The Horse Trust Urges Horse Owners To Stay Safe During Floods

As storms continued to batter the UK staff and horses at Buckinghamshire-based charity The Horse Trust are advising horse owners to take steps to keep themselves and their horses safe during the floods. Animals across the county have been caught in the recent floods with firefighters and RSPCA rescue teams battling the storms to get stranded animals to safety. With the extreme weather that has blighted the UK for weeks set to continue and severe food warnings still in place across the Thames Valley and South West the charity is urging horse owners in at risk areas to take action before things get worse. Jeanette Allen, Chief Executive at The Horse Trust said 'We advise owners affected by the floods to keep a close eye on the situation and take action sooner rather than later. Please don't wait until things get worse and put yourselves or your horses at risk. If your fields are flooded act early and move your horses to higher ground to ensure that they remain out of danger. If access is a problem then ensure that you stock up on feed, fresh water and essential supplies and take steps to make sure that you can continue to get to your horses safely to care for them.' Although the first priority is keeping horses and their owner's safe during the floods the long-term impact of the floods could be devastating. Experts are predicting that it could take up to 6 weeks for flooding to subside after the rain has finally stopped. Owners in the Thames Valley and other affected areas should be prepared for an unprecedented lack of grazing for their horses for at least 6 months following the end of the stormy weather. The charity, which cares for retired or rescued horses, ponies and donkeys, including many who have served the country in the police or military, has been coping well despite the gale force winds and torrential rain. Like much of the country the charity has suffered power cuts and damage to buildings. However The Horse Trust remained open for Valentine's events over the weekend and visitors braved the storms to see their favourite horses, ponies and donkeys. Horse sponsors Sandra Scott-Kennedy and her Mum Marion who visited to see retired army horse Commando said, 'We came all the way over from Swindon to visit today, and braved this terrible weather to see Commando and the other horses. When I was choosing a horse to sponsor I immediately noticed Commando. He has arthritis and so do I - so we understand each other.' Jeanette Allen, Chief Executive of The Horse Trust 'Although the weather is presenting many challenges our staff and horses are doing remarkably well. As most of our horses are elderly or rescued they are monitored very carefully and all of our fields have plenty of extra hay and shelters. We were particularly worried that Hamish, a two year old miniature Shetland Hamish who is recovering in a stable after being found abandoned with a broken pelvis, would be having a stressful time with the gale force winds hitting us from all sides, but he was incredibly brave. He used to find storms very scary but he's learned that he's safe and is doing brilliantly.' She went on to add, 'We are grateful to all of the visitors who braved the rain to visit the horses this weekend. Our thoughts go to horse owners across the country who have been affected by the recent flooding and our colleagues who have been doing all they can to help.' If you are a horse owner affected by the floods you can call The Horse Trust's equine welfare helpline on 01494 488464 for further advice.

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