Mid-South Eventing & Dressage Association

MSEDA News

  • 06/21/2016 10:34 AM | Deleted user

    By Sarah E. Coleman

    There are many options to keeping your horse in top condition—here are three more of the most commonly used techniques.

    Myofascial Release


    Myofascial release is a hands-on technique that uses sustained pressure on restricted areas in the horse to eliminate pain. It focuses on the fascia, the web of three-dimensional connective tissue that surrounds every cell in a horse’s body. This technique is also used to restore motion in the horse.

    Similar to a spider’s web, the fascia is literally one structure that runs from head to tail in the horse’s body, covering every bone, muscle, nerve, vein and artery. The constant pull of the fascia provides stability to the horse’s body. Healthy fascia is wavy and relaxed; it can stretch and move easily. When there is damage or inflammation, however, the fascia becomes restricted and a source of tension and pain.

    Myofascial release treats this fascia dysfunction. The use of sustained pressure on the area of restriction for 90-120 seconds allows the tissues to release. The practitioner then follows the release down the horse’s body to make all tissues soft and pliable once again, taking the pressure off sensitive tissue, and restoring alignment and mobility.

    Myofascial release is typically used in conjunction with other modalities to treat horses. It differs from chiropractic care as it does not directly manipulate the bone structure of the horse. It also differs from massage therapy as massage therapy providers shorter-term results by addressing the elastic components of the fascia. Myofascial massage provides longer-term results as it engages the entire fascial system.

    Myofascial therapists need not be veterinarians, but many have taken classes to learn techniques. The laws about if they need veterinarian supervision vary from state to state. 


    Lower-level Laser Therapy


    Low-level laser therapy (also known as LLLT, therapeutic laser or cold laser) uses monochromatic and coherent light to stimulate healing in equine injuries. This laser is not the same as thermal or surgical lasers. The use of this modality aids in pain relief, reducing inflammation and increasing the strength of tissues.  These lasers cannot damage living tissue.

    “Laser” stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Lasers supply energy to the body in the form of photons of light, which transmits through the skin and fat, increasing cellular metabolism, which assists in healing

    While traditionally known for their ability to heal acute injuries, these lasers also help stimulate the body’s repair processes for chronic conditions. Some of the most common applications for laser therapy include tendon injuries, back issues and osteoarthritis, in addition to wound healing. A laser’s effect is cumulative, and is usually used in conjunction with other modalities.

    Some cold lasers are available for purchase with no training (most just have an on/off switch), but it is wise to work with a veterinarian or other practitioner who is familiar with both equine anatomy and the machine. Programmable lasers that have varying power levels typically require classes and a certification to purchase and use.


    Osteopathic Care

    Osteopathy is based on the idea that tissue that has a sufficient blood supply, nerve supply and lymphatic drainage will be healthy. Osteopathy uses physical manipulation to remove tension and restrictions in the horse’s body, restoring and maintaining health.

    Osteopaths use their hands to identify problem areas in the horse’s body, then use gentle stretches and adjustment techniques to manipulate joints to facilitate healing. Osteopathic care in horses is not relegated to the spine; it can also help with stiffness, rehabilitation and chronic conditions.

    Osteopathic care is traditionally used in conjunction with other modalities to keep a horse in peak condition.  While an osteopath need not have a DVM, they typically work in conjunction with primary care veterinarians, though the laws vary from state to state.


  • 06/17/2016 11:22 AM | Deleted user

    The MSEDA Awards Committee is conducting a survey on your Year-End Awards! We invite all MSEDA members to participate & are grateful for your feedback.

    Please click here to take the survey! 

  • 06/16/2016 9:18 AM | Deleted user

    We invite everyone to attend the upcoming Area VIII Town Hall Meeting! This is a great place to connect with the USEA. 

    From the USEA's website 

    "Area VIII is next up in a series of 11 town hall meetings being hosted around the country this year. The town hall meetings are a continuation of the Eventing 2016-2026 Summitwhich was held at the 2015 USEA Annual Meeting and Convention.  Those in attendance will be invited to discuss the issues facing the sport and their recommendations on how the USEA can address them.  Members of the USEA Board of Governors, USEA staff and local leadership will be present to listen and take notes on the input provided. All town hall meetings will be free and open to all people with a stake in U.S. Eventing. Food will be served to all attendees. "


    Please click here to read more.

  • 06/08/2016 11:08 AM | Deleted user

    There are multiple modalities available to aid ailing horses now than ever before. Here are just a few ways you can help your horse feel his best in addition to traditional Western medicine. Many of these are used in conjunction to keep your steed feeling top-notch. The first in a two-part series will cover the two  most common alternative therapies: acupuncture and chiropractic care.

    By Sarah E Coleman

    While Western medicine has long been the gold standard of equine care in the United States, over the past few decades, dedicated horse owners have been expressing interest in a wide range of non-mainstream modalities to keep their horses feeling top-notch.

    Here are just a few of the alternative therapies that can assist you in your quest to keep your horse feeling his best. 

    Acupuncture

    One of the most-common Eastern medicine modalities, acupuncture is used most commonly for musculoskeletal complaints, explains Dr. Martha Rodgers of Shephard Hill Equine in Lexington, Ky. “Acupuncture can also be utilized as a treatment for other conditions, like cardiac, respiratory, reproductive and gastrointestinal issues, as well as part of a wellness exam.”

    Acupuncture involves the insertion of a needle over specific points of a horse that correlate to certain anatomic structures of the nervous system. The needles cause a small place of trauma, which incites a local inflammatory response. This in turn triggers increased blood flow and muscle relaxation.

    While most people are familiar with the use of just needles for acupuncture (called “dry needling”), there are additional acupuncture modalities that can be used to help a horse. Dr. Rodgers explains the different types of acupuncture therapy:

    -          Dry needling
    -          Aquapuncture, the injection of a fluid through the needle (typically B12), which will continue to stimulate the point after the needle is removed and until the liquid is absorbed
    -          Moxibustion, where an herb is burned over an acupuncture point to stimulate the point
    -          Electroacupuncture (also called electrostimulation), where electrodes are attached to the acupuncture needles and a pulsing electrical current is applied

       Any of these acupuncture treatments can offer both local and systemic effects. They all cause vasodilation and a change in pain fiber transmission.  Acupuncture can also cause histamine and endorphin release, promoting healing.

    While some people have their horses regularly receive acupuncture treatments, it truly is a case-by-case basis. Whether or not your acupuncturist needs to have a doctorate in veterinary medicine degree varies state by state, but because of the use of needles and the potential for harm to an underlying structure (ie. joint or vessel)  a DVM is usually required to have a thorough knowledge of the horses’ anatomy.


    Chiropractic Care

    Like acupuncture, chiropractic care seeks to keep your horse in optimal health. Chiropractic care, however, assesses the alignment and mobility of the spine. When any area is out of alignment, also called subluxation, your horse can be affected in a myriad of ways, including pain and changes in gait. This misalignment can also cause a physical issue by limiting the range of motion and flexibility typically exhibited in a joint.

    A chiropractor will apply force to a misaligned vertebra or joint to return it to its proper position. Depending on the issue being addressed, you may see an immediate improvement or the recovery may be more gradual, taking place over a period of days.

    Similar to acupuncture, chiropractic care can be an ongoing regimen for your horse, or it can be used on an as-needed basis once any initial issues are addressed. For some horses, chiropractic sessions are helpful when regularly scheduled for an underlying issue.

    Like acupuncturists, different states require chiropractors to have different certifications, though 20 of the state currently require that equine chiropractors hold a degree in veterinary medicine. An additional 20 require that the equine chiropractor be under the supervision of a practicing vet.

    In the next issue: equine myofacial release, the use of lasers and osteopathic care. 

  • 06/06/2016 2:49 PM | Deleted user

    By Sarah E Coleman

    Snowbird Dressage has been a staple in the Bluegrass since 1987. Hosted by Julie Congleton and Judi Tudor, the dynamic duo began to wonder how they could reinvent their ever-popular show series. Thus, Snowbird Team Challenge was born.

    Launched this past winter, the Team Challenge offered riders an opportunity to ride as a team in addition to riding for individual awards. “You sign up as a team of three, paying a one-time fee of $30 to register the team. You can mix the levels of the team, meaning you could have one rider at walk/trot, another at training or any combination you want in regards to team members,” explains Julie.


    Teams had to compete at three of the five Snowbird Dressage shows, and then points were awarded in accordance with placings, similar to how Mid South awards points in first through fifth place. A “low score” was not dropped, it riders who attended four or five of the shows accumulated more points than those who only rode in three shows. There were 14 teams that competed this year.

    Teams must use the same horse and rider combinations, and riders could not change levels; a team test must be declared at the beginning of the series. Though riders can still ride two or three tests (three is the maximum number any horse can participate in), only the declared test counts toward team points.

    “The Team Challenge classes really increase our numbers,” says Julie. “We were oversubscribed at all five shows! People were all over it.:

    And for good reason! The money used to register the teams was put directly back into prizes for the division, explained Julie. “We gave coolers, groom boxes, neck ribbons and saddlepads.” The hope is that the prizes and ribbons would encourage participation in Team Challenge next year, as well.

    “We have such a good, loyal group who come to Snowbird,” Julie explained. It has been exciting to offer them a new class, which has been very well received! Both Julie and Judi look forward to offering Snowbird Team Challenge in the upcoming 2016-2017 show season.

    For the latest on Snowbird Dressage, find them on Facebook here!


  • 05/17/2016 4:10 PM | Deleted user

    By Sarah E Coleman

    MSEDA members give back to their equine communities in a number of ways, including scribing, stewarding, working with show secretaries and more. Some MSEDA members are lucky enough to volunteer at some of the biggest events in the country, including “The Best Weekend All Year:” The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Find out what integral roles three MSEDA members play to keep the event running smoothly. 

    Erin Woodall: Chief of Saturday Cross-Country Groom Shuttle

    Erin Woodall has been involved with Rolex for the past 20 years, 10 years as a driver for the shuttle and 10 years as the Chief of the Groom’s Shuttle. Erin had been involved in various volunteer roles with Rolex before becoming a shuttle driver. On how she got such an interesting volunteer role, Erin explains “Judi Tudor … put me in a truck and said ‘drive!’”  

    As Saturday is one of the busiest days of the show for riders, grooms and owners, shuttle drivers provide transportation from the vet box and back for both the people and all the equipment necessary for a competitor in the vet box.

    Erin thinks that talking with the riders, grooms and owners is the best perk of her job at Rolex. The people she shuttles have a range of emotions from excitement, deflation and elation, depending on how their rider/horse goes. “Everyone is so appreciative of our group donating our time and use of our personal vehicles,” she says. “The groom shuttle team has grown to be a family who have our reunion at Rolex each year.”

    The hardest part of the shuttling job, Erin says, is “not expanding the Groom Shuttle force to 50! I have so many offers from people who want to help, but our crew keeps coming back year after year, and openings are few and far between.” What a great problem to have!

    Mary Fike: Stable Manager

    Mary Fike has been the Stable Manager at Rolex for the last 34 years. She stepped into the role when Edith Conyers, executive director of Rolex from 1976 to 1985, asked her to be the stable manager after TDing Mary’s Painted Stone Horse Trial in 1982.

    The role of stable manager includes a lot of moving parts, not the least of which includes stall assignments and stable credentials. Another main responsibility of the stable manager is to act as a liaison between competition management and the competitors and owners to ensure they have the best Rolex they can. Mary works very closely with Vanessa Coleman, the Competition Manager of Rolex, because her office has become the Show Office for the competitors. Another way Mary keeps competitors happy? “We have the best coffee and donuts for them every morning!”

    Mary says that the best part of being Stable Manger is helping the horses and riders. “We have the live feed in the office, and that’s where they come to watch—unless they’re out on the field of play. I get to be part of their ‘talking shop,’ and for the past few years, Sally O’Connor has watched the Saturday cross-country in my office. It’s been wonderful to be able to have her commentary live!”

    The hardest part of the Stable Manager’s role is having to say no, she says. People in the office have to act as the intermediary with people who want to get into the barns “just because.” Over the years, Mary has come to know most of the people and can usually tell when someone has a real reason to go into the barns. “Occasionally we get someone who is rude or unpleasant, but not often,” she says.

    This year, Mary was featured on the USEF Network! Click here to watch the video on Facebook.

    Megan Carr: Vet Box 

    Megan Carr has been running the End of Phase D/Vet Box at Rolex since 2011. The vet box is a very busy place to be. Once the horses come off cross country, they’re examined by a group of international vets (this year it was Drs. Catherine Kohn, Karen Nyrop, Duncan Peters and Jennifer Miller). Megan is responsible for providing six vet scribes, in two shifts, for the vets to record all the horse’s vitals. Also in the box is a competitor hospitality tent, logistics (which includes ice and water for the horses) and security (since this is a high-activity area, only people with the proper credentials are allowed in)—that’s a lot to coordinate!


    “The best part of this role is the amazing crew I have gained over the past six years! This year went off almost without a hitch, and it’s really because I have a crew who work so well together and is so efficient.” The hardest part of her role is problem solving, Megan explains. “There is a lot that can be planned ahead of time, but there are always things that pop up. One year, we had zero electricity, so we had no coffee, which people where not happy about! Some things just can’t be planned for. Also, for the past two years: THE WEATHER!”

    Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to the sport, and there are many exciting volunteer opportunities at Rolex. Getting to see the behind-the-scenes workings of the only four-star event in North America is an added bonus! If you’re interested in volunteering, it’s helpful to speak with someone who already volunteers, or click here for more information: http://rk3de.org/competition/returning-volunteer-login/


  • 05/16/2016 9:04 AM | Deleted user

    While most people see lush, green grasses as a hallmark of spring, many horse owners see bright green warning signs dotting Kentucky fields.

    By Sarah E. Coleman

    The heavy rains we’ve gotten in Kentucky this spring have led to rich, lush grasses in many pastures and fields. For those who own easy-keeping equine companions, the bright green fields, while lovely to look at, could be a potential disaster. 

    Horses that “get fat on air” have a higher insulin response, meaning they are at a greater risk of developing laminitis. It has been theorized that this greater insulin reactivity is an evolutionary response from when forage was difficult to come by or of poor quality. When these conditions occurred, it was necessary for a horse to release greater amounts of insulin to support body condition.

    When food was plentiful, the increased insulin response allowed horses to lay down more fat, which in turn helped them survive harsh winters. While helpful years ago when herds were wild, this insulin response can be frustrating for modern-day horse owners.

    The intake of high-quality pasture (sometimes constant if your horse is out 24/7) that is high in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) can create sustained levels of high insulin, which can contribute to pasture-associated laminitis. Studies have shown that maintaining very high levels of insulin for 48 to 72 hours in otherwise “normal” horses will reliably cause laminitis. (Asplin et al., 2007, de Laat et al 2012).

    The Signs of Laminitis

    A very painful condition that affects the laminae in a horse’s hooves, the terms “founder” and “laminitis” are typically used interchangeably, but “founder” generally references outwardly visible signs on the hoof, such as founder rings.

    While many of us are well versed in what a stereotypical founder case looks like, recent research has indicated that what had once been considered a hallmark of the disease, the “founder stance,” is actually found in less than 50 percent of cases. In this position, a horse stands with his legs stretched far out in front of him, rocking back on his hind legs to alleviate as much weight bearing as possible on his front limbs.


    In a British study of 381 laminitic horses, laminitis was found to occur in all four feet, but both front feet were most commonly and most severely affected, followed by the right fore alone, the left fore alone, then the right hind and left hind, then all four feet. http://www.scarsdalevets.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/DocsEquineCareAboutLaminitis2016.pdf

    Although there were no individual signs present in all577 cases used in a 2013 study, the most common signs included:

      - difficulty turning
      - increased digital pulse
      - short, choppy walk


    Because some of these common laminitis signs could easily be confused with other conditions (like arthritis), it’s important to be vigilant in the observation of horses turned out on lush grasses.

    Becoming familiar with your horse or pony’s normal temperament, gait, hoof temperature and digital pulse will help you notice any abnormal changes. Be aware that the above clinical signs, though being common, don't always occur in every case, so it’s important to also keep an eye out for general discomfort and foot lameness.

    Do All Grasses Cause Laminitis?

    Not all grasses are harmful to horses. Classified as either cool- or warm-season, depending on how and when they metabolize and photosynthesize sunlight, specific grasses pose health threats at different times of the year. In the spring, cool-season grasses like tall fescue, timothy and orchardgrass are the main concerns for horse owners.

    How to Prevent Laminitis

    Horses prone to laminitis are those that are overweight or those that have metabolic issues. If your farm has a plethora of these grasses and your horse is prone to laminitis, the following precautions are recommended:

    -  Adapt him to new spring grasses gradually (start with one hour and increase by 30 minutes each day)

    -   Place a muzzle on your horse at all times when he’s turned out
    -   Put him in a drylot
    -      If you don’t have access to a drylot, only turn your horse out in the very early morning while wearing a muzzle

    Take lateral X-rays of your horses feet twice a year to monitor coffin bone position
  • 04/25/2016 9:24 AM | Deleted user

    By Sarah E Coleman

    Each year, the Mid-South Eventing and Dressage Association hosts a plethora of year-end awards.  Detailed information about all of the award categories and eligibility and qualifications are listed in the Rules and Guidelines. Below is a brief overview of the award categories, and special awards that MSEDA offers each year at the awards banquet.  To be eligible for any MSEDA awards, members must take note of the following:

    1. The Competition Year begins on November 1 and runs through October 31 of the following year.
    2. The rider must be a member in good standing and fulfill the minimum volunteer hours: 8 hours total, 4 of which must be completed at either the Mid South Dressage Show or Mid South Team Challenge.
    3. Complete a membership form the horse/rider combination. Points accrue only after activation date is in effect.

    The MSEDA awards include:

    Horse Trial Awards
    Horse Trial Awards are given through fifth place (MSEDA reserves the right to combine sub-classifications if there are fewer than five qualifiers). They are offered in the following categories:

    HORSE TRIALS/EVENTS

    a) Starter - Junior

    b) Starter - Senior

    c) Starter - Master

    d) Beginner Novice - Junior

    e) Beginner Novice - Senior

    f) Beginner Novice - Master

    g) Novice - Junior

    h) Novice - Senior

    i) Novice - Master

    j) Training - Junior

    k) Training - Senior

    l) Training - Master

    m) Preliminary - Young Rider

    n) Preliminary - Senior

    o) Preliminary - Master

    p) Intermediate

    q) Advanced

    Additional horse trial awards are given that recognize the following:

    * Eventing High Point Award - Midnight Sam Memorial Trophy - Awarded to the horse who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year. ** This award consists of a perpetual trophy as well as an individual trophy.


    * High Point Eventing Mare - The Philosopher Trophy - Awarded to the mnare who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year. ** This award consists of a perpetual trophy as well as an individual trophy.


    * Eventing High Point Junior Rider - The Craig Bryant Memorial Trophy - Awarded to the rider under age 18 who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year.


    * Eventing High Point Young Rider - Awarded to the rider aged 18 to 21 who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year.


    * Eventing High Point Senior Rider - The Bennet Trophy - Awarded to the rider age 22 - 49 who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year.


    * Eventing High Point Master Rider -- The Helmut Gratz Trophy - Awarded to the rider age 50 and over who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year.


    * Outstanding Horse Trials/Event - Must be sanctioned by MSEDA. This award is determined at the annual awards banquet by nomination and vote of the general membership.

    The Grasshopper Trophy – Awarded annually to the high point MSEDA offtrack thoroughbred in the eventing division. The horse must be tattoed and nominated for eligibility to MSEDA prior to the end of the competition year. It is the responsibility of the member wishing to be considered for this award to notify the points secretary of eligibility. The award is based on eventing (not Combined Test) points. The member must also meet the volunteer hours requirement in order to be eligible.

    *Pony Club Award - Given to the MSEDA member in good standing who accumulates the highest number of points and is also a member of a recognized pony club. It is the responsibility of the member wishing to be considered for this award to notify the points secretary of eligibility. Points begin accumulating upon notification of the points secretary.

    * Hall of Distinction Award – Awarded to any MSEDA member in good standing who has completed an FEI competition. A trophy will be presented in the initial year of induction. Any subsequent FEI completions will be recognized at the Annual Meeting. It is the responsibility of the member to notify the points secretary and provide proof of each FEI completion.

    Please click here for more information. 

    Combined Test Awards

    Combined Test Awards are given through fifth place (MSEDA reserves the right to combine sub-classifications if there are fewer than five qualifiers). They are offered in the following categories:

    COMBINED TEST

    a) Starter - Junior

    b) Starter - Senior

    c) Starter - Master

    d) Beginner Novice - Junior

    e) Beginner Novice - Senior

    f) Beginner Novice - Master

    g) Novice - Junior

    h) Novice - Senior

    i) Novice - Master

    j) Training - Junior

    k) Training - Senior

    l) Training - Master

    m) Preliminary - Young Rider

    n) Preliminary - Senior

    o) Preliminary - Master

    p) Intermediate

    q) Advanced

    Dressage Awards
    Dressage Awards are given through fifth place (MSEDA reserves the right to combine sub-classifications if there are fewer than five qualifiers). They are offered in the following categories:

    a) USDF Walk Trot - Junior Rider
    b) USDF Walk Trot - Senior Rider
    c) USDF Walk Trot - Master Rider
    d) Training Level - Junior Rider
    e) Training Level - Senior Rider
    f) Training Level - Master Rider
    g) First Level - Junior Rider
    h) First Level - Senior Rider

    i) First Level - Master Rider
    j) Second Level
    k) Third Level
    l) Fourth Level
    m) Fifth Level
    n) FEI
    o) Musical Kur

    Additional dressage awards are given that recognize the following:

    * Dressage High Point Award - Awarded to the horse/rider combination who have amassed the greatest number of points competing in dressage during the competition year.


    * Dressage High Point Junior Rider - Awarded to the rider under age 18 who has amassed the greatest number of points competing in dressage during the competition year.


    * Dressage High Point Senior Rider - Awarded to the rider age 22 - 49 who has amassed the greatest number of points competing in dressage during the competition year.


    * Dressage High Point Master Rider - Awarded to the rider age 50 and over who has amassed the greatest number of points competing in dressage during the competition year.


    * Dressage High Point Adult Amateur - Awarded to the amateur rider over age 21 who has submitted a copy of his/her USEF amateur card to the Dressage Points Chair and amassed the greatest number of points competing in dressage during the competition year.


    * FEI Certificate of Achievement - Awarded to any rider who has achieved a minimum score of 57% at the FEI level at an USEF/USDF- recognized competition. A copy of the qualifying test, including judge's signature, must be submitted to the MSEDA Dressage Points Chair in order to be eligible.


    * Dressage High Point Mare - The Tundra Memorial Trophy - Awarded to the mare who has amassed the greatest number of points in dressage during the competition year. ** This includes a perpetual trophy as well as the individual trophy.


    * Dressage Company's Musical Kur - Awarded to the horse who has amassed the greatest number of points at musical kur competitions during the competition year.


    * Outstanding Dressage Show - Must be sanctioned by MSEDA. This award is determined by nomination and vote of the general membership at the annual awards banquet.

    * Pony Club Award - Given to the MSEDA member in good standing who accumulates the highest number of points and is also a member of a recognized pony club. It is the responsibility of the memberwishing to be considered for this award to notify the points secretary of eligibility.

    * Hall of Distinction Award – Awarded to any MSEDA member in good standing who has completed an FEI competition. A trophy will be presented in the initial year of induction. Any subsequent FEI completions will be recognized at the Annual Meeting. It is the responsibility of the member to notify the points secretary and provide proof of each FEI completion.

    Please click here for more information. 

  • 04/18/2016 11:10 AM | Deleted user

    By Mary Fike

    Ever wonder why some out of area USEF shows count for points and others don't? There are two ways that those shows get MSEDA sanctioning.

    • The Organizers have been asked by many of their competitors to sanction with MSEDA. If an Organizer can be convinced that they have a strong MSEDA presence in their entries, they might consider it.
    • The competitors pay the sanctioning fee themselves. If you know you are competing out of the area, consider sanctioning the event yourself.
    Here are the costs involved:
    -  $25 at least 3 months before the show.
    -  $55 less than 3 weeks before the show.
    -   $100 Post-Sanctioning Fee for USEF Shows or Events

    If you are sanctioning 3 or more competitions, a discount of $5.00 per event will be offered if all applications are submitted at the same time.

  • 04/07/2016 8:08 AM | Deleted user

    By Sarah E Coleman

    Natural disasters are not pleasant to think about as a home owner, but add a farm with an assortment of animals and outbuildings into the equation, and preparation takes on an even more prominent role in diverting disastrous consequences. 


    Step One: Gather Information

    The types on natural disasters most likely to occur vary by region of the country. Here in Kentucky, we are most likely to see tornadoes and flooding before we will see out-of-control wildfires and hurricanes. Other types of disasters do occur here, however, though they may not readily spring to mind. These can include chemical spills, barn fires and explosions.

    Some of the things you need to prepare for a natural disaster include:

    • Make a list of farm inventory. While this might seem like overkill, if the worst does happen, you’ll be one step ahead of the game when it comes to dealing with insurance companies and filing a claim. On this inventory list, you should record the number and type of animals on the farm; any crops you may have; the make and model of all machinery; and any hazardous substances stored on the farm (fertilizer, fuel, medicines, etc.).
    • Keep a list of emergency phone numbers, and update them regularly. This would include the numbers of your local veterinarian, your insurance agent, local fire and police, and the contact numbers of any boarders you may have at your farm.
    • Create an evacuation plan. If you don’t have the means to remove all the horses from your farm on the trailers located on the property, locate additional trailering resources and their cell phone numbers, and find out just how many horses they can help you remove from your property.
    • Install a weather app on your phone, whether or not you can hear emergency sirens from your farm. 

    As Stormy Weather Approaches....

    While it’s one more thing on the to-do list, it’s helpful to contact your insurance agent yearly and go over any additional purchases you have made and determine if you need additional coverage. It might be worthwhile to investigate “all-hazard” insurance, which covers flood and hail damage, as well as some other non-traditional issues.

    Next you will need to stockpile supplies in preparation for a weather-related event. This would include everything from ensuring that the animals have a multiple-day supply of feed and hay; making sure you have extra fuel for tractors and vehicles; that fire extinguishers are available and charged in all barns; and that hand tools and first-aid supplies are readily accessible. Also important is a working generator and extra fuel.

    And don’t forget your two-legged family, as well. Easy-open containers of food; bottled water; a flashlight and extra batteries; and a well-stocked first-aid kit are all essential if a disaster occurs.

    Additional Precautions

    If you have employees on the farm or if your barn has boarders, it’s important to review with them the plan on what to do in case of a natural disaster. Where is the safest area to shelter in place or where will you evacuate to if flood waters are rising? What happens to the horses—are they turned out or left in the barn? Be sure to establish a phone tree so that if the worst does happen, you’re able to quickly update owners on their horses.

    While most farms have access to city water, it is not a bad idea to have a hand pump available to ensure a clean water supply. In many natural disasters, municipal water supplies become contaminated and unsafe to drink.

    If you know strong winds and/or tornadoes may be in the forecast, be sure to secure any items that may become flying objects, like feed troughs, barrels, jumps, and similar items. It is also worth considering putting halters (the breakaway kind) on horses before a weather-related event occurs. 

Midsouth Eventing & Dressage Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

MSEDA’s mission is to promote and preserve the sports of Eventing and Dressage in the Mid-South area, by providing leadership and education to its members and the community at large. To further these goals, MSEDA will provide educational opportunities, fair and safe competitions, promote the welfare of the horse and rider and reward the pursuit of excellence from the grass roots to the FEI level.



Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software