Flying Insect Control Nature’s Way ! Using Natural Pyrethrum MAR/APR 2022 FROM MY SADDLE Farm Planning and Management Are You Prepared? www.flyguard.com flying insects Kills Fly Guard designs, manufactures, installs and provides service for Fly Control Systems – Backed by 5-Year Warranty – Helps Protect Against West Nile Virus – Licensed Technicians – Custom Designed to Fit Your Needs – Free Estimates – Factory Direct Prevents spread of disease your animals W by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher hat a crazy winter it was! In the Pacific North-west homes and ranches were drenched in rain, causing swollen rivers and flooding. Many people suffered losses and damage from the inclement weather. I guess some things you can prepare for, but even then, it’s not always enough. Still, I’m al-ways amazed at how people in this community don’t hesitate to lend a hand when someone is in need. I was blessed to be a part of it for most of my life. Every region has its challenges. I may have escaped the flooding by moving to Colorado but after arriving here we were pelted with damaging hail. There are ups and downs no matter where we live. The point is to look for the beauty in the aftermath of the floods and damaging storms. Since this is our Barn, Eques-trian Facilities, and Training issue it’s a great time to discuss your evacuation plans in the event of a natural disaster. We have some great resources lined up for you. We are privileged to have writers such as Alayne Blickle of Horses for Clean Water to help us navigate farm planning and management. And advertiser Teresa Spencer of equestrisafe.com has amazing products to ID your horse should he escape his pasture or get lost in the confusion of a fire or other disas-ter. The EquestriSafe website also has good information for planning an escape. Evacuation plans are often non-existent, and we don’t think about them until we need them. Another great resource is your local conservation district. I’ve benefitted immensely from the relationship built with them. I was able to get a grant for a manure bin and borrow Whatcom Conserva-tion District’s manure spreader to get my fields fertilized. Years ago, I had a farm plan designed and we were able to create a beautiful sac-rifice area to keep my horses out of the mud in the winter months. As you plan upgrades to your place or dream of a new barn, al-ways think of safety and have a plan in place should you have to deal with a fire or other natural disaster. Then you can relax knowing that you do have a plan of action for your horse’s safety and your own. Additional Resources www.nwhorsesource.com/online-exclusive-be-ready www.nwhorsesource.com/aaep-resources-help-practitioners-horse-owners-prepare-for-natural-disasters www.nwhorsesource.com/uc-davis-advance-disaster-preparedness-horses www.nwhorsesource.com/large-animal-rescue-educate-yourself-veterinarians-and-first-responders-in-this-specialty-rescue www.nwhorsesource.com/be-firewise www.nwhorsesource.com/texas-livestock-emergency-team www.nwhorsesource.com/wildfire-evacuation-planning-horse-owners PHOTO: KAREN PICKERING Protects 800-811-1039 8 March/April 2022 The Northwest Horse Source www.nwhorsesource.com
The Northwest Horse Source NWHS 0322-0422 Issue: Page 8
