Rider Down! It’s a trail rider’s worst nightmare: getting hurt and requiring evacuation from a remote area. Whether out on the trails for a few hours or on an overnight trip, the reality that every recreational rider must face is that emergencies can occur. Preparation is key and the success of emergency evacuations has a lot to do with planning for their possibility. It can also determine whether a rider survives.

In the world of therapeutic riding, a multitude of heroes make a lasting impact. Selecting just one to honour as a Horse Community Hero is never easy — but in this issue, two remarkable therapy horses stand out: Rupert and Buck.

Social What? The horse industry is vulnerable to the vagaries of negative public opinion, just like other activities that involve live animals. However, equestrian activities are especially vulnerable because for many, horses represent freedom, power, and grace. The romantic image of horses galloping across wild plains exploring new horizons persists, although that’s not the reality for most horses.

Crisis-Ready Horsekeeping: Safety Plans for the Unexpected - Across Canada there is one thing horse owners have in common: We all want what is best for our horses. No matter what discipline we favour, whether we compete or ride just for fun, we all take steps to ensure that our horses are well looked after, happy and healthy. But what about when it comes to preparing for our worst nightmare? At the very least, most barns will have a first aid kit or two and maybe some fire extinguishers. But in the event of a natural disaster like an earthquake, fire, flood or tornado, do any of us have what it takes to make the best of the worst situation? While it’s uncomfortable to think about what would happen if we suffered at the wrath of Mother Nature, we aren’t doing ourselves or our horses any favours by ignoring the possibility of a natural or man-made disaster.