Hurricane Tips for Horse Owners

Horses should be kept on the owner’s or caretaker’s property, if possible. If you plan to evacuate your animal out of the area, go early.

In a Category 1 storm, animals may be safe in a sturdy barn. In a Category 2 storm or higher, animals are probably safest in a large pasture with room to move around, allowing them to utilize their best instincts if there are no electrical wires to come down and the fences are in good repair.

Do NOT tranquilize your horse!

Make sure your animal is well identified by spray painting your phone number on your horse’s body; attach a fetlock band or mare band with your name address and phone numbers in permanent ink; braid a luggage tag into your horses mane or tail close to the body (be sure its water proofed).

Be sure to have photos of you with your animals, showing any unique markings, to prove ownership.

Be sure that your horse is wearing a leather halter which will make it easier for someone to catch your horse if it gets loose.

Plan for water (20 gallons per animal per day) and feed and hay for your horse.

Have on hand a supply of basic first aid items, i.e., bandages, anesthetics, etc.

Do not stay with your horse! You cannot help a frightened, thousand-pound animal, and you may get hurt.

IF UNDER A FLOOD WATCH, the following reminders are also important:

Move your animals to high ground.

Cleanse feet and hooves with iodine. Once the iodine dries, the feet and hooves should be covered with Vaseline or petroleum jelly for protection from standing water and infection.

Feed and hay should be moved above ground three feet to avoid water damage and mold.

IN BROWARD COUNTY, caretakers and/or horse owners should contact the Broward County Hurricane Hotline at 3-1-1 or 954-831-4000 if the horse is in standing water up to their knees post-storm.