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  Discussion on Hurricane shelter for horses-South Florida
Author Message
Member:
Bethyg2

Posted on Monday, Aug 30, 2004 - 2:49 pm:

Hi- Just when we thought it was safe to saddle up, here comes another hurricane!Last time, for charlie, Southeastern Florida, where I live, lucked out. However Francis, a category 3 or 4, is headed straight for us now. Does anyone who is a member and happens to read this know where I can find a good, sturdy concrete block barn where the managers/ owners would be willing to take on a few more horses, just in case of a definite hurricane warning? We have a wood frame barn that would not survive or offer protection in a category 3 storm, and I am beside myself w/ worry. Until I can build a better barn, I am sort of at a loss... Two of my equine friends are minis, who are very pampered and could not survive being turned out in such a storm (Neither could my riding horses, I'm afraid). Any advice or info on which barns do this would be much appreciated. Thanks, Beth
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Monday, Aug 30, 2004 - 4:27 pm:

Hi Beth- what a worry! I'd think there would be a website or hotline with the purpose of hooking up people who are in safe areas, or have secure barns, with those that need refuge for their animals. I'm sure you're not the only one in this plight and I'd think other large animal owners would be concerned, also; not just horse owners.

Are there any fairgrounds or show grounds with concrete bldgs. in your area? Of course, imo,the best thing would be to load up and take your horses out of the storm's path, if you can find somewhere to take them.

Here's hoping the storm fizzles out or goes elsewhere! Good luck!
Member:
Sylvy

Posted on Monday, Aug 30, 2004 - 6:01 pm:

You could probably bring you miniatures into the house if the necessity arose. Do you have a solidly built garage? (Just a thought) You might want to do a run-through, in case they are skittish.) Good luck!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 31, 2004 - 7:17 am:

Several years ago we had a great discussion on taking care of horses in a bad storm, check out Member's Services » The Lounge: Kick back and relax. » General Interest Questions » Discussions 2001 » Discussion on Horses in a hurricane.
DrO
Member:
Canter

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 31, 2004 - 8:10 am:

Also, contact your local humane society--they may have some suggestions. One of my favorite charities is EARS--Emergency Animal Rescue Service. They are based in CA. but travel the country when there are floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc. They work with local authorities to rescue all types of animals that may be left behind when people evacuate. They will have some really good suggestions for taking care of the horses during the storm (i.e. ensuring they are identifiable if in a panic they break loose) and they may be able to recommend a place to bring them to keep them safe.

May you and your horses stay safe! and let us know how you do when the storm passes.

Fran
Member:
Terrilyn

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 31, 2004 - 8:56 am:

Here's what I learned during Isabel. PLAN IN ADVANCE. Within a few days of learning that we were in a very likely strike area, I began scouting for a place to move my three horses. I only had a two-horse trailer and so had to plan for two trips...our local race track, Colonial Downs, made the announcement about three days prior to landfall that they would take horses for people getting away from the coast. Lots of people chose this option--in fact, they filled up. I was very fortunate to have a friend with a large farm about 100 miles inland, still within range of bad weather, but not likely to get as much wind or rain. Over a two-day period, I moved my three horses and three dogs to the farm. We stayed there as well. It was a great decision. My three acres (at the time I lived within about 500 feet of the banks of the York River in Gloucester County, VA), barn, and outbuildings were under about three to four feet of water with floating debris everywhere. There would have been NOWHERE for my horses to go to get out of the water except for the house, the only thing that did not flood. What is very important to consider is that Isabel (at the time it hit our area) was a mere Category I storm. It devastated my community and it will be years before the damage will no longer be apparent. Friends who moved their horses to a little higher ground to local barns or to the track made out fine, but winds reached only about 70 mph in gusts, and it was not sustained. Flooding was our biggest concern, and trees falling due to prior ground saturation (and boy, did they fall!!!). Isabel left the biggest mess I've ever seen.

I would recommend taking your horses out of the storm's path if at all possible. Start calling TODAY. Have your Coggins and all paperwork, meds, vet info, etc. ready...visit the FEMA website at www.fema.gov and do a search on "livestock" or "animals" and lots of info comes up, and the Humane Society has a site on this subject at: https://www.vtvets.org/common/horsebrochure.pdf

We are also a potential target for Frances. I am already making plans for running back to the farm if necessary...best of luck to you.
Member:
Johnsonl

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 31, 2004 - 11:46 am:

Hello! I looked at the archived discussions in the Lounge regarding this topic and still wonder about this issue as my friends and our horses face hurricane Frances as it bears down on East Central FL. We have 6 horses in a 6X6 wood post barn, with 1/2 inch exterior plywood, with an aluminum roof. It has a raised center aisle and is built to hurricane code, but we Floridians know that, ultimately, we're still at the mercy of nature and that roof straps can break. The barn is on 2.5 acres, each stall opens onto a 100 ft. run, and the rest is pasture. There are lots of oak trees on the property (recently trimmed). Question: Should we turn the horses out to pasture together, or lock them in their stalls? Although they would be out of flying debris in the barn, the noise in the barn will be intense. (They are on rubber mats in stalls) My horse, Buckeye, is the sweet-but-excitable type! We will put identification on their halters, but it's the IN or OUT question that plagues us! (We have no flooding risk there) Any advice? Thanks, Lori
Member:
Terrilyn

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 31, 2004 - 12:10 pm:

There's just no easy answer here....but based on the likelihood of flying debris in 100+ mph winds and fences being destroyed, etc., I would opt for IN--noise or no noise. Is there no possibility of moving them to a safer location out of the hurricane's path?
Member:
Terrilyn

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 31, 2004 - 12:20 pm:

Disaster Planning: Barn Safety

Livestock Update, July 1998

Larry A. Lawrence, Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech



BEFORE:
Plan, Plan, Plan. You never can stop planning ahead for an unknown disaster. Have a plan in place before the disaster. The plan can start with a safety inspection of your farm premises. The inspection should include:

Electrical systems:

Are the service boxes in a dry, dust-free location and mounted on fire resistant materials?
Are the electrical fixtures free of dust, dirt, cob webs, chaff, hay or combustible materials?
Heating and cooling systems:

Are they designed for barns and stables?
Are they properly installed?
Fuel storage:

Are the storage tanks located away from buildings at least 40 feet away?
Are the tanks properly grounded?
Are there fire extinguishers near tanks?
Are the tanks protected from collision by vehicular traffic?
Are there clean up protocols for spills?
Are your barns and buildings free of weeds, grass and debris?

Is the hay cured prior to being stored? Are the roofs, walls and windows weather tight?
Are many fire extinguishers located in every building?
Are they annually charged?
Is there 10 pounds ABC or better?
Are they protected from freezing?
Is there a phone in all barns with important numbers (fire, police, key personnel)?
Are there no smoking signs? (Is the rule enforced?)
Are horses valued over $100,000 stabled in separate barns?
Paddock and pastures:

Are they free of harmful objects?
Are there no broken planks, exposed nails, sharp or broken gates?
Are the horses rotated to break the life cycle of parasites?
Stables:

Are the aisles at least 12 feet wide?
Are the aisles free of harmful objects?
Are the stalls latched?
Are the stalls designed to prevent contact with neighboring horses?
Is the wiring on electrical fixtures (fans, etc.) inaccessible to horses and properly protected?
Are the grain and feed rooms locked and containers covered?
This is not a complete list. It is a start on your way to a safer environment for your horses. BEFORE A DISASTER:
Survey your property for the best location for animal confinement. WRITE IT DOWN.

Alternate water and power sources should be identified. WRITE IT DOWN.
Cell phone, portable radios, flashlights, extra batteries, portable generators are all good equipment to have on hand.
Evacuation plans to relocate (route to fairgrounds, other farms, race tracks, humane societies). WRITE IT DOWN.
A list of all resources -- feed, supplies, vets, EMTs, truckers. Include all emergency telephone numbers (police, fire, hospital -- vet and human -- EMT, poison control). WRITE IT DOWN. Make copies: this information should be available at various locations on the farm.
Have a current list of the horses on the farm or in the stable.
What paddock and stall are they in?
Who are the owners or contact persons and what are their telephone numbers?
A written procedure on what is to be said to owners/agents in a disaster?
Records of feeding, vaccinations, Coggins, amount of hay and feed and what kind given to each animal should be available. WRITE IT DOWN.
Have a procedure on what animals will be saved in an evacuation and what animals will be put out to safety.
Have a job description of who does what.
Have a phone tree of all key personnel and make sure they know how to use it.
Have a drill every quarter in the barn regarding a disaster.
Who does what? Who calls who? DON'T PANIC.
Have emergency kits available in farm trucks and tack rooms. Emergency kits should have the necessary supplies to treat almost any kind of minor injury or assist in stopping a major injury from getting worse. You should have a halter shanks, dressings, bandages, medicines, water buckets, flash lights, radios, etc.
WATER / FEED



Make sure you have enough water and feed for 72 hours. Secure it before the disaster occurs. Most horses drink 5 gallons per 1,000 pound weight and 20 pounds of hay.
Make sure all horses are identified with halters or neck straps and spray paint names on horses left outside to weather the storm.
If you evacuate and mark horses, make sure you have enough feed and hay for 48 hours. Call prior to movement to other farms to make sure the site is still available. Bring the emergency kit with you.
If you leave horses behind, make sure they have water and hay for 48 to 72 hours. Leave them in an area that you have determined appropriate for the disaster situation.
Make a list of the animals that you evacuate and where they go. Be sure they are identified.
Reinforce the emergency training drills you have done at the farm prior to the disaster.
Plan. Plan. Plan. WRITE IT DOWN.

DURING A DISASTER
Be calm don't panic -- remember the emergency drill procedures


Get information from the Emergency Broadcast System. Know the station. Use a battery operated radio if the power is off.
If you evacuate and take horses, take all important records, feeds, etc. Call prior to shipping to make sure emergency location is still available.
If you leave horses behind make sure they are turned out in a pre-selected area that would be appropriate for the disaster situation.
Leave enough hay and water for 48 to 72 hours. Power may be lost: a large water tub would be a better choice than automatic waterer.
Identify all horses with halters and possible splint boots or bandages with information on the horse inside.
DO NOT PANIC

Horses will be aware of the disaster by the way you act and the environment they will be in.
Call all owners / agents regarding the disaster. Keep them updated if possible. Use a script or prepared statement when you call.
AFTER A DISASTER

Call all owners/agents regarding the disaster, even if there is no damage to your property.
Check fencing, pastures and gates for sharp objects.
Be aware of wild animals and snakes. They could be a danger to you and the horses.
If horses are lost, contact local farms, veterinarians, humane societies. Listen to the Emergency Broadcast System for people who are accepting lost animals.
Be careful in approaching animals that have gone through a disaster. They may be frightened and unruly.
Check with your veterinarian and the Department of Agriculture for information about possible disease outbreaks.
Check all feed.
Inventory all horses.
TO SUMMARIZE:
It is very important to plan and have written procedures in place before the disaster: phone numbers, cellular phones, flashlights, generators, emergency kits.

Have drills every quarter to sharpen the employees' and owners' skills.

Credit: American Medical Equestrian Association. May, 1998

Member:
Johnsonl

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 31, 2004 - 12:40 pm:

Hello...No possibility of moving. We have 6 horses and 1 two-horse trailer (would mean lots of trips/time). Local concrete barns are scarce and get quickly packed by friends of friends of the owners etc. I know some folks make expensive arrangements to trailer their horses to the Ocala area, much further inland, but that's not an option at this point in time, and predicting the storm's path is tricky anyway until another day or so. Sometimes folks leave for another area and end up worse off than where they were! It's frustrating, but given the short time frame, unpredictability of Frances' path, and limited funds for a big move, we must deal with what we have. I'm leaning toward keeping the horses inside, as you said. But, since Buckeye is claustrophic anyway, and spends most of his time in his run, I'm afraid he's going to freak out. He will hang out in his stall when it's really hot, and during a light rain, but he will run out and stand in the rain during a bad thunderstorm. We've seen all six horses flee out into their runs and stand in thunderstorms complete with nickel-sized hail rather than be in their stalls! The fencing outside is that strong composite material...unlikely to break. Sigh...I'm praying for the hurricane to turn from Central FL. Meanwhile, we may take a vote at the barn concerning In or Out. Thanks for your vote, Terri!
Member:
Johnsonl

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 31, 2004 - 12:55 pm:

Terri - Thank you for the many wonderful guidelines supplied in your last posting regarding Disaster Planning & Barn Safety. I will take the list and pass it around to others in the barn. Excellent suggestions!
Member:
Terrilyn

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 31, 2004 - 12:56 pm:

I will be watching this thread to see how things turn out for you and hoping for the best....just talked to my boyfriend regarding buying a generator, an expensive purchase we've been putting off....by this weekend, we may be facing the same questions as you are now! But I really hope not.....keep us posted. One quick tip...fill as many clean garbage cans as you can with fresh water so you have several days of drinking water for your horses. You'll be glad you did. Good luck.
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 31, 2004 - 1:00 pm:

Excellent advice for us all! Hurricaines aren't the only disasters we need to be worried about. Regardless of where we live, there are potential disasters for which we should all be prepared.

I would think one of the best places for a horse, if there were no safe very solid place to put them, would be be in a large, safely fenced field far from electrical wires, big trees, or anything else that might fall on them, and high enough up to avoid flooding. I've noticed in big storms horses cope amazingly well. They put their heads down, stand back to the wind, and seem to go into kind of a trance until the worst is over. The exception to this seems to be hail.

I would be very nervous about plywood walls and metal roofs. We had a similarly built structure that was a 3 sided pasture shelter, and it was totally demolished during a 70 mi. wind. (luckily no horses were in the field at the time)
I think if you were sure there were no loose edges where the wind could get in and pull the plywood sheets off, and if the roof has tie downs and no loose edges, they might be o.k. in the barn. But if they were left in the barn, I'd think about tranquilizing them some to take the edge off and I'm sure the noise on the roof will be very frightening.

I'm sure the rest of us will be watching the weather maps and thinking about all of you in FL and sending our best thoughts, wishes and prayers your way.
Member:
Warwick

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 31, 2004 - 1:02 pm:

Beth, Terri and Lori

What an awful dilemma to be in - I just can't imagine it. Hurricanes in my part of the world are unheard of and sound absolutely terrifying.

Here's praying that the darn thing changes its course and misses you all. Thinking positive thoughts and wishing you all the best.
Member:
Bethyg2

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 31, 2004 - 3:09 pm:

Wow- thanks for all the great advice and concern! I have just looked on the web site of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric, whatever...(NOAA), and they say that the storm is going to turn northwest starting now and pass us by while hitting the northeast tip of the bahama island chain and continuing north. Right now they have the darned thing hitting the USA somewhere north of Jacksonville, about 5 hours from here. I know people w/ horses there! The Bahamas are just 60 miles off Ft Lauderdale so I think so this thing really still could hit us given the last minute change of plans hurricane Charlie had. I have just made about 10 calls to friends/ trainers I know to see if they can accept my horses into their concrete barns- all full! But I have a promise of someone I recently met to come Friday and pick up the horses and take them to an empty show barn. Still, it makes me nervous that this will fall through...I don't think I will sleep very well until this situation passes. I bought extra feed for all horses to keep in my house just in case the barn room where I keep it is ruined. I am checking out the prices of poured concrete barns on the web right now! It is totally worth the investment just for the peace of mind, which I do not have now!!! I am going to build a better barn if it is the last thing I do!Either that or move out of Florida...Between the giant mosquitos, the flooding, and these hurricanes, it isn't very horse friendly here. Sorry for the gloom, I am just stressed out! -Beth Gordon
Member:
Terrilyn

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 31, 2004 - 3:24 pm:

Hey Beth--glad to hear it's not as great a threat as earlier perceived. That's great! Just wanted to let you know that here in Virginia, (which has the fifth largest horse industry in the nation), we ALSO have (at least in my neck of the woods!) giant mosquitos, flooding, and hurricanes. No place is perfect! I think Florida is ahead of Virginia regarding horse industry dollars....they must be doing something right! Incidentally....I have a concrete barn. I would not hesitate to move my horses to another location if chances were high for a direct hit. I don't believe anything is truly "safe" if it's in the path of a Category 4 or 5 hurricane. Keep in touch.
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 31, 2004 - 5:49 pm:

Gosh, Beth, I don't understand why you're stressed or worried at all!! Once you've done all you can, take a few deep breaths. Hopefully, this storm will miss you. (But you're right, I sure wouldn't trust any predictions about where it's going to hit.)

Now you know we're all going to be on pins and needles until we hear from you after the storm passes, so don't wait too long to let us know how you are.

Member:
Mrose

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 31, 2004 - 11:28 pm:

I just read an article at www.thehorse.com re: the horses affected by Charley. At the end of the article is a comment that horses normally fare better outside due to the possibility of falling beams, etc. They said horses turned out actually weathered the storm quite well, with just a couple of horses injured by flying debree that did have to be put down.

I think this article will be in the latest issue of The Horse mag. also.
Member:
Bethyg2

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 1, 2004 - 9:39 am:

Hurricane Update- Now, all predictions/ charts/ models have the hurricane going further south, and it is actually pointed dead center about 50 miles north of me here in southern palm beach county! I am beside myself w/ worry. The worst part is that I know that these storms tend to hit south of the prediction (Andrew, Charlie, etc.) So I have made arrangements at someone's private CBS (concrete block) barn. I prefer to put the horses inside instead of out. I am taking one mini inside my mom's house (don't tell) because he's just a yearling and will probably blow away!
Stress stress stress and more stress. I have a generator, and no one in the house knows how to use it. Right now I am like Blanch Dubois, relying "on the kindness of strangers..." The horse community here has really come together though and we are all helping each other and hoping for the best. I don't want to lose any of my animals! Will keep you posted- wish me luck. -Beth Gordon
Member:
Goolsby

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 1, 2004 - 9:51 am:

Beth
I worry about my horses when we have thunder storms here in TN, I cant imagine the preparation and worry you must be going through. I will be praying that you and yours come through the storm saftly.
Colleen
Member:
Terrilyn

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 1, 2004 - 10:36 am:

Beth--As Sarah has stated above, it sounds like you've done all you can do. You've thought it through and taken all the precautions you feel are necessary. Now is the time for calm to prevail. A generator is a piece of cake to run...you will be so very glad to have it. I know the worry you speak of...I remember just bursting into tears before Isabel because it was coming, no matter what....I was afraid for my house, my property, my neighborhood....but that storm will come or go one way or the other, and the best you can do is be prepared, and it sounds like you are. So hang on--and see if there are others you can help get ready as that will take your mind off things (a little!). This too shall pass!!
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 1, 2004 - 1:15 pm:

I think one of the worst things about a hurricaine is the knowledge that it's coming so you have so much time to worry. It's good that you have time to prepare, but ....

With earthquakes, they just hit and you deal with the aftermath.

Beth, even I can operate a generator, and ages ago when in High School I was tested for different abilities, I got a 1.3% for mechanical ability!! In other words, I'm mechanically challanged! So, if I can do it, you can. Just get out there and mess with it a little until you feel comfortable with the thing.

It sounds like you are well prepared, and that's all you can do. The advice to help others get ready is good advice. Nothing like other people's problems to help you get over your own.

And, the good thing about any disaster is the way people come together, especially as you've noted the horse people. Years ago we lost a horse in the big Santa Barbara fire that burned over 400 homes. I have never seen so much effort, understanding, and love from not just horse people, but everyone for the benefit of the animals,their owners, and others affected by the fires.
Member:
Jojo15

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 1, 2004 - 9:49 pm:

Beth, terri, how much acreage are you on? i am only on an 1.5 and no barn. I am seriously considering just leaving her out in the back. I am in WPB.. my house is situated in the front of the property and she has been out since i moved here. Thru all the storms we have had this summer. And you are right whoever mentioned hail... That was the only time she acted funny. Getting pelted and not knowing where it came from. But, i believe they are more resilient than we know. I am hoping that if she gets out. downed fence or such. She is a good trail horse and always knows where the feed is...

The race tracks by now are filled.

This is our 3rd hurricane and i learned from the past ones. There were more injuries and accidents in the panic getting them there, than in the actual hurricanes. I wish the parks would open their doors during these things. I know that Tree tops, or Dupois, or even Corbett would have perfect areas for us to DrOp them off and let them fend for themselves.

There are a few privately owned farms that do this. No stallions, all shoes off. No babies. Current vac/coggins. Etc. Check the feed stores near you. Griffs always knows whats up. But you have to leave them for a week. and its a pain in the butt to catch them once they've banded. I remember that being an interesting experience. Its like they went back to wildness.

Let me know if you guys find places. I will check in my neighborhood.

jojo
Member:
Jojo15

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 1, 2004 - 10:14 pm:

oh, just for a tip. You might want to print out any info on wound care, emergency stuff. Or anything else that is pertinent for emergencies. list of materials, etc. In case its needed. Because after hurricane andrew, there were no vets available for at least a week. They were all doing triage in the hard hit areas.

Stock up on bute, banamine, sedatives, bandages, iodine, etc...

I just logged on tonight to research things i might need later but might have no power or phone.

This is going to be a biggie hurricane. i am printing out everything i can think of.

be safe everyone,

jojo

Member:
Jojo15

Posted on Thursday, Sep 2, 2004 - 12:53 am:

Beth,
Go to https://www.sshc.org/evac/
Sunshine state horse council setup up this registry for finding places in an emergency. There are 6 stalls available by me. A couple blocks from my house.
But, if you live South in Broward. See below. They do open up the parks... this is new.

Facility Name Robbins Preserve Updated: 9/1/2004
Address 13940 SW 24th Street Record # 1094084962
Davie FL 33325
County Broward
Contact Name Hilda Testa Contact Email pokey24556@aol.com
Phone 954-577-3201 Cell Phone 954-274-1892
Total Spaces (horses) 100 Current Available 80
Trailer Space Available no
Facilities Description Pasture turn-out inside a passive park, horses will have run of the entire park. Go to www.davie-fl.gov then click on hurricane tips and then click on large animal release and down load the registration forms. No on site registration will be allowed. Forms must be turned in to the Town of Davie prior to a hurricane warning.
Charges or Fees $20.00 per horse
Driving Directions from I-95, exit to I-595 and go west to the Hiatus Road exit, go south almost to the end on the right, look for the sign.
Restrictions No stallions, feed or hay. Must have proof of residencey and negative coggins. Go to the Website for more information.
Human Accomodations Available In Area Pasture, water and on-site security. After the storm, any unclaimed horses will be picked up by the County to hold until owners can pick them up.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Sep 2, 2004 - 7:13 am:

There are many excellent suggestions above. Though it has been said already identification is so important and I want to emphasize: If you paint anything on the horse it should be your phone number. Better in my opinion is to braid plastic livestock id tags into the tail and mane with your name, address, phone number, and a alternate phone number of someone you know who is not in the disaster area: it may be days or weeks before your phone is working.
DrO
New Member:
Sirwin

Posted on Thursday, Sep 2, 2004 - 8:49 am:

I have a list of over 400 farms in Georgia who are willing to take horses from Florida during the storm. The farms are listed in alphabetical order of county. If you will send me an e-mail at sirwin@dwslaw.com, I will be happy to send you the list.
Member:
Cathytay

Posted on Thursday, Sep 9, 2004 - 1:20 am:

WOW, I can't even imagine the stress of this kind of weather disaster. I grew up in Kentucky and was always fearful of tornados. I have now lived in Southern Arizona for many years. I'll take the HEAT (usually dry) over the other potential raths of Mother Nature any day...
I'm so curious - the last post was on Sept. 2nd. How did all of you in Florida fare from Francis? And are you now going to have to prepare for Ivan? Hope all of you (and your beloved horses) remain SAFE!
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Thursday, Sep 9, 2004 - 10:37 am:

I've been wondering how all in Florida are doing also. I immagine most of the folks there are still without electricity so are unable to get online. I think people in other areas of the SE are having a difficult time right now, too. I sure hope Ivan dies down a little. Poor Jamaica! and everyone else in its path.

Those of you in the areas hit by these storms, let us know how you are as soon as you can. I know you've got lots of other things on your minds, but we are all worried about you. Perhaps some of us live close enough to mount some rescue efforts if needed. We don't hear anything on the news re: the effects of the storms on the animals.
Member:
Johnsonl

Posted on Thursday, Sep 9, 2004 - 5:12 pm:

Hi to everyone who expressed care, concerns, and prayers for those of us with horses facing hurricane Frances. I'm so grateful for the outpouring of excellent advice and suggestions, and certainly for the kindness and empathy offered. Just want to share my experience through Frances. I live in Melbourne FL, where we took sustained winds of 70-90 hour. The problem with this storm is it was moving only 3 miles/hr once it hit shore, so it sat on us and pounded for many, many hours before moving across to inland central FL. My friend Shannon and I decided to leave our horses out in pasture at the barn we're at. There's 6 horses at the barn: 2 went to Madison GA, 2 to Ocala, and our two stayed behind. My horse, Buckeye, is recovering from laminitis founder. He was diagnosed with an 8 degree rotation in his left front coffin bone, and a 12 degree in his right, about 3 months ago. He's got lily pads/shoes on, seems to be moving very well and I feel out of the woods in terms of his sinking further, but I didn't think a long trip in a trailer in this incredible FL heat, stuck in noisy traffic would be wise. My friend Shannon could not leave the area either, so her horse, Strutz, and Buckeye had to rough it. We were absolute basket cases wondering if we'd made the right call to stay. We put them in the back pasture (about 1.2 acres), made sure they had lots of water and strung up hay nets on 5 trees. We thought if we couldn't get back out for a while they'd be okay between grass and hay. There is a small three sided shelter (2 horses could just squeeze in) out there and we put hay in there too. We wrote our contact info, attached it to their halters, making sure it was water-tight. We spray-painted their hooves floresent orange, and sprayed our phone numbers on their bodies. All this we did Friday evening, as the Frances was supposed to hit Saturday. We made one last run out there Sat a.m. to give them breakfast, kiss them and say some silent prayers. I started choking up I was so nervous. The rains from the previous evening had already washed our numbers off their bodies, but their hooves were still orange...it was already gusting up to 50 mph while we were there. We struggled home and waited. It was nerve-wracking for sure! As my whole wood-frame/stucco house shaked, and I heard the rubber on my little car's tires chirping outside during the peak of the storm (it was pushed a couple of feet on my driveway!), all I could think about was my poor Buckeye standing out in that mess. I made it out their the next day as soon as it was (marginally) safe! It was about 1:30 Sunday, and there they were...wet but just fine!! I've never been so relieved in my life. Buckeye has been a little extra affectionate since then, which is interesting! He's always been very sweet but seems to be more so. Anyway, keeping him in the barn would've been a very bad idea, I think. The barn held up awesome, but the noise from the wind, rain, and debris hitting the aluminum roof would've been terrifying for them. Also, a big tree did come down across one of the runs, very near the barn, crushing the fence and gate there. If it had gone the other way, onto the roof...who knows? A horse could easily become trapped or injure himself just freaking out. So, since there's some indication that laminitis can be brought on/made worse by stress, I was in the tough position of deciding which would be more stressful for Buckeye: A long, hot haul (he's not the calmest rider), or weathering a hurricane. I'm just glad it's all over....at least I hope. Ivan is something I'm watching closely. Anyway, I know this is long, but I just wanted to share as some of you may be wondering about us folks with horses that went through this. I'm a 4th generation Floridian, so hurricanes are something I'm used to dealing with, but this is my 1st one with a horse, so that adds a whole other diminsion to worry to it! Thanks again, to all who wrote, and I'd be interesting in hearing about other horses who went through this, either in pasture or in barns.
Member:
Annes

Posted on Thursday, Sep 9, 2004 - 6:30 pm:

Lori, thanks for letting us hear from you. I am so glad you and Buckeye are safe. I have been praying for all of you in Florida in harms way. I am in TN and have to deal with tornado warnings but I can't imagine what you had to go through. I certainly hope Ivan will run out of steam. - Ann
Member:
Canter

Posted on Thursday, Sep 9, 2004 - 8:59 pm:

Lori,
So glad that you & Buckeye weathered the storm so well--I can imagine how terribly stressful this was for you. Now we need to hear from Beth...Beth...hope you're OK too!

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that Ivan goes somewhere else. Floridians have received more than their fair share of bad weather lately!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Sep 10, 2004 - 6:48 am:

I was starting to get a bit worried, delighted to hear from you Lori.
DrO
Member:
Johnsonl

Posted on Friday, Sep 10, 2004 - 9:07 am:

Hi again folks! I'm concerned about Beth, and hoping she's just busy dealing with the mess Frances left behind. Our county had almost 250,000 without power...it's slowly being restored. We are having to boil water (for those of us that have it), and navigate roads with few working traffic lights, being careful to work around debris. The mountains of tree, blown shingles, ruined carpeting, destroyed fencing and ripped aluminum of all kinds is piled up so high in front of folks yards, and by businesses, it's incredible. Looks like a war zone in some places. I feel so much sympathy for Jamaica, Grenada, and other islands enduring the wrath of Ivan it just breaks my heart. Looking like we may be spared this one, but they say 3 times is the charm, and it's too far out to really determine it's path regarding us. Beth may very well not have phone service to access the internet right now...I'm praying that she and her animals are okay. We're spending hours at the barn in 110 degree (with heat index) cleaning up all the downed branches, cleaning the inside of the barn, etc. Even though it was closed up, the amount of dirt and rain that blew in through the dutch doors and from up under the eaves was amazing. My tack was filthy, slowly cleaning that up too, but I'm glad it's not high-end stuff 'cause it took a beating. It's fortunate my friends took their expensive dressage saddles and other gear with them when they left! I got my power on about 24 hours after the storm, but Shannon just got hers back yesterday..."hooray for air conditioning" has become her mantra! Because of the hurricane, Buckeye is now 2 weeks overdue for the ferrier. With him recovering from founder, this has me very concerned, but my ferrier seems to be out of pocket. I heard he went up to Live Oak to weather the storm. I hate to try someone new even temporarily as Gary is the best in the area. Does anyone know if this is a crucial situation? I know laminitic horses should be seen at least every five weeks so I'm worried, even though Buckeye looks good. DrO: Would you be so kind as to weigh in on this issue? Thanks again for everyone's support!
Member:
Bethyg2

Posted on Friday, Sep 10, 2004 - 2:27 pm:

HELLO! I didn't have internet access so couldn't write that thankfully we survived. Back on line at last, but just at my office. That is in Boca Raton, in the south part of Palm Beach County.Where I live,near Wellington,Fla, no phones until October, no electricity until Sept 17. But we made it. I am so happy to hear that Lori in Melbourne made it OK- they took a pretty direct hit. This hurricane pounded us for so long- almost 8 hours of the top winds. I was in a very secure house but all I could think about was the horses! We decided at the last minute that bringing the yearling mini inside the house would stress him to much so we left him with his buddy in a barn over in Palm Beach Point in Wellington. This barn was built last year and was empty in the off-season here so the owners were kind enough to let us use it. I had never met them before!They are friends of a friend. It looked really strong, built of concrete, but with a wood roof (hurricane brackets on the roof are mandated by the building code I think). The windows were large and there were no shutters, no doors on the ends, all was open. But still better than my wood barn. Actually, the barn was so beautiful I could have moved right in! My first mistake was putting the horses on the west side of the barn- I figured that since the storm was approaching from the east, the west was better. However, the counter clockwise rotation of the storm made the east side the best. Who knew.The wind and rain was pouring through the west windows when we got there sunday morning in the tail end of the storm.
We spray painted our numbers on the horses and also clipped dog tags (purchased at PetSmart)to the leather halters. I cried when I left them Saturday mid-day. Sunday morning I came at about 10 AM- the hurricane was dying down but still blowing- and the horses looked OK. The spray paint that was supposedly waterproof was gone- just an orange stain.The minis practically jumped into my arms. The young one's voice was pretty much gone- he had obviously been screaming all night.He was standing up with his front hooves on the stall door when we got there. He was making this pathetic sound as we approached- my heart just broke, but he was OK. They were standing in water that has since drained, and except for being nervous were OK.They definitely had "bed- head" - their hair was going the wrong way! We are going to keep them there until this IVAN storm is no longer a threat to the area. Oh, the best part of my storm stress, my daughter's 13 yr old gray mare that I've only had for a few months decided that she would not get in the trailer on Thursday before the storm- so I was going to have to leave her in our barn until a neighbor- who witnessed the trailer commotion/ incident (John lyons would NOT have approved-we were all pushing/ pulling this terrified creature, it was a very dangerous situation)- suggested that I take her five miles to her parents' barn-there was one stall left. So I rode her there. People have been so kind. I have learned that getting into a trailer calmly is an excellent skill that every horse should have! I'll never acquire another horse without a trailer demonstration -as important as a vet check IMO.
I can't tell everyone how incredibly wonderful it is to see the concern and advice shared by all of the members here. Where is Jojo?? I am concerned, but probably she just can't get online.I have either not had time to get online or didn't have access in time to see that Jojo needed a place to go- she could have come to Palm Beach point w/ me. But Wellington got hit a lot harder than Broward county, which is further to the south. Fran, Sheri, Cathy, Colleen, Sue, Sylvia,Terri, Sara, Ann, Lori,Jojo, Dr. O, thanks so much for the advice and good wishes. Right now I am basically a water carrier- I am carrying those big water-cooler type jugs of clean city water- out to Wellington 2 x per day. I can't move my neck to the right. This is only a problem when driving! Our well, and the wells where the horses are, are powered by electric pumps and so are not operable. We are waiting on an electrician to connect the pumps to the generator. All of my fencing is compromised in one way or another- mainly large trees down accross it. 5 acres of trash lumber, really. So, I have a barn, but no safe turn out. There was a downed (live?) electric line in back of the house in a large puddle so I'm staying clear of all standing water until those kind men from Mt Airy North Carolina take care of it (there were maybe 50 NC trucks in my neighborhood yesterday). Like Lori, I think I will be cleaning the pastures of tree debris for weeks to come!
Bottom line,you really learn a lot about your horses in a storm. Avoiding colic now is my biggest concern because turnout is limited.This is a big change for my horses who usually get turned out for long periods of time. I am soaking all their pellets. Am paying a neighbor's child to hand graze the horses twice during the day. Will update after IVAN! Hope to hear that Jojo is OK. -Beth Gordon ps. thinking of moving- is there a state with no natural disasters?
Member:
Leilani

Posted on Friday, Sep 10, 2004 - 2:58 pm:

I am so glad to hear that all of you and your beloved horses are alright. It brought tears to my eyes.

Aloha pumehana (warmest aloha),

Leilani, Mele and Anuhea
Member:
Warwick

Posted on Friday, Sep 10, 2004 - 3:18 pm:

Hi Lori and Beth

It's so great to hear that both of you and all the critters came through that horrible experience. Just wish we were closer so that I could lend a hand to help out.

I was watching CNN when the first footage of Frances came through and saw a loose horse galloping down a flooded street. It upset me for days. Poor thing, I just hope he came through unscathed and that he's back with his owner.

Here's praying that Ivan gives you a wide, wide berth.

Sue
Member:
Terrilyn

Posted on Friday, Sep 10, 2004 - 4:28 pm:

So glad to hear you are ok, Lori!!! I did say that water would be a BEAR. It was one of the worst parts of the ordeal after Isabel. Well, though I posted this on HA some time ago in a thread related to poetry, here is my literary (yeah, right!) response to what we went through during and after Isabel. Frances, I'm sure, will elicit similar feelings!

Isabel (or Frances!) is a lovely name,
Unless she is a hurricane!
Poles just snapped like fresh green beans,
Power’s out ‘til Halloween!

We carried water to the barn,
Heavy buckets, aching arms,
Morning chores done in the dark,
The way they did on Noah’s Ark!

Pastures flooded, fences down,
Electric fences all unwound…
Trees on houses, trailers, trucks,
Tree removal, thousands of bucks!

Favorite trails are strewn with trees,
Muddy bogs up to our knees,
Such havoc wreaked by flood and wind,
Will we ever ride again?

The list of hardships we’ve endured
Seems so endless, that’s for sure…
But we’re still here and tough as leather,
Takes more to break us than the weather…

We’ve learned to cope through this disaster,
Made new friends and shared some laughter,
In time the aftermath will pass,
And Isabel (and Frances!) can kiss our _ _ _!!!
Member:
Cathytay

Posted on Friday, Sep 10, 2004 - 8:22 pm:

Lori/Beth,
Thanks for taking the time to let us all know you survived and your horses are well.
Beth, your last question "thinking of moving - is there a state with no natural disasters?" - I imagine that everywhere has some problems, but personally, I LOVE it here in the southwest. We can get some pretty nasty electrical thunderstorms during monsoon season, but most of us are so excited to have the rain, we are out dancing in the storms
Sue,I saw the same clip on the news showing the horse galloping through the streets. It was so sad and am with you - hope that guy found his owner and is now safe.
I'm also praying that Ivan stays clear for you all in Florida...
Member:
Jojo15

Posted on Friday, Sep 10, 2004 - 10:19 pm:

Hey all... yes i survived. and boyfriend. and brandy, plus 3 dogs, 1 cat, 10 finches, and a macaw.... The house is a mess from us cohabitating...

And Phones just came back on this evening.

Beth, I live out in the acreage, by you. Well, 20 miles north. I haven't been out to wellington much. I just moved 6 months ago.

I DIDN"T spray paint the horse. I used LIVESTOCK STICKS... get some. They look like giant crayons. I now have a horse with Brite pink all over her. The whole neighborhood knows my number. and the trick is to wash, groom, and curry the areas to be done... funny today is the first day the numbers are fading. But i am thankful that it stayed on. They come in all colors for all different coats.

My situation is pretty much the same. I have downed trees. Some serious flooding. (my house looks like an island.) no power and no phones till today... woohoo. No damage, visible anyway. And the shed survived...

Brandy was left out. I went out all night long checking up on her. She was fine. Grazing all night. Until the 3 am time when eye of the storm came on land up in stuart. That is when we clocked 90+ winds over in palm beach. She was quite smart, though. I opened up the whole property for her so she could decide where she wanted to go. She always stayed butt to the wind and at the lowest parts of the property. While we were being blown around checking on her, she was calmly grazing, and the positions she was standing, at times her tail wasn't even blowing around. It was amazing. Only when the wind switched from the northwest to coming from the northeast did she do things that didn't make much sense. Maybe the wind change confused her. I was watching her from a hole i cut in the plywood on my door. ( i am going to buy those see thru storm shutters so i won't be doing that again). But hey, she survived. Lost about 150lb's approx... and was oooh so lovey these last few days... Oh, And for the first time she didn't colic. Her colic episodes are always around barometric pressure changes...

Does anyone know if animals can even survive in 140 mph winds? That is what they were forecasting for ivan... but now that is up in the air...pun intended..lol

I just don't know if she can physically stand in that kind of wind...Does anyone have any research on that? During hurricane andrew most of the horses that survived were just really cut up pretty bad. Luckily i live in a remote enough section where trees block our property on 3 sides.

Thanks for the well wishes... I will try to upload a shot of bran with her neon pink butt....

jojo

Member:
Sully

Posted on Saturday, Sep 11, 2004 - 12:19 pm:

Terre...Great poem. Wish I was more artistic, but I admire your skills. Thank You for sharing.
Jojo....My trainer who lives not far off the coast of SC, says horses will actually lay down with their butts to the wind and lay their head between their front legs. They all lay down in a group. I didn't ask her how hard the wind was blowing, but this behavior would keep them from being such a big target.
I have a couple of young horses with this trainer, so I was very interested in knowing what her plans were. They were fortunate and had only heavy rains this time. Except for a tornado that came toward the barn and chased them all into the bathroom. I told her God was watching over them cause that barn wouldn't have stood a chance against a tornado!
Member:
Jojo15

Posted on Saturday, Sep 11, 2004 - 1:57 pm:

They keep mentioning that in a hurricane, tornados pop up frequently. and they are usually on the top right quadrant of the hurricane. Luckily this last one we were always on on the lower left or right. I don't think anything could withstand a tornado. that movie twister keeps coming to mind where the cow is being hurled across the lake...

I just got my new generator...just in time for ivan to pass us by... hopefully... But will be more prepared next one...
Member:
Jeans

Posted on Saturday, Sep 11, 2004 - 6:18 pm:

Wow, I am blown away (pun intended) by your stories. I was wondering how horses and their people were faring in these storms. I am glad to hear that so far everyone here is okay---my heart is with you--just wish I could do something to help. Words can't express my concern for you. Take good care,
Jeani.
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Sunday, Sep 12, 2004 - 10:36 am:

I am so glad all of you in FL are o.k. and that your animals are also. Horse (all animals) are amazing in their survival instincts, but I'm sure you'd rather not have to put them to the test. I sure hope Ivan hits some cold water and dies down before it comes ashore on US. The poor people in the Carribian and Cuba!

We've had winds of 80mph here in UT, which blew away one of our pasture shelters, (horses safe in sturdy barn) and I was in a hurricaine in NY (Long Island) that had winds of 135mph. I can't imagine winds stronger than that.

It's pretty nice out here in the SouthWest, all you southeasterners (esp. Floridians!) A little snow in the winter and an occassional bad thunder storm. Come on out!

Member:
Canter

Posted on Monday, Sep 13, 2004 - 8:12 am:

Much relieved to hear that JoJo and Beth are OK and that your horses are unscathed. Hope that things return to normal as soon as possible for you all...and I hope that this hurricane season ends QUICKLY!
Member:
Bethyg2

Posted on Monday, Sep 13, 2004 - 11:51 am:

JoJo- so good to hear you guys made it OK. I know it was just a category 3 storm but boy did we have damage- most of it to the pastures.(Trees, electric lines, etc.)The electric lines are now back up and the place looks safe. I am letting the horses graze as we pick up garbage like roofing material from the pastures as I feel they need the grass to stay "regular"! But my paint keeps picking up roof shingles in his mouth and tossing them. The biggest hazard for horses, and humans, now is the cloud of inch long black mosquitos. I am using deep woods OFF on everybody and everything. I am going to look up Deet on this site now.
I know we did so well compared to what others north of us suffered, but if I had my way I'd be in Taos or Santa Fe, New Mexico, by the end of the year. Unfortunately my husband won't leave Florida...We have had an unusually bad hurricane season, but the anxiety of protecting the children and horses (4 legged children)is worse than the actual storm. I'd have felt a lot better if I had one of those poured concrete, steel reinforced barns that locks up tight. I am pricing them now! What a hassle. -Beth Gordon
Member:
Jojo15

Posted on Monday, Sep 13, 2004 - 2:40 pm:

Expensive is all i can say about the barns. I priced a few. Especially if you want them rated for Cat 4 winds. 130+mph winds. They won't even guarantee or can construct housing for Cat 5 winds... but keep me posted.

I know the mosquitos are scary. Bran's neck looks like she has the mumps. I have never been so attacked. And they get you the minute you walk outside. I don't know about the deet on the horse. Isn't there some kind of toxicity attached to deet. I use it on me, but let me know what you find out about horses using it. I did use a strong version of repelx mixed with skin so soft that seemed to work for at least a few hours. But its worse at night and i can't be going out every 3 hours then...
Member:
Jojo15

Posted on Monday, Sep 13, 2004 - 2:52 pm:

here is a shot of bran after the storm... the call letters still brite and readable... brandyafter the storm

bran 2

here she is surveying the fish swimming around. The lake and canals all flooded into one big giant pool in my back yard
Member:
Johnsonl

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 14, 2004 - 1:49 pm:

Terri - I loved the poem, thanks for bringing a smile to this hot, tired, mosquito-bitten gal! Still trying to get things back in order post-Frances, and like others have noted, the mosquitos will flat-out try to carry you off starting around dusk. I've lived here my whole life and don't ever recall seeing them swarm so thick. Thank goodness Buckeye is vaccinated for West Nile...we just had a man here in Brevard County diagnosed with the first post-hurrican case of it. I'm sick of spraying myself every night, but it beats the alternative. I wanted to say thanks to DrO for the suggestion of livestock tags, and to Jojo for Livestock Sticks, for ID methods. Great ideas. Love the pics of Brandy, Jojo, what a sweetie she is! Your yard looks like lots of places around here. To respond to what Nancy relayed from her trainer about horses laying down in high winds...here's one for you: About two weeks before the hurricane, we had a typical "spectacular" late afternoon thunderstorm (we are the lightening capital of the USA). It was an especially bad one, with deadly lightening right around the barn...came on quick so we couldn't get two of the horses in. Lightening hit a pine tree only about 15 yards from the barn, and about the same distance from Sassy and Judah in pasture. A fraction of a second before it hit, they both just DrOpped down on their front knees with hindquarters and heads to follow! Then BOOM! At the same split second before it hit, all three horses on the other side of the barn bolted out of their stalls into their runs (in the pouring rain of course!). What a spectacle! We three women had sound concussion and 'bout jumped out of our skin, but those horses sensed it coming in time to do their version of "hit the deck"...wild! Florida can be a challenging place weather-wise, but you can't beat spring, winter, and late fall here. (I've been riding/camping in the White Mts. of Arizona, though, and what a beautiful, amazing place!) Deet on horses? My farrier says to spray it on...no problems, but I'd like to hear it from a vet on this, please! Thanks to everyone for all their support during Frances! (Looks like central FL has escaped Ivan...I'll be praying for the panhandle) Lori
Member:
Bethyg2

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 14, 2004 - 4:55 pm:

Lori- What a beautiful horse! My place looks pretty similar. The water is slowly receding but the mosquitos continue to be a major health hazard. I have been using "Deep Woods Off" with Deet because it is the only thing that works against the mosquitos. One can is about $6.00 and doesn't last very long- maybe 3 to 4 total body sprays for a horse. If it won't hurt people (maybe we shouldn't assume this!) why can't we use it on horses? Any thoughts on this, Dr. O? I searched the site- my skills here may be lacking- but although there is material on this, there is nothing definite. Are there any trials w/ horses that you know about?- Beth Gordon
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 15, 2004 - 8:08 am:

Not only mosquitoes but DEET is the only repellant with any staying power for deerflies, horseflies, and midges. We have a lot of information on mosquito control and the use of DEET on horses at, Equine Diseases » Skin Diseases » Mosquito Control Around Horses and Barns.
DrO
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 15, 2004 - 10:33 am:

JOJ-What a sweet looking horse! Poor thing. She almost needs water wings, or maybe an air matress! So glad all of you are o.k. Now we worry about all those people and animals in the panhandle, LA,AL,etc. who are in Ivans way.

Interesting about the horses and lightening. they are amazing! We also get fierce lightening storms at times, and horses in the fields are one of my big worries, esp. those with shoes on. I try to get them in the barn, but sometimes there's no time, or I'm not home. I've never heard of them "hitting the deck" before.

I'm glad Florida is nice some of the year!!
Member:
Verlaj

Posted on Thursday, Sep 23, 2004 - 10:28 am:

Hi - I am located a little north of Ocala, FL, and am reading this discussion after the fact. I really didn't take Frances very seriously because we are pretty far inland - thought we would get a little blow and a lot of rain. I have 3 horses and one stall, so our only question was whether to keep the horses in our 1 acre paddock or let them have more room to find their own place. We decided on the 1-acre, because there would be a buffer of additional perimeter fences if trees came down on the interior fences and also they would be where we could see them from the house.
The horses weathered the storm fine, although they were a bit jittery for a few days thereafter. However, I found that 3-days worth of water is inadequate. We were without power, and thus could not pump water, for 5 1/2 days. As long as it was raining, that was okay, but not long after the rain stopped, fresh water for the horses became a concern. Our perimeter fences were down so we couldn’t let the horses out to get to other water supplies, so I had to carry water in 5 gallon buckets to the confined horses from troughs in the outer pastures. (Bless those pioneer women!) After Frances, and under the threat of Ivan, I went and bought 2 additional water troughs of 110 gal each to be sure we wouldn't have the same problem again. This was a common problem in this horsey area. A local well-driller offered to go to farms and run well-pumps from his generator to fill water troughs and water was made available for hauling from other sources. Some people were without power for 10 days.
Our only real crisis occurred the day after most of the storm went through. My daughter decided to ride her big quarter horse (Stick), I guess to survey the damage. We didn't know she had gone off, until she came running to the house, out of breath and covered with mud. The horse had gotten completely bogged down - to the chest/belly - in the woods! The ground - on the side of a hill, mind you - was so saturated with water and soft that it would not support his weight. When we got back to him, he had managed to move himself 10-15ft and was hot and exhausted. (Fortunately, my daughter had had the good sense to remove his tack before she left him.) I first checked his legs for fractures by running my hands down them - I could easily shove my hands and arms elbow deep into the dirt - and discovered that when the legs sank into the dirt they were then entrapped by roots. We had to cut the roots by feeling them with hands and guiding lopping shears in the mud to free his legs. We would free his legs, pull the legs up so the hooves were on the surface, place a tarp and doormat under the forefeet or a hindfoot if possible and laid out on the path ahead of him to give him a little something to help support his weight, then encourage him to get up by having 2 pulling ahead on lead ropes and sometimes one or two pushing from behind. We had to clear a path free of trees and vines ahead of him, and the suction on his legs was so strong that once I couldn’t pull a forefoot up; I had to get my husband to come do it. It was as though there was someone on the other end pulling down as hard as I pulled up! Throughout it all, Stick never panicked or struggled to get up until we were ready and asked him to try.
We had to go through this process 3 times – moving him ahead a bit each time - before we had him on ground that would support his weight. This took about 2 hours. Then, the woods were so dense with trees and vines, that we couldn’t lead him out. At this point it was getting dark, mosquitoes were getting intense, and bands of the remnants of Frances were still passing over, bringing rain, wind, and lightning. My husband thought we had to lead the horse back down the side of the hill to get him out, but I refused because I thought if he sank in again, in the dark, we would have a really serious problem. (I was prepared to spend the night in the woods with the horse.) We decided on trying to cut through with a chain saw, which is really not the best thing for getting through the dense vines, but the only other tools we had were a machete and lopping shears, and it would have taken forever to get through with them. It took another 2 hours to cut through to the horse, what with the distance, the difficulty of working with the chainsaw in the dark, and the saw jamming up with vines and needing repair.
Bless the horse – he was an angel through it all, standing patiently and quietly, despite the wind, rain, lightning, darkness, and chainsaw noise, until finally there was a path that would accommodate him. Although at the time we were working to get him “unstuck” I felt that we were going to have a sad outcome, he ended up with only minor cuts and abrasions, 3 “stocked up” legs the next day, and fluid distention around one carpus. He is still ouchy on that knee, but is getting better. Also, fortunately none of us got hurt, which was a possibility while working around a 1200+ pounds horse lurching to his feet on unstable ground.
I hope this never happens to us again, but if it did I would think of more things we could put on the ground to have him step on before getting him up – heavy horse blankets and carpet come to mind - and I think I would rig up a sling to be able to give better support to the rear end – maybe using a girth behind the hindquarters attached to ropes. We didn’t even try to get emergency help – we had no phone service and I’m sure the emergency personnel were preoccupied with people in distress. Although I have heard other people tell of pulling bogged-down horses out with a tractor, there was no way we could have gotten a tractor down in the woods anyway, and it seems like there would be a big risk of the horse panicking and getting hurt from the rescue attempt.
So what have I learned from Frances? Many things, but with respect to the horses, have way more water than you think you need on hand before the storm hits; do NOT take the horses out until the ground has dried out after the rain passes; and, some horses are capable of incredibly good sense during difficult circumstances.
I hope everyone else out there fared as well with their horses as we did in the end. Jill
Member:
Warwick

Posted on Thursday, Sep 23, 2004 - 11:56 am:

Wow, Jill, that is quite a story! So glad to hear that Stick came through it so well. What a trooper he must be - definitely worth his weight in gold.

Thanks so much for sharing with us. These types of stories are real eye-openers for those of us who never have to deal with the true force of Mother Nature or the aftermath.
Member:
Jojo15

Posted on Thursday, Sep 23, 2004 - 12:48 pm:

oh jill, what a mess. I thought about going out with bran after the storm, but sheer exhaustion on my part did stop me from the curiousity. Luckily too. Downed power lines were everywhere. and i don't know for sure but if they were live (which you can't really tell) 500 yards away and in water, i could have electrocuted her or me.

I know exactly the type of boggy soil you describe. and its a scary thing. I have seen dogs in the woods get stuck. and their owners. I can't imagine the scene with the horse. On good dry days in the winter i have walked thru some of ocalas forest and lost shoes in those bogs. How did your daughter fare? I bet she won't be doing that anytime soon...

I am on a well also. and the first thing i did was buy a generator big enough to pull water. I just need an electrician to put it together now. I have heard of hand pumps. but, didn't really research them. Also do you have those chlorine tablets? i would throw those in to the tubs. Even if its rainwater. I was finding dead lizards, snakes, crickets in all my buckets.

Did you see? hear we go again with Jeanne. I just pulled down the shutters and put the horses stuff back in the shed... Will this never end?

jojo
Member:
Verlaj

Posted on Thursday, Sep 23, 2004 - 1:41 pm:

Jojo - Thanks for the heads-up on Jeanne! I am still not a "weather-watcher!" I just checked the NOAA website after reading this message!
Also thanks for the suggestion about the chlorine tabs. With Frances, I did have to dump water that we had in the trough because it had been fouled.

The crazy thing about the horse getting stuck was that it was not in a low area - it was on the side of a hill! I would never have expected it to happen there.

and Sue, thanks for the kind words.

After we were all safely at home, we were all physcially exhausted, but unable to settle down. Although I remember being completely calm during the crisis, I felt like crying when it was all over. Back at the house, instead of going to bed I barbecued chicken on the grill and had a cold bath/shower in a big tub outside in the rain! After we went to bed, after midnight, neither my husband nor I could sleep; I got up several times to check on Stick, then finally fell asleep. We were all stiff and sore the next day!
Someone's previous suggestion to be sure to have all your meds stocked was a good one. I was pretty low on bute at the time, and was fortunately able to restock with all the usual needs a couple of days later, along with extra leg wraps. We went through a half-dozen a day wrapping 3 legs and changing them when they got wet.
Member:
Bethyg2

Posted on Thursday, Sep 23, 2004 - 2:32 pm:

Wow- just got off the NOAA website and I can't believe it- I thought this storm Jeanne was supposed to go north! Apparently it is headed straight for my barn....I am just now recovering from carrying all those water jugs during Francis.Plus we have so much water on the ground just from rain we've had this week that the horses' pastures are 60% under water already.Sadly I need to go again and buy more batteries, extra gas, canned goods, and extra feed- the stores here were closed down for a good while. Plus those jugs of water...We just took the shutters down too. Oh well, another weekend spent putting up shutters! Another necessity, glad you brought it up- a barbecue! My horse project for the weekend it to try and learn how to set up my generator to power the well so I don't have to carry water again if the power goes out... The big "IF" is whether or not to move the horses to a safer barn......what is everyone planning on doing???? It's just such a hassle -Beth Gordon :-(
Member:
Bethyg2

Posted on Thursday, Sep 23, 2004 - 2:34 pm:

Wow- just got off the NOAA website and I can't believe it- I thought this storm Jeanne was supposed to go north! Apparently it is headed straight for my barn....I am just now recovering from carrying all those water jugs during Francis.Plus we have so much water on the ground just from rain we've had this week that the horses' pastures are 60% under water already.Sadly I need to go again and buy more batteries, extra gas, canned goods, and extra feed- the stores here were closed down for a good while. Plus those jugs of water...We just took the shutters down too. Oh well, another weekend spent putting up shutters! Another necessity, glad you brought it up- a barbecue! My horse project for the weekend it to try and learn how to set up my generator to power the well so I don't have to carry water again if the power goes out... The big "IF" is whether or not to move the horses to a safer barn......what is everyone planning on doing???? It's just such a hassle -Beth Gordon :-(
Member:
Sunny66

Posted on Thursday, Sep 23, 2004 - 2:46 pm:

Oh my goodness...AGAIN! You poor things! Here's hoping they all go back out to sea!!!
Member:
Jojo15

Posted on Thursday, Sep 23, 2004 - 3:22 pm:

beth when you figure out how to hook up the generator to the well, would you let me know? No time for an electrician now. everyone is starting to panic again. The radio just announced the gas lines are starting again...

I am going to do exactly what i did the last time with bran. and we should exchange numbers. beth aren't you in Wellington? i have extra bute, banamine, Methocarbomal, ace, batteries, etc. i just dumped all my water supps though...

Pine tar. I keep putting it on bran's feet. do you think it helps in all this water? I am flooded again, too. The remnants of Ivan. LOL. this is getting laughable, you have to admit.
Member:
Bethyg2

Posted on Sunday, Sep 26, 2004 - 2:19 pm:

Greetings from the Plywood State....Jojo- hope you made it OK- Just took a drive around to see the old homestead, and found no electricity, which means no water, and the canal and pond on the property have overflowed and there are fish in the pastures! Big ones! Much worse then the last storm, even though there was less rain, because of all the standing water. Luckily I am staying in Delray, which has electricity. The horses weathered the storm well in a friend's concrete barn. My worst fear is that the horses will colic as a result of the change in routine (they are used to lots of turnout- I can't turn them out where they are because the fences are down and who knows what is in growing in the pastures).So I wet their hay, brought water from home (there goes another disk in my neck...), and put lots of mineral oil and water in their pellets. They had an open stall at the barn, which I didn't know until the last minute. I will definitely get you my number, as there is bound to be another storm in our future!
Thanks for the offer of supplies, my mare came up lame and I've been using banamine. She has great timing, as I have to ride her 5 miles home down 441- she has trailering issues. No way am I leading her 5 miles! My friend and I rode my 2 horses the five miles Saturday at like 11:00 AM and boy was that a mistake- we hit a squall halfway there and could hardly see.
I think we've all become hurricane professionals now! My car is an improvised feed room. The problem is gasoline since I am living away from the horses.There may be gas in Broward or Dade so I am going to investigate.
I am using "heel guard" on the backs of the feet, and hoping for the best. I think it has the same ingredients as diaper rash cream, which would probably do the job too. I've heard some people just use vaseline.
I have no idea how to connect the generator to the well pumps without killing myself- the problem is you have to cut the wires and it looks like a big job. Which you'd have to reverse as soon as power comes back. Since you'd be necessarily standing in or around water the whole time, it didn't look like a safe or worthwhile thing to do. So I lent my generator to a farm in Palm Beach Point, because theirs broke and they have 20 horses w/ no water! They were s-o-l w/out a generator. They are recommending me for sainthood, but really it was just going to sit in my garage.My family doesn't want to go back w/out air conditioning, so it was wasted.
What I want to know is where is Lake Worth Drainage District?? In Wellington, they were busy letting out the canals before each storm, but Lake Worth didn't.Again. :-( Clearly, letting them out before the storm was a good idea. But don't you find that people are taking this really well? You do have to laugh about it, it is so ridiculous.My neighbors greeted me today in a canoe. They were paddling around the streets.(Where is that 12 foot alligator I've seen in the canal??) My big decision now is what to do for turnout. The big horses will probably be OK walking around in a lake, but the minis I don't know. We have those terrible snakes, they're poison. They swim in the water. Water moccassins or something. EEK! Are you worried about the snakes? A dog was bitten by one }this year. -Beth
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Sep 27, 2004 - 8:14 am:

Beth, I admire your stiff upper lip. Not being there I don't have much useful information but just wanted to let you know we are praying for you.
DrO
Member:
Jojo15

Posted on Monday, Sep 27, 2004 - 3:22 pm:

Lori? did you make out alright? thanks beth. I think my girl is an old pro now.

Couple new things i did. I put a breakaway halter on her and taped to the inside straps all pertinent info. I poly bagged it twice and then wrapped electrical tape around it. It stayed dry. Also, i used her bell boots. I used the indelible markers and put info on the boots. I cut off one of the velcro ties in case their was some kind of freak accident where if she pulled hard enough it would come off. I liked these ways of putting info on her. Since her winter coat is coming in i noticed fading of crayons after the first few hours in pelting rain. I also lost all her mane ties of information in the first hurricane. The winds on this one did hit around 100 miles an hour. But i left window areas without shutters this time. It trully is amazing to watch her in the storm. Bran never lost a beat this time. As the shutters went back up i figure she associated that with bad weather. No lost weight. A little jumpy but that was it. As a matter of fact during frances i had setup shop in the garage. And during this one bran kept walking to the garage during the storm, just in case i had put food out. When the wind ceased blowing enough for me to go out i opened the garage door and hayed her during the storm. I think my being there helped her stay calm.

I think everyone is getting more experienced. I have power (thanks to a generator) and phone lines never went down. Garbage and mail even attempted today. Truly amazing....
Member:
Pbauer

Posted on Thursday, Sep 30, 2004 - 4:35 am:

Dear Floridian Postee's,
The courage and fortitude you have shown in
these seemingly overwhelming circumstances, is truly inspirational...to light a candle by God's grace.
Sending you our prayers,
Paul and Tonya
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