Fillis Stirrup Irons
$29.95
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When the Thunder Rolls . . .
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The hot summer months often bring some powerful thunderstorms to the region, as recent weather patterns have shown. These storms can often be problematic for both horse and owner. In the wild, horses instinctively know where to go to protect themselves from the most deadly aspect of the storm - lightning. Unfortunately, in our efforts to domesticate them, we have taken away that opportunity for self-protection. For this reason, it is important for us to understand how vulnerable they are in the environments we have created for them.
There are three types of lightning that occur during a thunderstorm. The intra-cloud scenario, the most common and least harmful, is characterized by the flickering illumination within the cloud. The more serious form of lightning is the “cloud-to-ground” (downstroke), which occurs when the electrical charge exits the cloud to reach the earth. Often, the lightning will “seek out” a conductor – a tree, fence, animal, or human – to reach the ground. Since a living body provides a better conductor for electricity, flashes will often “leap” from the tree or fence to the human or horse standing next to it. Although the downstrokes can prove fatal to both humans and horses, many have survived since the surrounding air absorbs a good percentage of the discharge. The third type are referred to as upstrokes, or “ground-to-cloud,” and occur as a “return-stroke-like feature.” They are always fatal since the discharge is from the ground up, which means the body absorbs all the current before it disperses in the air and clouds above.
During a thunderstorm, horses restricted by fenced-in pasture will “make do” with what is available to them for protection. Thus, they often congregate under a lone or large, tall tree in their efforts to find shelter. Unfortunately, this is often the site that is first hit, since lightning usually strikes the most prominent objects. With a number of horses gathered there, the lighting strike can injure or kill many or all of the horses as the current discharges to the ground. A nearby wire fence or water trough presents a greater risk of danger, since each acts as a perfect conductor for electricity. The current can travel the distance of a wire fence before finding that living conduit to the ground. Even the metal shoes a horse wears further increase his susceptibility.
In order to prevent such tragic consequences, the best solution is to stable the horses in a well-grounded barn. While wooden barns are the best, a well-grounded metal barn with lightning rods should be sufficient. It is also important to ensure that water pipes, as well as other pipes, are also well-grounded. If the horses must be kept outside, contain them using wooden or vinyl fencing rather than wire. Also, try to make sure there is not one lone, tall tree under which the horses will congregate – one that would seemingly attract the lightning. Depending upon the number of horses, a run-in shed (not isolated) or several small trees (away from any large tree) should offer the horses adequate protection. Of course, it is important that your pasture land is not located near power lines or electrical towers.
If you are able to and you have the facilities, you should bring the horses into the stables with the oncoming threat of a storm. If you are unable to reach the horses in time, however, it is better to let the animals fend for themselves, because there is a greater danger to both human and horse in trying to bring them in during the storm.
In order to take the necessary precautions against an approaching thunderstorm, it is always advisable to read or listen to the daily weather forecasts. Though not always reliable, they can at least help you to prepare. If your are out on a trail ride, certain weather signals should alert you to an impending storm. When the humidity increases, so does the chance for a storm. Not only do you feel the difference in a higher humidity, but visible signs of “’gray’ horizons, rainbows,” and “[a] corona and halo around the sun or moon” also provide proof of moisture in the air. Keep a watchful eye on the clouds and dark cloud cover, as well as the direction of the blowing clouds, to monitor the approach of a storm. Distant rumbling of thunder is a tell-tale sign, especially if it grows louder and nearer.
If you are caught in a storm when out on a ride, there are certain steps you can take to protect yourself and your horse. It is important to note that just “[b]eing in the dispersion path along the surface of the ground can provide enough current to stun the human heart.” In other words, an individual or horse need only be in the vicinity of a lightning strike for it to be injurious or deadly. Thus, if you are on the trail, seek shelter in one of the following locations:- near smaller trees, if you are caught in the woods (avoid the tall ones)
- in lower lying areas (out of “damp zones and drainages”), if you are out in the open
Also, stay clear of metal objects, such as pipes, fences, rails, or equipment (even remove any metal tools you may have on your person). Other steps to take to avoid injury include the following:- remove saddle, bits, and bridles (especially ones with any metal)
- if you decide to tie your horses, do so to small trees that are spaced far enough for the horses to see each other but not so close to incur injury
- crouch down on your toes with your feet close together and hands folded off the ground (you are assuming the smallest position possible with the least contact with the ground). Experts also recommend that you use your saddle pad, with the driest side up, to crouch upon. It can “help protect you from dangerous surface discharges.”
If lightning strikes nearby, it usually takes about one minute for the cloud to “recharge.” It would be best to use that time to move to a safer location.
When the storm is at its worst, perhaps directly over your site, your horse may panic, break from its tether, and flee. Experts emphasize that you should not pursue the animal, since you would only risk your life or that of another in the process. Remember, horses have the “wild” instinct to protect themselves and seek safety (especially when not confined by pasture fences). Moreover, if you wait until the storm subsides, your horse will be calmer and easier to locate.
Another element to consider during thunderstorms is hail. These ice pellets fall in various sizes – pea size, golf ball size, and even larger. They can be very painful to the horse and even frighten it more than the sound of thunder or the flash of lightning. As a flight animal, the horse’s first instinct is to flee the pelting. It is important to keep this weather phenomenon in mind when severe thunderstorms are approaching.
One other factor to consider is that there are some horses that become excitable, nervous, and frightened before and during a thunderstorm. In particular instances, these animals can become so agitated that they suffer from what is known as “spasmodic colic,” which is characterized by painful spasms resulting from "increased activity of the intestinal tract.” This form of colic is usually responsive to medical treatment. Your veterinarian may even provide a preventative treatment in order to calm him before and during the storm.
Though the summer thunderstorms can make it a little more hazardous for you and your horse, careful planning, attention to the weather changes and forecasts, and precautionary measures can make the season safer and more enjoyable.
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