Emergency Horse Care: Why Every Owner Should Have a Backup Plan

If there’s one thing every horse owner knows, it’s that life with horses is never predictable. Even with the best routines and planning, things happen: you get stuck late at work, your horse colics unexpectedly, or here in Northern California, wildfire evacuations force you to act fast.

That’s why every horse owner should have a backup plan—someone reliable you can call when things don’t go according to schedule.

Real-Life Scenarios That Catch Owners Off Guard

1. Late at Work (or Life Gets in the Way) Maybe a meeting ran long, traffic was worse than expected, or a family emergency popped up. Horses don’t wait—they still need to be fed, turned out, or brought in on time. A missed feeding or turnout can create stress and even health risks.

2. Colic or Injury Scares When a horse suddenly shows signs of colic, lameness, or an injury, every minute counts. Having someone who can check on your horse, call the vet, or provide immediate care can make all the difference.

3. Wildfire & Natural Disasters in NorCal Amador, Calaveras, and surrounding counties know this all too well—when fire season hits, horse owners must act quickly. If you’re out of town or unable to get to the barn, a trusted caretaker who knows evacuation procedures can literally save lives.

Building Your Emergency Care Plan

Here are a few steps you can take today to prepare:

• Post emergency contacts (vet, farrier, backup person) clearly in the barn.

• Leave written instructions on feed, turnout, and quirks.

• Keep halters and leads ready for fast access.

• Stock essentials like first-aid supplies, extra water buckets, and blankets.

• Identify evacuation routes and trailer access ahead of fire season.

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How Mathews Equine Can Help

At Mathews Equine, we know emergencies don’t follow a schedule. That’s why we offer emergency and last-minute visits for horses in Amador County and surrounding areas (Calaveras, Stanislaus, San Joaquin).

Whether it’s a quick feeding, turnout, stall cleaning, or an urgent check-in, we’re your backup plan when you can’t be there. We’re bonded, insured, and committed to giving horse owners peace of mind.