The Louisiana Horseman’s Guide (LAHG) has joined efforts with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health Studies, State Veterinarian’s Office, in compiling information for a new disaster information database specifically for horse owners. In the event of hurricanes or other natural disasters, the data will be used to provide information on disaster preparedness, evacuation shelters for horses, and relief efforts.

The goal of this project is to provide important information for Louisiana’s horse owners and horse related service providers on one web site. During the threat posed by Hurricane Ivan, LAHG and the Louisiana State Veterinarian’s Office received calls and e-mails from individuals, farms, and arenas, offering to provide shelter for those needing to evacuate their horses out of harm’s way. There were also many volunteering to aid in relief efforts after the storm if needed. This interest resulted in the creation of the new emergency information pages posted on www.lahg.net. Guide publisher Bonnie Clark said, “The response from horse owners willing to help other horse owners was quite impressive. The enormous interest made it apparent that Louisiana’s horse owners need a place to go for critical information and means of networking before, during, and after disasters.”

All horse owners or facilities wishing to be included in the database may log onto www.lahg.net or call Louisiana Horseman’s Guide at 225/784-8760 to submit their information. Clubs, organizations and publications are also encouraged to pass the information along to their members and readers. The LAHG web site also contains links and/or information for out-of-state facilities and individuals, useful information, checklists and forms relating to horses and hurricanes.

The Louisiana Horseman’s Guide is a comprehensive resource directory for Louisiana horse owners and equine industry professionals and those of surrounding areas including Mississippi, East Texas, and South Alabama. The Guide is published twice a year by Bonnie Clark and Associates and is distributed free to horse owners through feed stores, tack stores, veterinarians’ offices and other outlets. A complimentary copy may be obtained by calling 225/784-8760 while supplies last