Keeping your horses safe during a storm
Even as the world seems to shut down around us, those of us with horses know we continue to care for them throughout quarantines, pandemics and all sorts of emergencies. And one thing that is not changed by the Coronavirus is the weather – especial spring weather. But do you have a plan for how to keep your horse safe during spring storms? There are many different thoughts when it comes to protecting your horse during a storm. Some say leave them in barn where they are safe from flying debris and wind. Others say leave horses outside because in the barn a horse could be trapped under a collapsing wall or the full structure in a very bad storm with severe winds or a tornado.
That’s the basic question with which everyone grapples -- inside or outside. As I did some research and from my studies and years as an equine veterinarian, I feel that all animals have a basic instinct of self-preservation. So, if you can give your horse the option to stand under an open shed or leave your barn stall doors open (inside a fenced in pasture, of course) that allows them the freedom to run out if they feel threatened. If you know a major storm is approaching, you can put a fly mask on your horse to protect his or her eyes from things flying around in the wind. You can also put on a waterproof turn-out rug to protect them from flying debris. Finally, put some sort of identification on your horse so that if a fence were to collapse or they somehow got out of the pasture during a storm, they can be identified. Spray paint phone number on the mane or use a Sharpe to write your phone number on a hoof. For more long-term planning, you can get an identification tag for their halter that includes your name and phone number. Also, remember to turn your horse out with a leather halter so they can be caught. The leather should be used instead of a nylon halter because if they get hung on something it will break whereas a nylon halter won’t break.
No matter what you decide to do with your horse, if a storm is coming, put away as much debris as you can. This minimizes the risk of objects flying around the pasture or the barn. And, if something does happen to your horse during a storm, call your veterinarian immediately. This is why it is important that you have a good relationship with your vet, so they know your horses and know you. If you never call them, when a storm hits, you will be at the bottom of their list if there is widespread issues like we saw in the recent storms to hit Middle Tennessee.
For more reading, here are some articles I found:
Preparedness is Key to Surviving Tornadoes with Horses
How to keep horses safe during natural disasters