McKinlay & Peters Equine Hospital

Be Prepared

1. Risk Assessment

   • Assess the risk in your area by considering your location and local situation.

   • Knowing your risk helps you create an effective preparedness plan.

2. Preparedness Plan

   • Having a well-thought-out plan is crucial for minimizing losses during a wildfire.

   • Remember that losses involve not only monetary value but also the emotional impact of losing a beloved horse.

3. Evacuation Routes

   • Develop evacuation routes for yourself and your horses.

   • Don’t wait until you see smoke or fire; decide to evacuate early.

   • Avoid relying solely on your horses’ instincts—they need your guidance.

   • If immediate danger arises, consider turning your horses loose rather than confining them to a barn or pasture.

4. Multiple Routes

   • Plan more than one evacuation route in case one becomes inaccessible due to wildfire.

   • Prioritize routes based on feasibility.

   • Test all evacuation routes with your horse trailer to ensure they are suitable.

5. Awareness and Information

   • Stay informed about fire conditions in your area.

   • Contact local emergency management officials, law enforcement, or animal control officers for guidance.

   • Be prepared for scenarios where wildfires coincide with other hazards, such as flooding.

6. Trailer and Gas

   • Keep your horse trailer in good condition and ready for use.

   • Maintain a full tank of gas in the towing vehicle.

   • Train your horses to load easily, ideally with just one handler.

   • If you don’t own a trailer, coordinate with a neighbor who does.

7. Team Up

   • Develop a joint plan with a neighbor.

   • Share resources like trailers and supplies.

   • Keep each other informed during evacuations for efficient coordination.

8. Horse Identification

   • Identify your horse using methods such as microchips, brands, pictures, unique markings, registration papers, or a combination of these.

   • Importance during emergencies:

     1. Large-scale emergencies (e.g., wildfires) may require housing horses at fairgrounds or boarding facilities.

     2. When you’re not home, your horses might be hauled to a collecting facility or turned loose.

     3. Identification papers help you claim your horse quickly and prevent false claims.

9. Emergency Preparedness Packet

   • Create a packet for each horse with essential information.

   • Include identification details, health certificates, brand paperwork, vaccination records, and other health information.

   • Keep this packet readily accessible for quick evacuation during emergencies.

10. Equine First Aid Kit

    • Essential for all horse owners.

    • Stocked with supplies for wounds, colic, foot injuries, and other trauma.

    • Maintain and update the first aid kit regularly.

11. Horse Health & Medication

    • Ensure your horses are vaccinated and monitor their health to prevent the spread of diseases.

    • Clearly label all horse medications.

    • Store them in easily accessible containers for emergencies.

12. Tack Prioritization

    • Create a list of essential tack items for evacuation.

    • Prioritize ropes and halters (preferably leather or rope halters to avoid heat from fires).

    • Include a water bucket.

    • Prepare neck bands with your contact information.

    • Consider an identity halter with a metal or brass plate riveted to it.

13. Boarding Arrangements

    • Arrange for boarding your horses at an outside facility.

    • Options include county fairgrounds (often designated shelters), friends’ equine facilities away from danger, or large commercial boarding facilities.

    • Write down your arrangements and contact information, and keep it accessible in the barn.

14. Contact List

    • Designate an outside contact living in a different area to serve as a clearinghouse for calls from family and friends.

    • This contact can relay information during communication failures.

    • Post these contact numbers in the barn and consider adding them to your cell phone address list.

15. Priority List

    • Prioritize your evacuation plan.

    • Human safety takes precedence over horses.

    • Create a priority list if you have limited resources (e.g., a two-horse trailer for five horses).

    • Keep this list on your contact clipboard in the barn.

16. Emergency Evacuation Checklist

    • Prioritize safety and follow this checklist during an actual emergency:

      1. Gather your horse(s).

      2. Prepare a 3-day supply of hay, grain, and water for each horse.

      3. Organize paperwork (health certificates, vaccination records, brand paperwork).

      4. Assemble a first aid kit.

      5. Bring horse medication if applicable.

      6. Pack ropes and leather halters.

      7. Include a water bucket and an identity halter/tag.

      8. Ensure you have boarding arrangements, contact information, and priority details.

Remember, proactive planning and communication are essential for safeguarding your horses during wildfire emergencies.

N. Striegel, N. (2014, March 10). Wildfire preparedness for horse owners – 1.817. Colorado State University Extention. https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/agriculture/wildfire-preparedness-for-horse-owners-1-817/