Winter storms, extreme cold and power outages can happen with little warning. As a horse owner, being prepared can help you respond quickly and protect your horses when an emergency occurs. An emergency or disaster can place tremendous strain on both animals and the people caring for them. Planning ahead can reduce stress, help you manage unexpected challenges and safeguard your horses’ welfare. Take the time now to make a plan. Consider how you will provide food, water, shelter and care if normal services are disrupted, and make arrangements for your horses if you need to evacuate or cannot access your property. Learn more about emergency preparedness →

Transporting horses isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It is a critical phase in a horse’s life that, if handled improperly, can lead to stress, injury, or even death. The risks to their welfare increase significantly when decisions must be made about transporting equines that are, or become, compromised or unfit during a journey. To help owners and caregivers make the best decisions for their horses, the Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada (HWAC) has developed a guide that provides clarity on the regulatory requirements for transporting horses in Canada. The Transport Regulations for Compromised or Unfit Animals guide is available as a free download from the HWAC website at horsewelfare.ca/transport. The guide breaks down Canada’s federal Health of Animals Regulations (Part XII) as they apply to compromised or unfit animals, with a specific focus on equines. It aims to improve compliance, educate handlers and transporters, and, most importantly, safeguard horse welfare throughout the transport process. “This guide isn’t just for commercial transporters,” said Dr. Bettina Bobsien, equine veterinarian and HWAC board member. “Whether you’re hauling your horse to a veterinarian, a show, or across the country, you have a legal and ethical responsibility to do your