Equestrian Center as a Host Storm Shelter for Horses

The Escambia County Equestrian Center in times of severe weather in surrounding areas, can be opened by Escambia County to serve as a host shelter for horses. If opened for evacuees, stalls and RV sites are available on a first come, first serve basis. Stall fees are currently WAIVED for evacuees. 

Currently, the Equestrian Center is open as a host shelter for Hurricane Irma evacuees from south Florida or Hurricane Harvey evacuees from Texas or Louisiana. 

• Be prepared to show a negative coggins for each horse and complete a Hurricane Check In/Registration Form. A staff member will check your coggins, check you in, and assign you a stall. Staff will collect payment at this time. Tie-outs are not allowed under any circumstances. Horses are not allowed to shelter in the covered arena.
• Shavings can be purchased for $7/bag. You are allowed to bring your own shavings if you prefer.
• RV sites are $18 + tax  per night ($20.07).
• Stalls will be allocated on a first-come/first-served basis. You may reserve a stall in advance with full payment. No refunds will be given should stall(s) not be used. Stalls will be assigned in order. Please do not dispute your stall assignments. Hurricanes are busy and stressful for everyone and you will need to accept your assigned stall.
• Owners will be responsible for feeding and watering their horses prior to the storm. You should have ample water buckets and hay on hand. Owners will also be responsible for stall cleaning prior to storm. Staff will not clean stalls until horses have vacated.
• All owners will be required to leave the facility prior to the storm’s landfall. Owners must take everything with them except what is to be left in stall. Anything left in the aisleways will be disposed of. Once the winds subside to safe levels, EC staff will check stalls and fill water buckets as needed.
• All horses must have a halter and lead rope that stays with them. Staff will only remove horses from stalls in an emergency situation. Should you not leave a halter on your horse, it should be marked for identification in the event it should get loose from stall. You can do this with paint, mane wraps, or in another way.
• In the case of a medical emergency, staff will call the vet listed on the check-in sheet. Owners are responsible for any charges incurred and should make prior arrangements with their vets. If no vet is listed or if vet refuses to come, facility bears no liability for any damage to horse caused by lack of medical care.
• Horses must be removed no later than 72 hours after storm has passed through. Horses that are not removed within 72 horses will either be turned over to animal control or the county livestock officer and additional fees/fines may incur, or owners will be required to pay the normal stall rate of $17/night.