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The current (human) coronavirus situation allows me to make sure that I have everything I need to take care of the horses in case I cannot leave home for two weeks or more. Are you ready?

Posted by: Michelle N. Anderson, Chief Editor of TheHorse.com Digital Edition | March 12, 2020 | Comments, Contingency Plans, Hoof Care, Horse Care, Horse Industry News, Nutrition, Welfare and Industry

We, The Horse, are accustomed to disease outbreaks in horse breeds. We continue to publish content about preventing the spread of diseases and how to effectively isolate sick horses. We have a plan. But what about the explosion of human species? I personally have not considered the circumstances under which I can become a quarantined person.

As news about the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease now called COVID-19) that affects humans began to spread, it caught my attention. I have heard enough lectures on equine epidemiology and know that respiratory diseases spread exponentially. My sister works as a nurse in a public school. Before the media reports, she keeps me up to date with the latest information she has and encourages me to prepare for the worst. Due to my busy work and personal schedule, I don't have time to panic about a potential pandemic, but I did send a text message to my hayman and asked me to replenish my inventory because my inventory is running out. There were two more tons in the barn, and I started my life.

Then northern Italy went into lockdown, and my husband noticed that we almost ran out of coffee. I considered what the 14-day caffeine-free quarantine meant and decided that we might need to do some preparations. We went to Costco (and, yes, our Costco doesn't have toilet paper anymore). Now, as the situation worsens, I ask myself: If my husband and I are quarantined or sick, what necessities do my horse need?

Well, this is my list. If human isolation occurs, those who ride horses or run large barns may have other needs. During this pandemic, what are you going to do to keep your horses happy and healthy? Leave your comment below!

Michelle Anderson is the digital executive editor of The Horse. In her role, she produces content for our website and hosts our live events, including Ask the Vet Live. As a lifelong horse owner, Anderson participates in dressage competitions and enjoys riding horses. She is a graduate of Washington State University (Go Cougs!) with a bachelor's degree in communication, minoring in business administration and a wide range of animal science courses. She has been working at Horse Publishing House since 1998. She currently lives with her husband on a small horse farm in central Oregon.

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