Featured Editorial - Always Be Prepared

Roblee Valentine

Living and riding in paradise also means it is our responsibility to be informed, have a plan, and be prepared to protect the horses we love. Planning for the worst and only hoping for the best. Plan, Prepare and Prevail.

What a wealth of information I gleaned from Lisah Nicholson, esteemed member of the First 50 Volunteer Team at Del Mar Fairgrounds. Her dedication to our equestrian community required countless hours of training through extensive meetings with San Marcos, Rancho Santa Fe and Escondido Fire Departments, Cal Fire, the San Diego Sheriff, San Diego Humane Society and San Diego County Animal Services. Our deepest gratitude to Lisah, the First 50 Volunteer Team and our dedicated public servants.

“Your POWER is in being feeling prepared, not fearful.”* *The following are all sugestions from the editor, please check with your animal care professionals for expert advice.

PLAN Put Your Emergency Kit Together which includes: A halter and lead rope for every horse at corral/ stall/ pasture Identify your animals with: Your Name

Your Phone Number

Trainers Phone Number

Horse Color & Sex

Veterinarian Name and Phone Number

Address of Farm or Ranch where your horse is boarded

Picture of Your Horse

Microchip Information Medical Information Including All Medications Dietary Needs Including Hay and or Pellets and Supplements First aid items for you and your horse: Bandages

Gauze

Wound Cleanser

Saline Solution

Scissors

Thermometer

Barn Medical Station I.C.E. Ultralite Emergency ID Tag marystack.com

Fire Protection Gel for Animals marystack.com

store.countyfarmtack.com

Gloves

PREPARE Pack Evacuation Site Essentials: Three Days of Food, Water, Medication and Electrolytes (for horse and rider) Evacuation Stall Items: Blankets Flashlight

Fly Masks

Hoses

Buckets for Feed and Water

Duct Tape

Clips for Stall Doors

Portable Radio with Batteries

First Aid Kit for Humans N95 or N 100 mask (for smoke, dust) Phone Charger and Change of Clothes Stethoscope Normal Horse Temp 99.5ยบ-101.5ยบ F Regular Pulse Rates: 32-36 BPM Respiration Rate 8-12 breaths per min. standing

The phone number for information during fire emergencies in San Diego 2-1-1

Miller Buckets 8 quart marystack.com

Farrier Tool Kit with Bag statelinetack.com

Hay Bale Protector Bag marystack.com

PREVAIL There are Two Types of Evacuations

VOLUNTARY EVACUATION (known as VE) and MANDATORY EVACUATION (known as ME)

If you get Voluntary Evacuation notice and you have horses/ large animals, THAT MEANS GET MOVING slow and steady to your planned and open evacuation center. Some locations may not be available or open so having many options is suggested. Showpark is the first place to check for availability.

If it is full or unavailable, Del Mar Fair Grounds might be an option depending on the time of year. Fiesta Island may be an option if the city activates it or if it is requested by the county. There are many different facilities in San Diego County to check, Ramona Rodeo and Fair Grounds, Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, Riders Field in Fallbrook and other horse ranches out of harms way. Having many plans in order is exceedingly important.

VERY important, as during VOLUNTARY EVACS there are NOT HARD CLOSES. A hard close means you cannot use that road or go back to certain locations. This way you can make as many trips to get more horses out to safety (evacuation center) as needed. Also helping with traffic and wait times while moving horses.

PREVENT Putting Your Plan into Action

TRANSPORTATION If you are in training, your trainer already has a system and multiple plans in place – and it’s good to know before a situation arises so that he/she can do their job and not get excessive phone calls while making critical decisions.

Should you have your horses at home, check and maintain your truck / trailer regularly making sure it’s always ready to go and never let your tank get less than half full. If your trailer is an open or stock style make sure there are no shavings or bedding in trailer and be ready to help others. Practice loading your horse if you do not regularly trailer out.

If you do not have a truck and trailer, make sure to have a relationship with a reputable horse transportation company that has instructions to pick up your horse. I highly recommend John McAndrews from Stateside (858864-8550) or Bob Hubbard (951-369-3770). Please have a buddy system if you leave town, notify your neighbors.

DO NOT SET HORSES LOOSE

When horses are set loose it can impede our first responders tremendously. Loose animals running down roads is not safe for anyone.

SHELTER IN PLACE

If you can stay where you are and out of harms way, this is an option. Clear of brush, trees and anything flammable. An arena or dry pasture are ideas. For more information please contact your local Fire Dept and speak with them about that.

MOST IMPORTANTLY

“Don’t be fearful, be respectful of Mother Nature and be prepared. In riding as in life, forward is your friend, so go get ready and then enjoy another brilliant day of riding in beautiful San Diego.”