Emergency Preparedness:

If a hurricane approaches, use these suggestions to prepare and safely weather the storm. Hurricane Tips for Horse Owners

Learn before-hand what to do in case of natural disaster: Animals in disaster–FEMA module

We never want to leave halters on horses, but when natural disasters (like hurricanes) are rolling in, here’s how you can make a web halter into a breakaway and leave it safely on your animal. how-to-make-a-regular-halter-into-a-breakaway-10-1-16

For those of you who live alone: fill out and carry these Animal Emergency Alert Cards in your wallet, glove compartment, etc. If you are in an accident, it will tell emergency responders that you have animals at home and who they can call to ensure the animals are cared for. animal-emergency-contact-cards

Fill out this 2-page horse ID chart from HorseWyse. If your horse is lost or stolen, you’ll have the pictures and information needed immediately at hand to use for police or search operations. horse-id-chart

Another handy form for you to leave in your trailer and carry with you on the trail. It will give emergency responders contacts for both you and your horse if you are lost or injured. to-emergency-responders-equine-form

Safety

It’s hard to think of being attacked on the trail, but it has happened.  Consider taking a mounted self-defense class from Mark at Suncoast Equine, Emerald Oaks Ranch in Webster.  Here are some of the tips you can learn:  Mounted Self Defense 4-18

Polk County’s Agricultural Watch Program has been embraced by the Florida Sheriff’s Association as a model program statewide. The program was developed as a means to identify ownership of agricultural properties in Polk County. The program consists of a “No Trespassing By Order of The Sheriff” sign listing the property/business owner’s name and a code number. The code number displayed provides deputies on patrol instant access to owner information and agent agreements. This program is open to qualified Agri-businesses or persons whose interest is in, and limited to, agriculture-related activities. If you are interested in participating in the program, please contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Unit at 863-534-7205. The Agricultural Crimes Unit can be reached via email at AgriculturalCrimes@polksheriff.org.  Forms: Polk County Sheriff Ag Watch Packet 

 

Trails & Travel

Want a laminated Coggins card to carry rather than the paper copy?  Use this form to order from the Florida office.  negative-eia-test-verification-card

From “VisitFlorida.com,” an equestrian trail guide. florida-equestrian-trails-guide

We ride in many remote areas. Leave a list of addresses & phone numbers at home, so loved ones know how to reach you. There may come a time when you need to contact administrators of those areas for assistance or to alert them to a problem.  Program these numbers into your cell. Central Florida Equestrian Areas–Addresses & Phone Numbers

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) allows equestrians into most of its lands.  Here’s a 2016 book listing SWFWMD areas and their amenities.  swfwmd-2016-recreation-guide

DIY

Want to build trust with your horse, and desensitize him to things he may encounter when riding?  Build your own obstacle course for little to no money! build-your-own-obstacle-course