September 15th is a day I will never forget. The Dearborn County Sheriff’s office asked if I would respond to a horse trailer accident involving 50 horses, and I was on my way. I was the only vet present to help fire and rescue personnel extract 20 horses from an overturned horse trailer. Once that was done, my tech and I began triage of 30 horses suffering from traumatic injuries.

I hope that what greeted me was a horseman’s worst case scenario. Was I ready for this? I know the medicine; I had adequate supplies for emergencies. Could I have done more things to be prepared for this? Yes, and so can you.

Many would suggest taking emergency rescue courses with Drs. Rebecca and Thomas Gimenez. But you can often avoid having to rescue your horse by taking precautions. Devise a plan for a trailer incident, flooding, barn fire, and for other possible disasters.

For example, several things should be taken on all trailer trips: A first-aid kit for horses and humans, a halter for each horse and a few extra in case of broken ones, and several long lead ropes. Also, it is a good idea to have the phone number of your vet, and at least one vet at your destination, in a handy place. Call ahead to make sure you have resources at your disposal if you need them