FIRE SAFETY AND PREVENTION FOR EQUINE FACILITIES


Horse Association (SASHA) offered a Fire Prevention and Safety on Saturday September 25, 2010. Hosted by Michael and Megan Beasom at their beautiful Victory Lane Farm in Boerne, Texas, the seminar was conducted by the Boerne Fire Department’s Lt. Lyle Mattick and Firefighter Gerard Silva. The seminar was of- fered at no cost by SASHA as a public service to both backyard horse enthusiasts and equine professionals alike. In the back of the


San Antonio Saddle


mind of every horse owner, stable or ranch owner - or any- one who lives in a rural area - is the fear of a barn fire buffered by the hope that they are pre- pared. The SASHA Board of Directors tackled the potential devastation with a pro-active move. “Inviting your local fire department out to your barn for a tour is the best thing you can do” says Sandra Arguello, SASHA President. “This visit gave the Firefighters a chance to familiarize themselves with the layout of the barn and surrounding buildings and paddocks and gain some fa- miliarity with the everyday


team from Boerne, accompa- nied by Section Chief Brooke Hildreth and Engineer Paul Homan from the San Antonio Fire Department, arrived at Victory Lane Farm on a beau- tiful Saturday afternoon. The big red fire truck, becoming evermore impressive as it made its way up the long drive to the barn, raised an unexpected sense of awe and gratitude for those men and women who choose the path of selfless service. The Firefighters al- lowed a hands-on display to those who attended including state of the art night vision and thermal imaging cameras and equipment. Several scenarios were discussed concerning typical barn hazards. Exit strategies similar to those of a “bucket brigade” were played out and thought through giving the barn and horse owners, as well as the rescue personnel, a planned sense of direction in a


Horse happenings


equipment that horse owners take for granted. Halters, lead ropes, stall door locks, and the way the horses will react to the trucks, sirens and equipment are experiences that are new from everyone’s perspective. Lt. Mattick and his


sentation was a question and answer session which included the reverse role of the Fire- fighters asking the equestrians questions about standard barn operations and typical horse behavior. More often than not the Firefighter is not familiar with horses. They are unaware that the breeds do not all have the same temperaments. They were surprised to learn that horses, animals of herd and habit, will return to a burning stall because it is what they are familiar with and have patterned in the logical “safe zone” of their minds. The horses must be secured in an outlying paddock after being rescued from the danger of the fire or they will surely return to it despite the danger. Lt. Mattick donned his firefight- ing gear which included a self contained breathing apparatus “think Darth Vader”, several flashing lights, the reflective material in the suits that make them visible even through thick black smoke, and a siren-type alarm that goes off when the rescuer is inactive for a short period of time.


worst case scenario. Following the pre-


THE HORSE GAZETTE


opened in order to gauge the potential reaction of the horses to this glowing, flashing, oth- erworldly foreign, awesome presence. The horses were on high alert and nervous. However, as was discussed during the “bucket brigade” conversation earlier in the day, this barn’s plan used the most readily available and knowl- edgeable horseman, trainer Michael Beasom, to enter the stalls, reassure and halter the horses, and then hand them off to a groom, employee or horse owner that can guide them to the safety of an outdoor pad- dock. The Firefighters will be there, the horses will be acutely aware of them, but a plan such as this allows the Firefighters to


Several stalls were


ties and preparation of all per- sonnel is critical. Know what to do to help the professional firefighter, first preserving our own safety. Often the firefight- ers are EMT-trained, at least as First Responders. The best


the sacrifices these courageous and skilled men & women, and appreciate their time and attention. It was especially rewarding for those of us in attendance to know that we, in some measure, helped to better prepare those who risk their not only for humans, but for the animals that we love. Important To Know: Preparation of facili-


tackle and contain the source of danger – the fire. We are so grateful for


practices will then help save our animals in the event the unthinkable occurs. Visit www.sashatx.


org for an extensive fire safety and prevention list. For more information about this or other San Antonio Saddle Horse Association events, pictures, or information about hosting


a similar event, visit www. sashatx.org. Photo, left to right:


Laura Paris, Engineer Paul Hohman and Section Chief Brooke Hildreth from the San Antonio FD, Firefighter Gerard Silva of the Boerne Fire Dept., Michael Beasom, and Lt. Lyle Mattick.


FORT SAM HOUSTON CAISSON SECTION - The Caisson Section, created in 2002, is part of the Military Honors Platoon of Fort Sam Houston. There are 4 horses pulling the caisson, all saddled, with only 2 mounted riders on the left. Located at the left of the lead pair is a mounted horse called the section horse. The section horse and rider’s job is for overall control and coordination of the caisson. The riderless caparisoned horse is used for soldiers with the rank of sergeant major and above and is tacked with a saddle, saber and boots set backward in the saddle signifying a final ride, a soldier looking back at his troops for the last time.


SAN ANTONIO POLO CLUB - Thanks to some dedicated Polo enthu- siasts, Polo is returning to San Antonio! The group gets together at various locations around San Antonio for lessons, practice and a lot of fun. The group welcomes anyone who has an interest in learning the sport, practicing with the group or watching, contact Ursula Pari at 210- 310-9866 or visit www.sanantoniopolo.com.


Top Left Photo - L to R: Bill Askins of San Antonio, James McHazlett of Hondo, Corporal Thomas Martin, originall of Dallas, TX but currently stationed at Fort Sam Houston and is the Section Rider of the Cais- son Section. Top Photo: Daniel Fernandez, retired 5 goal Polo player of Lockhart, TX. Right Photo: Ursula Pari of San Antonio. Photos by Robbin Cresswell.


WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES Top Left: 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrain Games - USA Vaulting Team claims the GOLD! Photo by Gail Finger, www.texasequineproductions.com


Above: 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrain Games - Four in Hand Driving competitor speeding through the Obstacle Phase to the pleasure of the crowd. Photo by Gail Finger, www.texasequineproductions.com


Top Right: 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrain Games - Four in Hand Marathon Driving competitor heading up the hill at breakneck speed. Photo by Gail Finger, www.texasequineproductions.com


Left: 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrain Games - Four in Hand Marathon Driving competitor speeding through the water obstacle. Photos by Gail Finger, www.texasequineproductions.com


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