Life is short. Ride a horse.
Training horses for survival in a disaster situation is both challenging and rewarding. When disasters strike, horses need more than just basic care. They require specialized training focused on self-sufficiency, adaptability, and resilience. This article explains how to prepare your horse for unexpected emergencies by building trust, teaching survival skills, and simulating realistic emergency scenarios. …
Natural disasters can have a huge impact on both humans and animals. Understanding the kinds of natural disasters that could strike is half the battle for horse owners. Whether it’s wildfires, floods, hurricanes, or tornadoes, each brings its own set of challenges. Preparing for these events means knowing your area’s most likely threats and tailoring …
Hurricanes can be a real nightmare, especially when a beloved horse is involved. The hurricane’s powerful winds and heavy rainfall create challenging conditions that can severely affect livestock and facilities. It’s crucial to know what’s at stake. I’ve been through a few hurricanes myself. It takes a lot of planning and work to coordinate care of …
Horses and mules were the unsung heroes of Hurricane Helene. As we know, Helene left deep imprints on North Carolina. Traditional vehicles fell short in this thousand-year event, with roads washed out and communities stranded. In these critical moments, our amazing horses and mules became reliable partners, extending aid where modern machines couldn’t reach. I …
Horses are incredible animals, but when it comes to fire emergencies, they’re also surprisingly vulnerable. Their size, sensitivity to sudden changes, and dependence on people put them at serious risk. The worst part is that their instincts often backfire—panic takes over, making them hard to control and turning an already dangerous situation into a life-threatening …
In May 2024, massive floods hit Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, leaving entire communities—and countless animals—trapped. Amid the devastation, one story stood out: a caramel-colored horse, later named Caramelo, stranded balancing on a narrow, partially submerged rooftop in Canoas, fighting to survive. How Did a Stranded Horse on a Rooftop Capture a Nation’s Heart? Caramelo, …
Do you know those stories that just grab your heartstrings? This one from the 2018 Camp fire in Paradise, California, shows how amazing horses are in a crisis. Picture this: Jeff Hill was checking on his neighbor’s house after evacuating the wildfire. You won’t believe what he found! In someone’s swimming pool, a horse is …
A Story of Survival In late July 2024, a wildfire near Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch called the Alexander Mountain Fire in Colorado (July 2024), forced the evacuation of about 90 horses. Among them was Hawke, a seven-year-old horse who suffered severe leg injuries after falling through a trailer floor during the evacuation. He was promptly …
Wildfires in California are relentless. This is a series of stories about these courageous horses affected by wildfires and how they survived. The state’s breathtaking landscapes are often marred by these natural disasters, which affect people, wildlife, and domestic animals. Among those animals, horses stand out for their courage and resilience when faced with the …
Introduction to Cross-Country Equestrian Events Cross-country equestrian events aka Eventing stand out for their exhilarating blend of speed, endurance, and skill. These events demand a great deal from both horse and rider, drawing on their joint ability to navigate outdoor courses across varying terrain. In cross-country riding, you will find that the joy comes from …