Are you emergency ready? And Emergency Preparedness Resources for Horse Owners
Equine Guelph uses animal characters to describe some typical levels of emergency preparedness. It is Emergency Preparedness week, and Equine Guelph are offering resources to inform, prevent and prepare so you are trained focused and ready when the worst happens. See the link below for more information.
The Ostrich
“It won’t happen to me.”
You run a pretty good ship. Your horses look healthy, the barn is tidy, and you would rather not think about worst case scenarios. Planning for emergencies feels unnecessary or uncomfortable, so you keep your head down and focus on day-to-day care.
The Lemming
“I’ll do what everyone else is doing.”
You assume that in a crisis, someone will tell you what to do. Maybe the barn owner, the vet, or emergency services will take charge. You have not thought much about your own role but trust that your team will lead the way.
The Squirrel
“I have supplies somewhere… I think.”
You have made some preparations. There may be a first aid kit, emergency numbers saved on your phone, or a vague evacuation idea. The pieces exist, but they have not been tested or pulled together into a clear plan.
The Border Collie
“Trained, focused, and ready.”
You have assessed your risks, practiced your response, and you know what to do even when adrenaline is high. Preparedness is not just about reacting in the moment. It is about practice drills, planning ahead, and calm action when it matters most. You review, adjust, and protect your flock when conditions change.
Most of us are a mix of these, depending on the situation. Emergency Preparedness Week is not about judgement. It is about moving one step closer to the Border Collie mindset.
At Equine Guelph, prevention and emergency readiness are not separate topics or seasonal reminders. They are part of everyday stable management and horse care because unexpected events like barn fires, disease outbreaks, or emergency rescues, are not prone to waiting until we feel ready.
Visit thehorseportal.ca for more information on emergency preparedness.
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