Texas is currently suffering from a severe drought and fire danger. The central Texas area including Austin and its surrounding community’s are not immune, as the recent Oak Hill Fire demonstrated . With the high fire danger its important to have a safety plan in place for our Equine companions. Here are few steps to follow to ensure your horses safety.
1. Have proof of ownership available at all times.
- Current pictures (front, rear, both sides, any unique markings)
- registration papers or bill of sale, vet records
- keep all information in a book or 3 ring binder in an easily accessible place
2. Have an evacuation route planned
- Check your trailer tires and floor to ensure trailer safety and ready use.
- If you don’t own a trailer, check with neighbors. Ask if your horses can ride with theirs, or if a trailer can be burrowed.
- If a trailer is not available for transport have a route mapped out to lead/ride your horses to safety.
3. Boarding and Fire Safety.
- Make sure your halter is well adjusted and has a tag with your horses name, your phone number and other emergency contact. Ask the owner/manager to make sure your horse is haltered with your halter.
- Ask the barn owner/manager for the evacuation routes. (You need to know where to find your horse afterwards)
- Make sure the owner/manager has copies of your horses coggins papers to allow for transportation.
- If there are not enough trailer spaces available ask to be notified immediately so you can lead/ride your horse to a safe location.
4. Practice your evacuation route.
- Ride your evacuation route and familiarize yourself and your horses with obstacles along the way.
- Drive the evacuation route and make note of any places cars, or other vehicles may jump onto the road.
5. Practice loading your horse.
- Many horses will resist loading under the best circumstances, practice loading your horse at least twice a month.
Always practice good horse keeping and stay safe. Happy Trails.
Contact me at LydiaBagley@equine-synergy.com for more information.
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