What People Experienced During The Earthquake

How did Kiwi's handle their horses in Christchurch's September 4 earthquake? Some of you contacted us after the quake to inform those of us that  have never been in a situation like this.

Caitlin J.:

"I was terrified when I woke up from the violent shaking! After having made sure my husband and children were okay, I ran outside to check on the horses. The older ones were standing stock-still and seemed in shock. One mare had hurt herself badly on the wire fence and the youngsters were all quite dishevelled and sweaty. All were in good condition though and seemed to handle the situation okay. Hugs and cuddles soon even soothed the most worried once. My fences were okay and none of my buildings suffered major damage. I'm very thankful to have my family and horses in such good health after the disaster."

Annie M.:

"I must have slept right through the shaking. Having sleep problems, I usually take some pills that help me sleep better and I only woke up when I the shaking was over and my partner pulled me out of bed. Very confused I only later realised what had happened and went to check the horses. They were all happy in their stalls munching hay and didn't seem to have suffered at all. I saw the bedding was in disarray and one yearling had ripped his cover but that was it. Our hayshed had collapsed but even that seemed insignificant to the horses. I'm not taking sleeping pills anymore though, it was very distressing to have slept through the quake!"

 Peter K.:

"The cattle ran the fence down and my wife's horses got out on the farm. They must have galloped around quite a bit; the fields were in a sorry state. Our buildings were okay and the horses had only suffered minor injury. One of the cows had a deep wound but we were fortunate otherwise."

 Melanie D.:

"I graze my horse on someone else's property, around 20 km away from where I live. I was panicking, especially since my boyfriend was out of town and I was alone. Not thinking, I jumped into my car and drove to see Blake (my horse). The property owner was upset to see I drove so far in such an unsafe situation and told me the horses were fine. I went to see Blake and spent the reminder of the night and rest of the day there. Only two horses injured themselves and not very badly either."

 Jenny R.:

"My broodmare has a very complicated pregnancy and I was on night watch that night, sleeping in the stall next to her. When the ground started shaking, I was unaware of where I was and what was happening. Jodi was kicking the walls and neighing out to the other broodmare stabled next to her. Missy, the other mare, kicked through the stable wall and that finally woke me up properly. Although the ground was still shaking, I managed to get up and out of the stall. My first thought was to calm her down but both of them had already regained composure and although not eating, were standing calmly and sort of waiting. I took this moment to run inside to check on my family who were all hiding underneath the bed. Our house got hit quite badly but the other buildings seem to be fine."

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