Aimee Robinson, a Valley Vet Supply employee and Oklahoma horse owner said that she sat in a room surrounded by friends and colleagues. We watched in terror as the tornado drew closer to us. It was headed straight for my horse’s boarding barn. There was nothing I could do. “

One hundred fifty horses were among those whose lives were ruined by the Moore tornado of May 20, 2013.

“I drove as fast and as fast as possible to the barn, avoiding downed trees, debris, and parking over a mile from our barn. Robinson recalled running towards the area, not knowing if her horse would be hurt or alive. I mentally prepared for the worst, and, to my surprise, the barn was still standing as I crested the last hill. Indie was still in her stall, shaking but alive. The barn closest to us took a direct hit and lost everything.

y was asked the number one question, “Should horses be kept stalled or let them run free in a pasture for better survival chances?” Dr Hiney was asked the No.

“Overall, shelter is better. It all depends on the strength of the barn. Dr. Hiney advised that there should be no loose material, which could become a flying projectile, and that everything should be locked down tightly.”

It is important to consider flying debris’s impact when horses are being stowed or released. It is important to understand that not all facilities have stable shelter or a barn for horses in case of storms. Supercells are rapidly developing and may make it impossible to bring horses inside. Planning is key to ensuring safety for your horse.

Horse owners should be aware of the potential for severe storms like tornadoes or hurricanes. Dr Hiney suggests that they:

To avoid any damage, ensure that items are secured in the barn. Horses will seek shelter within the barn during a storm.

Keep enough water in your home to supply 5-10 gallons of freshwater per horse per day if the water is cut off.

Take a photo of your horse with you when you move to prove ownership.

Microchip horses without a permanent ID such as a tattoo or brand will allow them to reunite with their owners.

Contact information for horses with  can be labelled by marking their hooves with a Sharpie or braiding their hairs with a luggage tag.

Horse owners should be prepared in case of wildfires or barn fires. Dr Hiney suggests that they:

To reduce the risk of barn fires, be proactive and inspect the wiring.

You can have a trailer with all your essentials ready for when you need it.

So that horses are comfortable with stress, practice quick loading horses. As much as possible, ask neighbours for help.

To escape wildfires, you should know multiple exit routes.

Robinson stated, “Years later I moved from Oklahoma into South Florida.” “Hurricane Irma was rapidly approaching the Miami region and picking up steam.” We immediately made plans to evacuate our horses and ourselves. Knowing the damage caused by the Moore tornado and the direct impact on the horse community, I was adamant about our evacuation plans. We loaded plenty of fuel, hay, water, and fuel. Also, we had an equine first aid kit. Five horses were safely transported north.