How to Prepare Horses for a Hurricane

When you prepare for a hurricane there are two things you can do: evacuate or face the storm. If you have horses, you will have to decide if you will bring them with you, move them to a safer area or leave them behind. Prepare horses for a hurricane by following these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Health Records
• Supply of Feed
• First-Aid Kit
• Stored Water
• Leather Halter or Lead Rope
• Hay

1. Get your horses current on all shots and vaccines. Keep these records with you at all times.
2. Attach some form of identification on your horses. Braid an identification tag with your contact information into your horses' manes or tails. Attach another tag onto your horses' leather halters. Do this whether you are staying through the storm or if you are evacuating with your horses. You may get separated, or your horses may get loose.
3. Have proof of identification if you have a permanent identifying mark on your horses such as a brand, microchip or tattoo.
4. Prepare a first-aid kit for your horses. Put the kit in a safe place that will stay dry if you are staying during the storm. Pack it into your vehicle if you are evacuating with your horses.
5. Pack a two-week supply of feed and hay into a safe place. If you will be evacuating you may not be able to bring this amount of hay, but try to fit it into the trailer. Hay may not be available in other areas and is important to your horses' diet.
6. Fill large containers with water for your horses. You will need a large supply of water if you are leaving your horses or if you are evacuating with them.