Disaster Planning: Are Left-Behind Horses Better off Left In or Out?

Texas A&M University Extension Specialist Dr Brett Scott continues his disaster planning advice with one of the most difficult dilemmas a horse owner can face: if you have to evacuate and can't take your horses (or all the horses at a location), what is the safest way to set up the left-behind animals?

I'd write more but I'm going to the lumberyard to buy three sheets of plywood and a a can of neon spray paint. And I'm going to hide them in a safe place where they won't get used for something else!

That's one thing Dr. Brett doesn't mention: the time to buy storm supplies like plywood and tarps is not when a storm is coming. The stores will be sold out. Invest in those items when they are on sale and store them away.

Thanks to Extension.org for making this video public.

Severe Weather Tips for Horse Owners

I can't believe the news this weekend. In fact, I can't remember a time when weather-related tragedies have been so consistently in the news. My heart goes out to everyone in Iowa's floods and California's fires. I know there are horses in these places, and I hope everyone was prepared, although it sounds like the people in Iowa had no way of knowing the danger they were in.

So, it could happen to any of us, anytime.

After the recent tornado in Windsor, Colorado, veterinarians at Colorado State University compiled a list of simple hints and advice for horse owners in the event of a serious weather event or natural disaster in which horses are injured:

- Right now, not during an emergency, make contact with neighbors and be sure everyone has multiple halters, leads, ropes and first-aid kits on hand.

- First-aid kits should be stocked with bandage materials to treat lacerations and stop any bleeding while waiting for veterinarians to arrive.

- Have pain medications on hand such as Phenylbutazone (bute) or Banamine.

- Make sure horses are current on their vaccines, especially tetanus.

- If your horse is injured, call your local veterinarian to evaluate your horse and treat him on the farm if possible.

- If a wound or wounds are bleeding excessively, a wound is over a joint, a horse will not bear weight on one of its limbs, or the horse is showing signs of severe lameness, the horse may need to be hospitalized for treatment.

- Shock and dehydration is another concern during emergencies. Horses that are shaking or that are severely dehydrated may need IV fluids and hospitalization.

To that list, I would recommend buying a couple of good first-aid books...and reading them. (First aid for horses AND first aid for humans!) Also check with your local fire department for any recommendations that they have for evacuation routes or protocols for heavy snow, fires, bridge closures, etc. that might affect how you can transport your animals to a vet clinic or to a safe haven if needed.

It goes without saying that horses need to be schooled so they will load and unload quickly and quietly, whether by you or a stranger. Don't put that training off, even if you don't own a trailer.

Plan now. Just look at the news any night. It could be your horse running down the road away from a fire, or your horse swimming in the floods. Don't let that happen, if you possibly can!