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NORTH BAY Winter Equine Safety Bulletin

Warm winter greetings to our North Bay HALTER Project community of equine lovers.


Whether you’re an equine owner, barn, rescue, sanctuary manager, teacher, or coach — this Winter Safety Bulletin is our holiday gift to you. It's stuffed full of goodies to help you and your equine family stay safe and well during the winter.


We know your time is precious and there’s never enough during the holiday season. Why dedicate time to read and think about winter safety for equines?

Because many winter emergencies are avoidable, and some of the most traumatic and costly can be PREVENTED.


We’re dedicated to helping animal owners and caregivers make emergency and disaster prep part of their everyday good husbandry. This Winter Safety Bulletin is our gift to you, and we hope you’ll “pay it forward” by sharing it with others. 


Let’s all help each other keep the holidays joyful and start the New Year with stronger commitment to readiness for whatever happens.


Thank you for being part of our community.

Safe Visits for Equines & Guests

KEEP CLOSE ENCOUNTERS SAFE


Here are some quick tips to keep your equines and your guests happy, healthy and safe during holiday visits.


Prevent animal stress and avoid tears, nipped fingers, trampled toes, loose critters, vet bills and animal-related trips to the ER.


It might seem obvious, but your equines might not be up for an onslaught of petting, “pony rides”, or games. It’s always a good idea to spend some time explaining proper animal etiquette to visitors, especially kids and teens.

Safety Tips

  • Insist that guests wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, or boots around your hoofed animals. 
  • You provide the treats, limit the quantity, and demonstrate the safe way to offer them. 
  • Set ground rules at the start of guest stays that will keep people and animals safe. 
  • Check gates and latches frequently if guests are meandering around animal areas. 

The holidays can be a busy, bustling time, and it's not just people who feel the stress; our horses and donkeys do too. With a little planning and preparation, you can keep your horses calm, safe, and healthy while enjoying the festive season.


Here’s a quick guide to help you and your equines have a happy holiday!

GUESTS AND YOUR EQUINES



Before introducing visitors to your equines, give them a quick safety tutorial. Show them how to behave around horses to keep everyone safe.


Make sure your guests are wearing boots or sturdy shoes; hooves and sandals do not mix!


After any visits, double-check that gates, barn doors, and enclosures are securely closed. Peace of mind is priceless.


Keep introductions slow and steady, whether it’s equines meeting new people or other animals. A little patience goes a long way.

DON'T FORGET THE DONKEYS!


Avoid "over-treating"! Just like people, equines, and especially donkeys and burros, can get tummy aches from too many treats and changes in their diet.


But unlike us, these can quickly turn into life-threatening colic, laminar problems, and metabolic issues.


Keep some grass hay or clean and dry grass straw (not oat) for guests to offer the long-eared equines. Also, it's much safer for the little fingers than fruit and cookies.

Here are some cheerful checklists for all your creatures big and small, plus one for your animal-sitter.


Holiday Animal Safety Checklist

Game Day Pet Safety

Pet Inside Placard 

Emergency Prep & Planning for Animal Travelers

Winter Hazards Checklist

Wherever you live or are traveling, winter presents dangerous weather we can plan and prepare for, but also, hazards that aren’t as obvious. As in all things related to safety, AWARENESS is the key to reducing risks and preventing accidents and heartbreak. 


This checklist offers a big-picture view of potential risks and resources to help reduce them — protecting your equines, family, and even your business.


BARN FIRE

Sadly, barn fires kill more equines than any other type of incident. These tragedies are preventable. Your Barn Fire Prevention Checklist should include:

  • Good maintenance and regular safety inspections.
  • Diligent hay storage and temperature monitoring.
  • A strong and functioning alarm system.
  • Fire Extinguishers:
  • Have appropriate types, maintain regular service schedule, ensure staff and boarders are trained in correct use. 
  • Safety training and fire drills with workers, boarders, family members. 
  • Provide accurate site maps and floor plans of all structures that include locations of hazardous materials, fuel, and pressurized tanks.
  • Signage identifying locations of electric vehicles and lithium ion battery chargers.
  • EV and battery charging safety rules and observance.
  • Work with your local fire department to help familiarize them with your property.


We’ve included a valuable Responder Safety Resource Guide you can share with them.


LEARN MORE

Our friend, Dr. Rebecca Gimenez-Husted is a global expert in barn fire safety and prevention. Here's a link to one of her outstanding webinars, "The Reality of Fires Affecting Horse Barns and Veterinary".


INFO TO HELP KEEP YOU SAFE

Barn Fire Safety Checklist

Spontaneous Combustion and Hay Fires

Barn and Ranch Safety Planner

Your Horse Stable Evacuation Plan

Your local Ag Extension Service may offer education and guidance, as well.


WILDFIRE

Winter wildfire is often overlooked as a threat, but are increasingly frequent.

Extremely dry fuels and violent wind create fast-moving fires often impacting suburban neighborhoods. Barn fires caused by faulty wiring or spontaneous hay combustion are often cited as the cause of expanded fire incidents, causing stables and equestrian businesses and non-profit programs to be viewed as community safety risks.

Safety Outdoors and on the Road

WINTER ROAD SAFETY


Traveling for the holidays? Make sure your trailer is in top shape and your equines travel safely and comfortably.


You may be an excellent hauler, but you and equines in your trailer are at the mercy of others on the road. Winter trailer trips demand that drivers and human passengers stay hyper-aware of conditions all around you.

Fog, rain, ice, and snow all require your full attention. What are other drivers doing? Combined with challenging weather, others on the road pose a highly dangerous threat to you and your equines.


Holiday stop-and-go traffic vastly increases risk. Rear-end impacts to trailers are all too often catastrophic for the equines inside.


Things you can do NOW to reduce risks:

  • REDUCE DISTRACTIONS while driving in poor conditions; turn the music off, make vehicle passengers safety lookouts, keep dogs secure.
  • Install reflective safety tape on both sides and the rear of your trailer.
  • Add caution signage to your tailgate.
  • Be aware of tailgaters and other careless or aggressive drivers, adjust your driving appropriately.
  • Listen to local news radio and have a co-pilot monitor conditions ahead.
  • Have a strong Emergency Plan for long-distance travel with your equines.
  • Your equine travelers need to wear secure, visible ID, even if they're microchipped.
  • Always carry a care sheet for animals in your vehicle.
  • If someone else is looking after your horses, share a clear Emergency Plan and make sure they’re signed up for local alerts.
  • Check with your vet to ensure your animal has the necessary vaccinations and documents for your trip.


USRider Equestrian - Checklist to Hit the Road Prepared

OUTDOOR HAZARDS


Be mindful of hidden dangers on winter rides or in the field. Toxic plants, including mushrooms, can pop up where you least expect. Mud or quicksand-like areas may be lurking under the surface. Keep an eye out!


Slick trails, hidden bogs, and unstable ground can catch you and your equines off guard.


Watch for fallen or leaning trees and branches on trails. If you're at the beach, pay attention to tides and hazard warnings like sneaker waves, high surf, and strong winds.

As we put this bulletin to bed, we received a series of earthquake and tsunami alerts, evacuation warnings, and evacuation orders.


It’s a gorgeous, warm, sunny day here, and oodles of riders are hitting the beaches and trails. Would you be able to receive emergency alerts on your phone? Do you carry a radio that is turned on and tuned to a local channel? Would you know what to do if you found yourself in a sudden natural disaster?


This was a strong reminder to us all of the great importance of staying connected when you’re out on adventures with your animals. Situational awareness truly is life-saving.

Hazard Trees

Trees are a leading cause of injury and death to firefighters and agricultural workers, even though these folks are trained to be aware of the dangers.


Trees can pose serious threats to human and equine safety year-round, but winter increases their vulnerability. Awareness saves lives.

Winter Trail and Pasture Safety

Here are some things to help you and your equines stay safer at home and on the trail:

  • Practice situational awareness. Look UP, DOWN, and ALL AROUND! Leaning trees and / or large hanging branches are a danger sign — keep away!
  • Trees and branches loaded with snow or dripping with icicles are beautiful and lethal. Keep away!
  • Get to know a certified Arborist and use them to maintain tree safety around your home, barn, and outbuildings.

For Trail Riders:

  • Start every ride (ALWAYS!) with a Safety Briefing.
  • Areas around old tree-falls are often soft, spongy and have hidden holes and tunnels that can collapse suddenly. Dismount and check out suspicious areas before riding or walking your mount over or through.
  • Use extreme caution around bridges and when setting up a camp or high line. Make sure the ground is stable, watch for seeping or running water on slopes.
  • Check for loose rocks.
  • Don’t ride unfamiliar areas when you cannot see what’s under the snow.
  • Look for signs; read and heed seasonal alerts and warnings.
  • Always carry reliable ways to communicate if you have an emergency.

How to Request Help

for Down or Trapped Large Animals

in an Emergency

Accidents happen. Horses get themselves into bad situations despite our best efforts to keep them safe. When that happens it is critical to know what skills and resources are available to help them and how to request their assistance.


In the North Bay, we’re fortunate to have several highly-trained Large Animal Technical Rescue teams. Teams respond to incidents involving trapped or “down” animals in their jurisdictional area, and are sometimes able to provide mutual aid support, as well.


Napa, Yolo, Lake, Mendocino, and Solano counties also have multiple agencies with LATR resources in Fire Departments, Sheriff SAR, and CARTs.


Learning how to request help and provide clear information will keep everyone, humans and animals, safe in high-stress situations. Know how to handle the unexpected!

In Marin

To request help for an incident involving large animals in Marin County call:

Marin Humane

415-883-4621

and request "Large Animal Rescue Team"


Download information for incidents in Marin County.

In Sonoma

To request help for an incident involving large animals in Sonoma County call:

9-1-1

and request "Large Animal Rescue Team"



Download information for incidents in Sonoma County.

Large Animal Technical Rescue (LATR)

What is LARGE ANIMAL TECHNICAL RESCUE?

Large Animal Technical Rescue (LATR) combines special skills and equipment that are used to help large animals.


When is LATR Helpful?

When an animal is cast in a stall or caught in a fence, stuck in mud or water, or involved in a vehicle or trail accident.

Can I use LATR skills if my horse, pony, goat, cow or other big animal needs help?

Yes! There are some easy basic skills anyone can learn to help their animals.


Does it require special training?

Yes. Firefighters, Veterinarians, Search and Rescue Teams, animal owners and volunteers can all take training to learn LATR skills.


Why different acronyms?

Different regions and instructors use different names when referring to Large Animal Technical Rescue. LATR, ATR, TLAER, and LAR are all used to refer to the same skill sets.

LATR Training Resources

TLAER.org

ResQFAST

Animal Rescue Training

Code 3 Associates

ASAR Training

University of Guelph - Equine Guelph



LATR Training for Vet Professionals

RACE-Approved courses are offered by

Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona and CVET

How to Volunteer

Many Northern and Central California counties have a CART (Community Animal Disaster Team) that is activated by Emergency Managers to help during a natural disaster.


Most CARTs are part of a Mutual Aid system that can also support needs in other counties in their region. CARTs can provide many services and resources, such as shelters, evacuation, hotline operation, and care for animals sheltered-in-place. An increasing number of CERT groups are also training to provide animal disaster support.


Here’s a list of North Bay Animal Disaster Response Teams you can join and train with. Training season starts early in the year! Visit their websites to learn more.


Find out about more volunteer training resources across California:

Planning Ahead for 2025

Looking for ways to help animals in emergencies and disasters? Want to get better-prepared at home and at the barn? Education is empowering!


Training season for Animal Disaster Response Teams and Large Animal Rescue Teams is January to June in most areas. As 2025 begins, trainers and instructors will start posting training calendars. We share this info as it becomes available.


There are also learning opportunities for equine owners, riders, caregivers, and facility managers available year-round.


Visit HALTERproject.org for more information and resources, and stay informed by subscribing to our newsletters and special bulletins. 


Start planning now to become a safety-savvy equestrian!

JOIN or START A LOCAL RESPONSE TEAM



Find a team in your region and learn how to volunteer. Start by contacting your local Animal Control agency. In some areas, the county or state Department of Agriculture may be the agency responsible for animals in disasters. Some national and regional resources who can help you locate a group in your area.


Start by contacting, or visiting the website for:

  • Your local Animal Control Agency, Department of Agriculture, or Sheriff's Office.
  • Community Animal Response Team (CART), Disaster Animal Response Team (DART), or State Animal Response Team (SART).
  • Your local Ag Extension ServiceInquire about “becoming an Animal Disaster Volunteer”.

Animal Disaster Volunteer

Education Resources

NATIONAL

National Animal Rescue & Sheltering Coalition (NARSC)

American Humane

IFAW

Code 3 Associates

Red Rover

ASAR Training

WEST COAST REGION

Cal CARTs

CVET

Napa CART

North Valley Animal Disaster Group (NVADG)

Oregon Humane Society Technical Animal Rescue (OHSTAR)

Washington State Animal Response Team (WSART)

San Diego Humane Society

Guidance for Responders and Equine and Livestock Owners

Animals in the WUI (Wildlife Urban Interface)

If you have horses in your backyard, or a creek running through your neighborhood, or lovely forests overhangs a few blocks away, you and your animals live in the Wildland-Urban Interface.


Many of us choose to to live close natural areas, and are blessed by their many gifts. But it also makes us, and our animals, more vulnerable to the natural environment.


Fire, seasonal flooding, aging trees falling to the forest or savanna floor, all are part of a healthy ecosystem that contributes to a nurturing climate.

But we must work to live safely and harmoniously with these cycles. Life in the WUI has many blessings but also comes with greater responsibilities and needs for year-round awareness and readiness.


To live well in the WUI we must adapt to the seasonal rhythms and surprises.

Reducing Risks to Responders & Residents, Improving Safety for Pets, Equines, & Livestock


HELP YOUR WUI and rural communities embrace a culture of animal disaster preparedness that places great value on outreach that ensures continual education and transfer of knowledge.


IT’S VITAL to have strong plans for evacuating animals, AND sheltering them in‑place.



DOWNLOAD "Animals in the WUI"

WARM WISHES FOR A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

Preparedness is perhaps the consummate expression of caring. Here is a beautiful prayer for the season and the New Year.


Stay Safe!


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