as hurricanes, fires and floods it is best to pack up and take your horse to a safe location. However, in the event of a tornado turning horses loose is the best thing you can do. Keeping them in a barn increases the chance that they can be hit by flying debris. Being prepared and making an effective plan will help keep you and your horse safe and sound during any situation.