What a crazy winter it was! In the Pacific Northwest homes and ranches were drenched in rain, causing swollen rivers and flooding. Many people suffered losses and damage from the inclement weather. I guess some things you can prepare for, but even then, it’s not always enough. Still, I’m always amazed at how people in this community don’t hesitate to lend a hand when someone is in need. I was blessed to be a part of it for most of my life.
Every region has its challenges. I may have escaped the flooding by moving to Colorado but after arriving here we were pelted with damaging hail. There are ups and downs no matter where we live. The point is to look for the beauty in the aftermath of the floods and damaging storms.
Since this is our Barn, Equestrian Facilities, and Training issue it’s a great time to discuss your evacuation plans in the event of a natural disaster. We have some great resources lined up for you. We are privileged to have writers such as Alayne Blickle of Horses for Clean Water to help us navigate farm planning and management. And advertiser Teresa Spencer of equestrisafe.com has amazing products to ID your horse should he escape his pasture or get lost in the confusion of a fire or other disaster. The EquestriSafe website also has good information for planning an escape. Evacuation plans are often non-existent, and we don’t think about them until we need them.
Another great resource is your local conservation district. I’ve benefitted immensely from the relationship built with them. I was able to get a grant for a manure bin and borrow Whatcom Conservation District’s manure spreader to get my fields fertilized. Years ago, I had a farm plan designed and we were able to create a beautiful sacrifice area to keep my horses out of the mud in the winter months.
As you plan upgrades to your place or dream of a new barn, always think of safety and have a plan in place should you have to deal with a fire or other natural disaster. Then you can relax knowing that you do have a plan of action for your horse’s safety and your own.
Quote: When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around. – Willie Nelson
Additional Resources:
www.nwhorsesource.com/online-exclusive-be-ready
www.nwhorsesource.com/aaep-resources-help-practitioners-horse-owners-prepare-for-natural-disasters
www.nwhorsesource.com/uc-davis-advance-disaster-preparedness-horses
www.nwhorsesource.com/be-firewise
www.nwhorsesource.com/texas-livestock-emergency-team
www.nwhorsesource.com/wildfire-evacuation-planning-horse-owners
See this article in the March/April 2022 online edition:
Owner/Publisher Karen’s lifelong love of horses began at a very early age when she wore out a couple of rocking horses before convincing her parents to get her the real thing. That ill-tempered bay gelding, Brandy, was a challenge for the young horsewoman, but it drove her ambition to become a horse trainer. After attending Canyonview Equestrian College’s Horsemanship Program, Karen realized she needed work that was a little more lucrative than training, so she took a job with Customs Brokerage to pay the bills. There, she discovered an affinity for computers and a talent for creating informative, entertaining newsletters. The Northwest Horse Source began as such a letter in December 1995, with a distribution of 1000 copies for its 12 black and white pages. Now 29 years later, it’s an online magazine and website with a reach of over 10,000 per month and growing! Not bad for the results of one woman’s dream to work with horses!
Today, Karen remains involved with every aspect of the magazine and treasures the community of thousands who share a common passion.
