Horse Illustrated Magazine

Every horse owner’s worst nightmare is a phone call in the middle of the night from a boarding stable operator or horse sitter, reporting that the horse is sick, injured or worse.

As terrifying as such a phone call can be, it’s vital that whomever is caring for your horse has access to emergency information so that you and other important contacts can be reached. Being able to reach you, your veterinarian and your insurance provider in a timely manner can mean the difference between life and death for your horse.

If you are boarding your horse, provide a source for emergency contact information that you can securely attach on the outside of your horse’s stall. You can print the information on your computer on an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper and have it available. Click here to download a free stall card to keep your horse’s information readily available.

The sign should contain your horse’s name, your name and all your phone numbers. You should also give the name of your veterinarian and his or her emergency contact numbers. If your horse is in training, provide the name and phone number of your trainer. If your horse is insured, include the name and 24-hour phone number of your insurance company. It’s also a good idea to add farrier information and other important notes, such as allergic to hay or doesn’t cross tie.

If you are leaving your horse in the care of a horse sitter, make sure they have your mobile number, and keep your phone with you and turned on while you’re away. Also be sure to leave the name and phone numbers of where you will be and during what dates so they’ll have an alternate way to track you down.

Make sure your horse sitter has the name and phone number of your veterinarian and the name and phone number of your horse’s insurer. Leaving your horse’s insurance policy number is also a good idea.

By providing caretakers with this important emergency contact information, you will be sure your horse will get help when he most needs it.

Audrey Pavia is the author of Horses for Dummies.