Horse Care Info Sheet
Woman engaged in talking with her calm horse.
Peace of is the reward for horse owners when emergency preparedness allows horse owners to trust others to care for their horses.
© 20019 by Equine Guelph New window.
While one can’t plan for every form of disaster, it’s important to familiarize yourself with any potential risks that could occur in your area and plan for them accordingly. Planning ahead can allow horse owners the opportunity to stay composed and act quickly in an emergency situation.
Preplanning Checklist:
- Survey your property and map out the location of all dwellings and animal barns, along with the number and type of livestock.
- Outline and practice emergency evacuation/fire escape plans (emergency action plans) and ensure that evacuation routes include containment areas for any evacuated animals.
- Provide your emergency action plans in a prominent location (i.e. whiteboard) and confirm individuals that assist if needed, especially if you are unable to get to your property.
- Keep an up-to-date emergency contact list, which would also include individuals who would be able to assist with transporting and sheltering your horses.
- Ensure that your address (fire number) is prominently displayed and visible from both directions for emergency responders.
- Make sure that all your horses have some form of identification (i.e. livestock markers etc)
- Photograph your horses from all angles and keep three printed copies; one in barn in waterproof pouch (Ziploc bag), one with you and one off site.
- Safely store a two-week supply of feed/hay (with feeding instructions) and ensure a minimum three-day supply of water stored in covered containers.
- Store any medications and supplements in an airtight, waterproof container. Always read labels and store at appropriate temperatures.
- Assemble and maintain an equine emergency care kit that includes vetwrap, bandages, medications (stored in correct temperature range), flashlights, batteries, etc., and keep it with up-to-date records on your horse’s vaccinations and medications, etc.
- Make sure that insurance coverage on your property and horses is up to date.
Around the Barn
- Post emergency phone numbers in a prominent location in your barn.
- Keep at least one well-maintained generator on site and have enough fuel to keep it running for several days.
- Familiarize yourself with the location and operation of all emergeny shutoff valves and containment measures and be sure that information is readily available to responders.
- Keep all hazardous material labeled and secured in a safe place.
- Check wiring to ensure it is safe and in good condition and not a fire hazard.
- Make sure all doors are working properly and are able to open or shut in an emergency situation.
- Make sure your laneways and gates to paddocks are large enough that emergency vehicles such as fire truck can access your propKeep all fire extinguishers fully charged and easily accessible for immediate use.
- Always keep a sufficient amount of halters and leads ropes for every horse on the property ready and easily accessible.
- Have designated areas to keep flashlights, first-aid kits, etc.
- When in doubt, consult with your local Fire Department for advice on how to effectively keep your horses safe on the farm.
Press release by Equine Guelph