By Judy O'Brien Van Put
SULLIVAN COUNTY — April 22, 2003 – Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 17.
We’ve just been notified by Amy Barkley that there will be a Tack Auction on that date at the Cooke School on Richardson Ave. in Monticello.
JP’s North will be bringing a trailer load of saddles, blankets, halters, stable accessories, show clothes, etc.
Viewing starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by the auction, which begins at 6 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Sullivan County’s 4-H Horse Program.
For additional information, call the 4-H Office at 292-6180 or to request specific items, contact JP’s North at 1-800-237-4488.
Come on out for some good deals and to support the 4-H Horse Program!

Quick and Easy
Emergency Plan
It’s a good idea to keep a simple but complete emergency kit – in addition to your first aid kit – in your barn. Should your barn ever be threatened by fire, flood, or windstorm, a well-prepared and easily accessible emergency kit will save precious time in the event you might need to evacuate your horses.
Here are some suggestions provided by Christine Barakat in a recent issue of Equus magazine:

1. Documentation:
Gather together the following items and place in a folder, then seal in a plastic Zip-lock bag:
• Veterinary contact information
• Insurance contact information
• Proof of negative Coggins test for each horse
• Documents that would provide proof of ownership, such as brand registration or microchip information
• Current photographs of each horse
• Detailed instructions for anyone who may need to care for your horses, including medical needs and veterinary history
• A local map with any emergency facilities highlighted.

2. Feed and water:
• Hay nets that can be filled prior to evacuation
• Enough feed for at least three days, stored in original bags that have been placed in large, plastic garbage bags and labeled for each horse
• Water buckets
• Feed tubs or nose bags
• A large plastic trash can with lid for storing water (fill it up before you evacuate)

3. First Aid/Health Care:
Store these items in separate plastic, watertight containers:
• An equine first-aid kit, including elastic bandages, gauze squares, Betadine, scissors, wound salve or spray, thermometer and eyewash
• Leg wraps and bandages
• Fly spray
• Medications, along with dosing information that identifies recipients by name, color and markings
• Hoof pick, rasp and nippers for removing shoes
• Twitch

4. Tools:
• Flashlight
• Battery-operated radio
• Wire cutters
• Blankets
• Trash bags
• Pocketknife or “all-in-one” tool
• Duct tape
• Twine
• Heavy gloves
• Cattle/animal marking crayon (available through livestock supply catalogs)
A large plastic trash can is useful for storing these items, and can be used to hold water during an evacuation. Label the can, store in an easily-accessible spot and refrain from using up its contents without replenishing them.
Lastly, along with preparing an emergency evacuation kit, make sure all your horses will load easily. Work on schooling uncooperative or trailer-spooky horses ahead of time. You don’t want your efforts in times of emergency to be hindered by an uncooperative, trailer-shy horse.