You’ve created emergency plans for your human family when disaster strikes. But how about your horses?

Taking a few simple steps now will help keep your horses safe should the worst strike your stables.

Flooding is one of the leading threats in our Maritime region, thanks to the long shorelines and many rivers that course through our provinces. Changing weather patterns have made high water levels a constant challenge, especially in the spring. Keeping one eye on the ice floes in the river and the other on our properties is an annual tradition.

A lot of the same ideas you use to keep your family safe can be applied to your four-legged charges. One of the biggest things you can do is to think ahead. What would you do if your property was suddenly underwater? Keeping animals, valuables and perishables on high ground can tip the odds in your favour. You may be able to stay put if you have food and supplies on hand. Making sure hay and feed can’t spoil, and that a steady supply of clean water is available can give you precious time to wait out a sudden dousing. A stressed horse is more apt to colic, while familiar food and surroundings can help prevent stave off this often deadly condition.

Can you navigate your way safely to the barn and back in the pitch dark? Would you feel secure leading your horse over your flooded ground, with rushing waters reaching waist height?

Take a critical look around your property. Eliminate obvious hazards. Obstacles easily avoided on a sunny day quickly become more menacing when hidden by muddy water. Secure items so they are not easily knocked loose to become a hazard. Horses have a knack for injuring themselves at the best of times. Leading a panicked horse through an obstacle course of pitchforks, broken glass, nails and wire is enough to make any horse owner shudder.

Fire is another regular threat. Prevention is again key to avoiding tragedy. Keep flammable hay, straw, sawdust, and fuel away from potential sources of spark. That means power cords, welding torches, and you naturally don’t allow cigarettes anywhere near the barn, right?

Keep frequently used pathways clear of obstacles. That hay bale in the aisle for tomorrow’s feeding could become a wall of flame or trip you up in your hurry to get a horse out of a burning barn.

Keep a strong halter and lead rope near your horse’s stall at all times so you don’t waste time having to hunt for one when emergency strikes. Make sure your horse is well identified in case he breaks loose in the chaos. We strongly advise you to keep extra copies of his registration and veterinary records in a safe place off your property. A trusted friend, your office or a safety deposit box are good choices.

Taking the time to locate alternate stabling to wait out emergencies will also pay off. Arranging with friends ahead of time will mean you will sleep better at night, knowing there is a safe refuge just in case you need it.

As in any situation, get your horse used to seeing and listening to you in any and all conditions. Raincoats, helmets, flapping material, rain, fog—however you come packaged, they need to know you are a source of safety and comfort. Gaining their trust under all sorts of conditions will pay huge rewards when the crunch comes.