SubscribeGift a Sub
Enable cache 100
Categories: Horse News

Hurricane Matthew Evacuation Resources for Horse Owners

Hurricane Matthew has taken a devastating path through the Caribbean and is now bearing down on the coast of Florida. It is expected to move along the southeast United States coast through the weekend.



Residents of the areas of projected impact have been urged to evacuate. Here are some evacuation resources for horse owners in affected states:

Florida Resources:



A searchable database of relocation resources is available at evac.flahorse.com If you have space available in a safe location, you can also provide your information to help other horse owners.

Bar M Ranch Rescue has offered stabling and is compiling some evacuation resources on its Facebook page.

The Florida Horse Park in Ocala has offered stalls for evacuees for $10/night as well as trailer hookups for $25/night. Contact publicrelations@flhorsepark.com or call 352-307-6699

Floridahorse.com lists these resources on its website.

  • Sunshine State Horse Council – Searchable stable directory
  • Sumter Equestrian Center, Bushnell, FL – emergency stabling and camping – 352-303-4325 LEAVE A MESSAGE.
  • Marion County Animal Care and Control (352) 671-8900
  • Broward County Animal Care and Control (954) 359-1313
  • Palm Beach County Are and Control (561) 233-1201

Georgia Resources:

News4Jax.com lists these pet-friendly shelters:

Houston County * Horses ONLY* 60 Stalls

Georgia National Fairgrounds


401 Larry Walker Parkway


Perry, GA 31069

Sumter County

Sumter County Humane Society


108 Industrial Blvd


Americus, GA 31719

Tift County

Tift County Extension Bldg


1468 Carpenter Rd


Tifton, GA 31794

South Carolina Resources:

The Hippodrome in Aiken County has 300 stalls available. South Carolina residents can call 211 for more information about stabling at the Hippodrome, as well as finding pet-friendly accommodations as most shelters do not allow pets.

North Carolina Resources:

The Equine Disaster Response Alliance maintains a list of emergency facilities here.

There are two regional shelters available depending on the storm track.

Martin Center in Williamston

Hunt Complex in Raleigh

Virginia Resources:

The Virginia Horse Park in Lexington is offering free stalls for evacuees if the storm reaches Virginia before moving out to see. Contact the stabling office at (540) 464-2966.

Be prepared for a natural disaster in your area. Visit HorseChannel.com/Emergency for more resources for horse owners.

Recent Posts

Fall Equestrian Gear Round-Up

It’s full-on fall here in western Pennsylvania. As the leaves change, the air turns crisp, and the puddles in my…

23 hours ago

The Complete Guide to Parts of a Western Saddle — Plus a Quiz

Get to know the essential parts of a western saddle with this comprehensive guide. Plus, have some fun testing your…

2 days ago

8 Horse Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

Informed horse owners would never intentionally do something that could cause their horse to colic. Yet many owners unwittingly follow…

2 days ago

The Beautiful Akhal-Teke

The Akhal-Teke horse—pronounced like “apple” with a K instead of the P’s, and “techie”—is one of the rarest horse breeds…

3 days ago

Barn Banter – Episode 25: Sponsored by Adequan

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 25, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated…

5 days ago

A Horse Owner’s Most Difficult Decisions

Making difficult care decisions for a horse that has been closer to us than many family members can be traumatizing…

6 days ago