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Discussion on Severe Weather
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Posted on Monday, Apr 23, 2001 - 6:00 pm:
Just want to get opinions on wether to bring horses in or leave out on the pasture during times of severe weather (severe thunderstorms, possible tornadoes). Wind noises and/or hail on barn roofs can cause horses to become erratic but the barn does afford some protection from debris. However, high winds can cause structural failure of the barn, so maybe giving the horses the run of the pasture will allow them to escape a collapse. Any experiences and/or thoughts are appreciated to that we can plan ahead!
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Posted on Monday, Apr 23, 2001 - 11:36 pm:
It probably depends on how dangerous the storms are around you and how well your barn is built. I lost a horse to lightning. There was a huge well - built pole barn available in the pasture for shelter ( full of quality free - choice hay ).
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 24, 2001 - 8:20 am:
Heather you do a good job of describing some of the variables involved in the decision, but that is exactly what they are. No one answer will work in every situation. In complicated decisions you might want to create a list of pros and cons to help you make sense of it all.
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 25, 2001 - 11:11 pm:
Tornados. Should you let your horses loose in the open pasture and worry about panic running or keep them in their paddock where debris could injure them. Or, bring them in the house and put them in the bathtub with a mattress to cover them. (Seriously, I have thought of this option!)
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 26, 2001 - 1:49 pm:
We've been through two hurricanes on Kauai, the most recent a very severe one called Iniki. 99%of the horses here are pastured all the time, and the local wisdom is to let them run free during a storm. I believe they huddle and turn their rumps to the wind. The biggest problem the next day was down fences and loose animals running around, very minor injuries. It's a big worry I know, but there's probably not a totally safe haven when Mother Nature rampages. Actually, WE were in the bathtub with a mattress over us during Iniki, no room for the animals!
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 26, 2001 - 10:20 pm:
I am sorry to say I have seen the ravages of a bad hurricane also. Hurrican Andrew left thousands of animals loose, maimed, and lost. Everyone heard of the people predicaments but NO ONE discusses the animals. If you can leave them loose in a very big area, I think it is better in the long run. But a big area 50-100 acres kind of area.
I saw everything. And alot was not pleasant-- to say the least.Since then the powers at be have agreed that in case of another hurricane all horses that can be let loose, should be. Now here is the catch... Where? Who? and Why? Private citizens who own 30 + acres in the area with fencing or natural boundaries have graciously opened up their property. You must sign up and stringently adhere to all the rules. Taking off the shoes, etc. Mares and geldings only. Stallions are not allowed, etc.
The true test of this idea was another " hurricane" we had just a couple of years ago. And the process seemed to work except that the hurricane never appeared. The only fall backs were in catching and separating of the horses which took about three days. They had banded and created natural groups in about 15-24 hours. And the only problems really occured in the people trailering them back and forth ( who normally don't do that) and that was where most of the injury was.
I also saw the ravages of leaving them in concrete stalls, too. Nothing is truly safe in a big storm. And there is no way to assess a persons individual circumstance. What is good for you is not good for your neighbor.
What ever you do think like the animal you are making decisions for. I would think different about a dog or cat as opposed to the horses.
And be prepared,,,,,,,, very prepared. If you think you will need 5 rolls of vet wrap buy 20.
On a funny note, if this subject can be funny. They have crayons big colored ones to put your phone number, address, etc on the horses. I do that first thing. What is so funny is that the damn stuff doesn't come off for weeks. So, you can see various riders around town after a hurricane scare with their numbers painted on the horses..... you know what.
Read up on anything on the net for horses/hurricanes and this might help.
cheers.
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 26, 2001 - 10:32 pm:
Oh P.S. I have brought my one mare into the house.... for one of our hurricanes. I planted shavings and mats and she walked right in the front door. My relatives who needed to evacuate their abodes and come to my place were furious. I live in a townhouse. Not big... But She was amazing. (had ace, just in case) She Just laid down or stayed still. It was like she knew what was up? She had a 30 x 12 foot area to be in. It was us who were cramped. I don't think I would do it again, though, since I have two. I can't be partial. Plus it was only for 12 hours, but some hurricanes can last much longer. Crazy??? maybe. but it helped me get thru a potential disaster the best way I knew how.
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