Met Eireann has issued a Status Red weather warning, affecting all parts of Ireland from approximately midnight on Thursday night to 6pm on Friday evening.
Damaging and destructive gusts of wind of up to 130km are forecast.
Horse owners need to be vigilant of how their horses will cope with the incoming storm.
Horses should be stabled if possible, unless the stabling is in danger of being hit by a falling tree or other potential storm damage and any loose items around the yard should be secured. There's not just a risk of things going flying but any loud bangs and cracks can stress a young horse immensely if stabled. Owners should also be prepared for power cuts in their area. Water barrels should be filled up in advance and you should ensure the horses have adequate feed for their animals.
Stabled horses should have a nice deep bed to protect them from draughts. Applying stable bandages to will help keep fully clipped horses warm . Click here for a step-by-step guide on how to apply stable bandages.
If putting (extra) rugs on make sure the horse’s coat is dry first. Avoid turning horses out in very exposed fields where they will have no shelter from the wind. A field shelter is ideal provided there is room for all of the animals and it is in safe condition for such an unprecedented storm. Thick hedges, trees and walls/banks also make good natural shelter.
Keep a close eye on the animals and bring in any who are shivering, or hanging around at the gate looking to come in. Most of them will be quite happy and cope very well.
Avoid turning horses out in fields with open water sources such as ponds or drains/ditches. The horse may get into trouble if they can't see the area. A horse could rapidly get hypothermic if they’re trapped in freezing water.
The process of fibre digestion by the microbes in the horse’s large intestine release heat as well as energy and nutrients from the food. In temperatures below freezing or very cold wet weather if they're out, the horse will need to increase its daily fibre intake (in the form of good quality hay, haylage or alfalfa) by 10-15% to meet this demand.
For a 500kg horse, that would normally eat about 13kg of hay daily, you’d expect their intake to increase by 1.3Kg to 2kg per day, so up to 15kg of hay/day.
Keep any eye on elderly horses as they may struggle in the colder, wetter conditions especially if they have dental problems and are finding it hard to eat enough extra hay.
If you can’t supply more hay, additional concentrates can also be given but they’re not quite as effective at releasing heat as the digestion of high fibre forage.
A reduced water intake in combination with more hay than normal increases the risk of impactions and colic.
If additonal support is required,farmers are advised to keep in touch with their Teagasc adviser, their veterinary practitioner, or to contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Animal Welfare Helpline: Call Save: 0761 064408 or direct line 01 6072379.
STORM CHECKLIST
Check your first aid kit: Make sure you have the essentials if your horse picks up an injury and a vet can't reach you due to the weather. A clean towel, disposable gloves, a large roll of cotton wool, scissors, antibacterial scrub, sterile saline, antiseptic wound spray, non-stick dressings and gamgee are all essential.
Focus on safety: Complete tasks during daylight hours and avoid unnecessary risks.
Assess your yard: Inspect for potential hazards such as overhanging branches, untethered trampolines, or unstable structures.
Secure loose objects: Anchor tools, feed bins, and hay bales. Tie down anything that could become dangerous in strong winds.
Choose suitable rugs: Use rugs with appropriate weights to protect horses from wet and windy conditions.
Provide sufficient forage: Make sure horses have enough hay or haylage to last through any disruptions.
Prepare in advance: Stock up on water, extra forage, and essentials like torches and first-aid kits. Charge your phone and phone bank in case you lose electricity.