People are more apt to evacuate out of harm’s way if there are provisions for their animals. | Photo: iStock

This is a clarion call for every equine owner, manager, caretaker, veterinarian/scientist, or other equine stakeholder with the desire to maintain and improve the welfare of the horse and the quality of life of the equine industry stakeholders before, during, and after disaster events.

Water, food, fuel, shelter, medical care—how will you access these vital needs for survival for you, your horse(s), and other family/team members, pets, and livestock if faced with a disaster event like those that affected millions last year along our coasts, in our heartland, and in cities, towns, and villages all over the U.S. and in other countries?

What is your plan when water is rising or fire is racing so fast around your farm or stable that you cannot get your horses out? What is your plan if you and your horses are involved in a vehicular accident during transport or if you are required to “stop-movement” due to a disease outbreak? With the multitude of maladies that can and will occur to us and our animals in our lifetime, can you answer “yes” to the question, “Have we done ‘due diligence’ with developing a functional all-hazards disaster plan to protect us and the animals that make up such a significant part of our