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.