FOOD

  • Horses digestive tracks are sensitive; keep the diet it is accustomed to during disasters
  • Food and special feed should be enough to last at least one week per horse
  • Store in air tight, waterproof container and rotate once every three months
  • Have an extra feed bucket on hand in case of damage or loss to the other bucket

WATER

  • Dehydration is a major problem for a horse under stress and water supplies are disrupted during disasters
  • Have a supply of water for at least one week; 50 gal. barrels, one per horse is good. Store in cool, dark place and rotate with fresh water often.
  • Tap water is also not suitable for pets in an emergency
  • Have an extra water bucket handy

SANITATION

  • Maintain a clean environment for horses to minimize the threat of disease
  • Keep one week supply of shavings (per horse) to be spread out in horses’ stalls. Make sure it stays dry.
  • Keep a pitch fork in disaster supplies
  • If space allows, have a wheelbarrow or a muck bucket

IDENTIFICATION

  • Use a microchip, tattoo, freeze brand
  • Temporary marking would include a livestock crayon with your name, phone number and address on the horse; clippers to shave name, address and phone number on its coat; or Braid an ID tag in the horse’s mane.
  • Have a current photo of your Horse(s) with owners of the animal in it for easier identification, Bill of Sale, and other Documentation that proves ownership.

FIRST AID KIT

  • Check with your vet for supplies: cotton and cotton rolls, disposable surgical gloves, vet wraps, duct tape, telfa pads, Betadine, instand cold packs, easy boot, diapers, Furazone, scissors, Blue Lotion, and tweezers.

MEDICATIONS

  • Have a two week supply/horse if horse is on long term medication.
  • Check to see if Vet has disaster plan, if not, find one for medical care during the disaster
  • Keep medical records and vacination records with disaster supplies
  • Keep horses up to date on all vaccinations, especially tetanus.
  • Keep a current copy of your horses’ Coggins certificate

EVACUATING YOUR HORSE

  • Make sure you have a horse trailer and truck that is in good condition to safely take you and your horse(s) to a temporary shelter.
  • Look at: the floor of the trailer; the trailer hitch; the tires; the lights
  • If you don’t own a trailer, make arrangements before the disaster about transporting your horse(s)

TEMPORARY HOUSING

  • Have a rope to tie out your horse. Make sure he is trained to tether before you do this.Have a halter and lead rope for each of your horses. The halters should be leather and the lead ropes cotton; all for safety.
  • Make sure you have plenty of time to evacuate. Large animals take time to move safely. Practice loading and unloading your horse in a trailer.
  • Ahead of time, find a place to unload your animals; racetrack, stable, fairgrounds, equine centers are just a few suggestions.
  • Set up a “buddy” system with other horse owners to share and assist one another in an emergency.

Write to www.uan.org for more info and suggestions.