NC Horse Council

Marking you horse for an emergency

As a horse owner, you worry about the safety and well being of your equine partners during times of disaster. What happens if you get separated from your horse during an emergency? Take measures to identify your horse. There are several ways to mark your horses so identification can be made during an emergency. Some of these include:

1. Use a luggage tag. You can write your name, address, horse's description, feeding instructions, and your vet's name and phone number. Always be sure to include any special needs your horse may have. A luggage tag can be attached to your horse's halter with duct tape or braided into his mane.
2. A permanent way to identify your horse is by a tattoo, brand or microchip.
3. Use small clippers and clip your phone number onto your horse's neck.
4. Use an auction crayon and write your phone number on your horse.
5. Spray paint the horse's hooves.

Were you prepared for Hurricane Hannah? Most of North Carolina was spared as Hurricane Hannah stormed up the coast, leaving behind little damage inland; and it appears that Hurricane Ike is heading towards the Gulf of Mexico and not the East Coast. There's still Hurricane Josephine, and who knows where she will hit. Be prepared for the next emergency by taking steps today to avoid a potential disaster.

If you find you are in need of assistance, check out the NC Department of Agriculture website. The link to the site is http://ncagr.com/markets/livestock/horse/directory.

This link takes you directly to the Equine Directory. From this page, you can access the Equine Disaster Response page. Here, you will find listings for Emergency Transportation and Emergency Facilities.

If you are still not sure where to turn, follow the suggestions below:

-- Call your county cooperative extension office/agent
-- Call your county emergency management number listed in the telephone book. They coordinate with the extension office for animal services as well as human services.
-- Finally, call NC SART . The number for the NC State Animal Response Team is 888-989-7278 or 919-515-6836.

If you are calling from states surrounding North Carolina, call your state department of agriculture or state or county emergency management numbers first.

Finally, the Hunt Horse Complex can be contacted in an emergency. They have stalls and for a fee, horses can be housed there. Their contact information is:

1025 Blue Ridge Blvd
Raleigh NC 27607
Phone: (919) 821-7400
(919) 828-9478

Hurricane Preparedness

Now is the time to complete your preparations for the "next" disaster. As stated in the brochure "Preparing for a Disaster, Tips from the Equine Disaster Response Alliance", when it comes to an emergency, the best approach is to hope for the best but plan for the worst. The Equine Disaster Response Alliance (EDRA) is a collaborative effort between the following:

NC Department of Agriculture
NC Horse Council
NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine
NC Cooperative Extension/NC Extension Horse Husbandry
Private veterinarians

Some tips to prepare your horses for a disaster, before the disaster strikes include the following:
-- Keep a stock of hay, grain, water, medications and veterinary supplies
-- Decide where you will take your horses if evacuation becomes necessary
-- Keep your horses' vaccinations and boosters up-to-date.
-- Compile important documents in one location. These documents include:
-- Registration papers
-- Medical history, dosages and types of medications
-- Dietary requirements
-- Current Coggins test
-- Photographs
-- Train your horse to load and unload.

For more tips, please visit http://nchorsecouncil.com/images/24StepDisasterPlan.pdf.

The following is a list of things you should have on hand in the case of any emergency:
-- Photographs and medical records for each horse
-- Enough hay, feed and water to last three or more days
-- A halter and lead from each horse with the horse's name on the halter
-- Medications and veterinary supplies
-- Extra feed buckets
-- Extra bedding, pitchforks, shovels and a wheelbarrow
-- A portable first-aid kit
-- A map and list of phone numbers (veterinarian, transporter, insurance company)

Remember, your horses are your responsibility! Take steps today to ensure your animals are cared for during a disaster.