With horses, nothing is simple.

Last year we talked about how to decide if the person we’re asking to take care of our horses was qualified, but this year we’re going to find out if we are.

So my friends were going away for five to seven days.  They asked me if they could bring their four horses here.  Sure no problem, that’s what I do for a living, or something like that.  I told them that the horses would probably be happier to stay at their home farm and I would go there to care for them, but they felt better if they came here.  Well that would be more convenient for me, so I agreed.

Let the games begin.  They were going to Pennsylvania from Florida, no big deal, they do it all the time.  They were taking their four horse trailer loaded with watermelons.  Okay.  BUT!!!  They had two blow-outs and had problems with the transmission.  So five to seven days turned into two weeks.  They brought extra grain, and I didn’t have any plans so everything worked out just fine.  Of course I fell in love with their horses and didn’t want them to leave, ever.  Well maybe the Alfa mare.

But if you go to do this make sure that you have all the information you need.

• Names, ages, descriptions of horses  (These were paints, a lot of spots.)
• Allergies, likes/dislikes, health issues  (Yes, which ones)
• Do they tie/cross tie, load easy, clip (One escape artist)
• Special problems or medications (Yes, who?)
• What they eat and how much (Different than what I serve)
• Who is in charge of the herd, what is the pecking order (Very important when you are trying to catch and move the herd in a lightning storm)
• Are they up to date on their shots, Coggins, worming. (Why do you ask?)
• Who to call in an emergency, if you can’t reach them? (Or get permission to make a decision)
• Who is their vet?  (In case you need history)

You may think I don’t need all this information, they’re only here for five days.  Or I know these horses, I don’t need to know this.  What if, the people were to be severely injured or killed.  You may have these horses longer than two weeks.  It’s a horrible thought, but it can, and does happen.

What happens if the horse is really sick or injured?  Are they going to load in your type of trailer, for you?

We always hope that nothing will go wrong, and the owners will come back in time, but always be prepared, just in case.  You can always forget too much information, but when it’s needed, you’re on top of it.

Be a good Girl Scout, Boy Scout, or Horse Scout, and Be Prepared.

Happy Hot Summer!