People always tell me i am so mean to keep my horses in if it is going to thunder storm. I am fine with rain in the warm weather, but i have known horses to get hit and killed by lightning. am i just being overprotective or is there really something to worry about?
Ps i live in NJ and i am reffering to the summer time.
2007-03-15 08:14:03 · 11 answers · asked by KD 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I have an electric fence... is the risk higher with it???
2007-03-15 10:30:06 · update #1
If they are out already and not easy to get in quickly, I say leave them out, the chances are pretty slim, just keep in mind horses tend to huddle under trees in severe storms and they are more likely to get a secondary hit. I personally bring mine in if it looks really bad, if its a light storm i dont, if they are in the big pasture, if they are in the paddocks I do. I just put so much love and time into them i dont leave them out for the possiblity. There are always a few instances you cant get them inside in time. Its the same reasons I never leave my dogs out till after the storm. Even my little goaty has to come inside.
ADDITIONAL INFO: No i dont think an electric fence is any more dangerous. Some parts of my large pasture is electric fencing, The paddocks are wooden railing. I have never had a problem or an incident with it yet.
2007-03-15 08:20:08 · answer #1 · answered by I luv Pets 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If the storm is really bad, and i mean lightening and thunder flashes every two seconds, pouring rain, howling winds-- then i advise taking your horse inside any place you have-- stall, poll barns, anywhere with good shelter. If your horse is jumpy during storms, in side of small places ( such as a stall ) then let him loose in your indoor arena if you have one =) Normally they should be fine with some snacks, a flake of hay and maybe a little extra grain!
If it is a low grade thunderstorm, a few booms and flashes here and there it is perfectly fine to leave them out, most of the time they go inside of their lean-to if they have one, or stand in a low lying spot in the ground... they are very smart! If you have a rain sheet or blanket and it is chilly out, then put it on them to keep them warmer and dryer.
However, if you have a pasture with a lot of trees in it, the horses could have increased chances of getting struck or secondary struck by lightening, you should take them inside in this case. It's pretty much up to your judgement on whether or not the storm is bad enough, but if the conditions could possible create a tornado, flooding, etc... take them in the barn and STAY with them.. if there is a tornado they should not be stalled, they need to be ready to be set free for a better chance of survival.
2007-03-15 15:44:16 · answer #2 · answered by Sarah C- Equine Help 101 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rain doesn't bother the horses. The fact is, a horse could get hit by lightening both in the barn (which would set it on fire meaning any horse caught in the barn would probably die) and they often stand under trees in storms which do occasionally get hit. I do know personally of two horses that got killed by lightening. I would say that either choice has it's risks and you, as the owner, need to decide what is right for your horses. It's not 'mean' to make the best choice for your horse and stick by it.
2007-03-15 15:48:03 · answer #3 · answered by SC 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I generally bring mine in if I can get to them but I worry more about them panicing than the lightening. The only cases I've heard of where horses were killed by lightening they were in the barn and it was struck. The owners came out to find them dead with electrical burns. It's very rare that it happens inside or outside and I don;t think the fence will cause any additional risk. It's silly to think that it's mean to bring them in. Don't base your actions on other people's opinions. I know people who think a horse is "fat" if it's back bone doesn't stick up but I'm not going to starve my horse down so they'll quit telling me to feed it less.
2007-03-16 13:41:11 · answer #4 · answered by emily 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, my horse goes out rain or shine unless there is:
-a tornado warning
-a blizzard
-flooding
If your horses wear shoes, they are at a slightly higher risk for being hit by lightning, but I still think the risk is extremely low. Some horses freak out if they can't move around during a storm (like when they are in their stalls) anyway, so it is better if those horses stay outside.
2007-03-15 15:20:25 · answer #5 · answered by Kaiialyne S 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are not mean at all to keep them in during lightning...lightning storms is in fact the only time I regret not having a barn to keep them inside.
(don't freek out folks, my horses have trees and run in shelters to escape the weather)
lightning has indeed struck and killed horses...fortunately in my area we don't get to many of them, but when we do I worry and worry about my babies. (I will soon build a barn and can guarantee you they will be inside if ever a storm comes around the corner!!!)
ok, aside from my rambling...yes, keep your horses in, you are doing the right thing by your horses...tell the folks that say you are being mean that they are more than welcome to treat their horses the way they see fit..and hope they will let you do the same!
2007-03-15 15:20:51 · answer #6 · answered by spottedmyappy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We do put our horses inside in a storm. I do not need them crashing thru a fence in fear or getting hit by lighting. I throw them all a big flake of hay and they go thru all the thunder and such just fine. Always do what you think it best for your own horses, not what everyone else thinks. It seems like they are the uncaring ones to leave an animal out in the pouring or driving rain.
2007-03-15 15:20:19 · answer #7 · answered by Paint Pony 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't have a choice. They have a big pasture with a lean to for shelter. Whether they're inside or not is up to them. But if I had a choice it would depend on the storm. If there is a chance of a tree falling on their barn or a tornado, they're better off fending for themselves outside with a shelter.
Think of all the horses in New Orleans who starved to death or almost did because their owners decided to stall them. If they were out, they may have had a better chance of survival.
2007-03-15 15:24:38 · answer #8 · answered by nokhada5 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All animals should have a shelter of some kind to go to if THEY feel the need. Animals are smart .. they will take shelter when they feel/need to. I have a neighbor with horses also and they have no shelter of any kind..no matter the weather..I think this is cruel. I don't think it's necessary to "put them up" when a storm is coming on..like I said they will seek shelter when the need arises within their instincts.
2007-03-15 15:25:34 · answer #9 · answered by kiya12bc 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I once had to ride in a lightning storm. it wasn't my choice either. Horses get spooked easily, and you skould probably bring them in.
Cowgirl**
2007-03-15 15:53:15 · answer #10 · answered by TrishaLynn** 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋