How to Evacuate Horses in a Flood

As a responsible horse owner you must plan ahead and be prepared for things like natural disasters and emergency situations. Flooding is not something that can be easily prepared for and can come on suddenly. Evacuating horses in a flood can be difficult and dangerous, so follow a few safety guidelines.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Watch the weather and keep updated on serious weather alerts. If heavy rain is predicted, keep in mind the amount of rainfall that has already saturated the ground. If your land is prone to flooding, evaluate how much water it can handle in the event of heavy rainfall.
2. Evacuate as soon as possible if you believe the water is going to rise to unsafe levels. If your property is low, you may only have to take your horses to a friend's home or local arena or fairgrounds. Often these places allow livestock owners to bring animals to safety during inclement conditions.
3. Prepare for the upcoming possibility of a flood by having your truck and trailer ready to go. Park the trailer on a concrete driveway or even the side of the road before the weather gets bad. The horses can be brought to the trailer rather than trying to pull the trailer out of mud and water and possibly getting stuck.
4. Assemble an emergency kit with all of the supplies you need for your horses. Include medicines, a first aid kit, halters and lead ropes, identification, health papers, feed, hay, buckets and a supply of clean water. These things can be loaded into the trailer prior to the bad weather.
5. Lead horses calmly by leading them with a halter and lead rope similar to normal circumstances. Some horses may get excited with the rain and standing water. Talk to them and lead the calmest horse to the trailer first. The others can get nervous and refuse to leave if they see another horse panic.
6. Have a plan in place for where to go when you need to evacuate horses in a flood. Know the conditions of the shelter and how long you are able to keep your horses there. Flood waters can often last for days or even weeks. Have a long-term plan for your horses.