Camping in thunderstorms

["Ed & Wendy Hauser" <sisufarm@mmmpcc.org>]

Here in the mid west we have lots of thunderstorms, as a result our horses
are not particularly spooked by thunder and lightening.  A picket line has
lots of give and is certainly safer than being tied to a trailer if the
horse spooks.  A horse in a trailer would certainly be fairly safe from
lightening strikes. (not because of the rubber tires but because the trailer
would be a Faraday Cage, talk to an EE for an explanation.)  On the other
hand if it decides to hail or rain unusually hard the noise could spook them
more in a trailer.
As far as lightening safety, just pick a spot where the lightening is less
likely to strike.  Lower elevations rather than on top of hills.  Not near
either lone trees or the tallest tree in the forest.  Woods may be safer
than an open field.  The lee side of a hill is better than the windy side,
'cause a tree is less likely to fall on you.  Pray, it can't hurt.
A number of years ago lightening hit the MNDRA1 camp right in the middle of
the award ceremony.  The ride manager got to his feet in record time.  It
seems he got a shock through his Aluminum chair.   A couple of horses were
knocked down and one got a rather nasty cut while jumping around.  When I
got to my trailer my gelding was snorting and pulling back on his lead on
the picket line.  As he never reacts to thunder, I suspect he got quite a
good shock.  By the way, all were OK the next day.  Even the horse with the
cut completed a 25 mile competitive ride..
Ed and Wendy Hauser
Sisu Farm
1140 37th St.
Hudson, WI 54016