Hurricanes are uncalled circumstances that bring devastation along with themselves. Sandstorms and other natural disasters are terrible, so it’s better to look at them while playing Book of Ra. People stay alert and lock themselves in houses, but animals like a horse living in a stable need great preparation. Catastrophes like hurricanes prove to be life-taking for animals. In fact, there have been instances of such sorrowful incidents. Hurricanes, as well as sandstorms Thus, care is important.
Mostly, horses fall into life risks due to electrocution, kidney failure, or dehydration during hurricanes. Such natural disasters cannot be avoided, but at least the horse owners can take the utmost precautions to save their pets. There are several internal and external things they need to care about to save their animals from the disaster.
Here are a few preparation tips for horse owners:
1. Proper Shelter for Them
As a horse owner, you should have a “plan” that deals with where to evacuate the animals before the big wind approaches the land. If you usually keep your horses in a stable, then that can be a little risky for them during the hurricane. You must keep them in an enclosed space that covers them up from all the four sides. So a room or a hall should be great to protect them. You can also tie up with your town’s largest animal shelter, so that before the disaster approaches, you can evacuate your horses to that larger shelter. Horse evacuation is one of the prime solutions of this problem. Also, keep in mind that whatever place of shelter you refer to, that place should have minimal electrical connection. This will run less risk for any type of electrocution.
2. Complete Vaccination
After heavy rain, there is a great boost in the mosquito attacks, which are very harmful to the animals in the stable, as they bring many viruses along with them. Hence, owners must arrange for their horses’ vaccines always as a precaution to save them from the after-effects of the hurricane. Tetanus and other antidotes will act as a shield for your animals during after-effects for sure.
Also, keep other medications ready during the hurricane. Keep an animal care kit ready with all the necessary articles in it like tape bandages, vet rap, and ointments, etc.
3. Keep Records
You should always keep a track on how many horses do you have and who they are so that if during the hurricane you see a decrease in the number of horses, you will know which one has gone missing. From the beginning, circulate details about your horses at your area’s police stations, other animal care-takers, even your own friends and family living in other locations. This will make it easy for you to find your herd’s members. Also, vividly know how you can identify your horse on the basis of any individual characteristics or any marks on the horse’s body. There have been many instances of horses getting lost after the hurricane, and in such situations, it becomes difficult for the owner to find them.
4. Keep the Barns Clean
Make sure that wherever you keep your horses in hurricanes, that room is devoid of any other thing. It is very important for horse care purposes. Remove large boxes, sticks, stacks of bushes, etc. from that place. This is done to avoid anything from flying around and making it difficult for the horses in their place of stay. Also, remove the horse trailers and keep them in a separate room. The disappearance of other objects from your horse’s place of stay will make less panic for them during the disaster.
5. Food Storage
A few days after the hurricane or any other disaster, it becomes difficult to get proper food. In the case of animals like horses, it becomes tougher. Hence, horse owners must keep huge stocks of food. Tightly wrap the haystacks in plastic bags before the hurricane, and keep it in a safe place. If the haystacks become wet, then it will not remain edible for the horses. Remember, as much as food and water are important to you after experiencing a disaster, it is also important for the horses. So keep storage full of such necessities.
So wouldn’t it be nice for the horse owners to take such necessary steps before the approach of a giant hurricane? Many places in the world experience frequent hurricanes. They are also notified and alerted in advance by the meteorological departments of these places, so maintaining such precautions becomes easy for the owners.
Written by Thomas Glare
Just a regular guy who loves horses and betting on horses. Father of two wonderful boys and journalist since 2015. Grand National enthusiast, covered the event live multiple times in the past few years.
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