Tis the Season: Lightning Can Kill Horses
Thunderstorms come rumbling through here with regularity this time of year. Something happens when the big banks of thunderheads build up over the land and move toward the coast here in Massachusetts. I'm not a meteorologist, but I think the cooler air over the ocean kicks up squalls and makes the chaotic thunderstorms pack more punch--or at least make more noise--when they run into a new, third air mass.
I worry a lot about people out on boats when the storms hit, because I've been caught out there myself and it's terrifying. But I also think about horses and I'd like to read some research on horse behavior to see how horses instinctively react to the electric feeling in the air that precedes a storm, and to the storm itself.
There's a lot of talk about how horseshoes naturally conduct electricity and can attract lightning to a horse, such as when a horse is standing under a tree and the lightning passes through the tree and its roots to kill the horse.
I believe that barefoot horses also are susceptible to lightning strikes, but what about horses with rubber shoes or hoof boots? Will those act as insulators?
Last Friday, lightning struck and killed four horses, including a four-week-old colt, in Leesburg, Georgia. The horses were huddled under a tree during the storm when the lightning killed all but the oldest mare.
I'll be writing more about lightning this summer. Please share your experiences with me by clicking on the "comments" button below.
I know that Dr Nicholas Dodman, the famous animal behaviorist at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, has done research and provides treatment for horses that are traumatized by the sound of thunder.
And does your barn have lightning rods? I love driving through the New England countryside and seeing the old isinglass bulbs on old fixtures that were often hand-forged by local blacksmiths. But I don't see them on new barns. Maybe modern electricians can "ground" the wiring but what about lightning danger? Can someone tell me why lightning rods aren't in use anymore?
What's your favorite lightning-strike story?
Labels: Lightning
posted by Fran Jurga @ 6/21/2007
4 comments
4 Comments:
Dear Fran:
We have electric fence on top, middle, and bottom. Our Percheron mares that we breed to our Thoroughbred stallions will walk through any fence during breeding season unless it's electric! (When they're pregnant they get lazy and stay put.
Thunder and lightening are precursors to storms in the South.
Our horses do not seem to be bothered by the lightening, either the Percherons or the Thoroughbreds, even if there is stray piece of hay near the fence. Lightening or not, they'll go get it.
However, on the safety side, we try and get to the barn and turn off the electric fence (unless it's breeding season, and then we take our chances).
Some of our 2 year olds have discovered the pulse on the electric fence and know just when to stick their heads under for a snatch at a better looking piece of grass! However, there is a new fence coming on the market with no pulse, just a steady surge of electricity, and we can't wait!
Hope this was of some help. I read your report at least twice a week. Thank you for your calm reporting, especially during the outbreak at Wellington this year.
Kitty, kgersman@hotmail.com
recently we had severe thunderstorms pass thru the area (SE pennsylvania) this storm was violent with high winds so bad that the horses crashed down there stall doors to get out. now we are worried they will continualy break out during violent thunderstorms. what is the best way to handle something like this? where is it safest for the horse during a violent storm or even hurricane?
Fran, It's a very sad day today. Last night 8/7 at aproximately 5PM, a strong storm rolled in and lightning hit our pasture of mares and foals. Two of our foals died (instantly, I hope) and a third is under vet care for bleeding from the noze, tremors, weakness, pulmonary edema, etc. I ran a report online which confirmed the strike. Not sure what we could have done to prevent this. I feel sick. Now we hope and pray for our little paint filly. www.bfasfarm.org
Hello, this is such a sad post to read. I am so sorry for your loss, Tracy. This is such a shock and a tragedy for someone to experiece. My heart goes out to you.
fran
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