9 min read Last updated: January 2026 Unsure how to protect your horses as Storm Darraghstyle 70mph gusts, saturated fields, and bridge closures turn turnout and travel risky? This warm, nopanic guide shows when to stable early, secure shelters and fencing 2448 hours ahead of Amber/Yellow peaks, and postpone transportso your horses stay safe and your yard bounces back quickly. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Storm Turnout Decisions What To Do: Stable horses during Amber/Yellow wind warnings and any forecast gusts near 70mph; provide forage, water, and calm routines. Why It Matters: It reduces risk from flying debris, fence failures, and slips on saturated ground. Common Mistake: Turning out for a leg stretch when fencing, footing, and trees are unsafe. Area: Shelter & Fencing Anchors What To Do: Groundanchor freestanding shelters, tighten fixings, face openings leeward, and clear loose items; keep an electricfence repair kit ready. Why It Matters: Proper anchoring prevents projectiles and keeps boundaries stockproof. Common Mistake: Relying on shelter weight alone or checking anchors only after damage. Area: Amber/Yellow Prep What To Do: Act 2448 hours aheadsecure structures, elevate feed/bedding, clear drains/gutters, and set a staffing buddy system. Why It Matters: Early action avoids access issues, outages, and lastminute risks. Common Mistake: Waiting for the warning to upgrade before starting preparations. Area: Power & Supplies Readiness What To Do: Fuel the generator, charge power banks, stage torches and headcollars by each box, and prefill extra haynets and water. Why It Matters: It minimises time outdoors during peak winds and keeps essentials running in outages. Common Mistake: Hunting for kit in the dark or relying on a flat torch/empty jerry can. Area: Safe Transport Choices What To Do: Postpone travel when winds are high or bridges close; if caught out, exit early to a leeward safe area, park nosetowind, handbrake on, wheels chocked. Why It Matters: Crosswinds can destabilise horseboxes and trailers, endangering horses and drivers. Common Mistake: Pressing on to meet appointments despite closures or insurer limits. Area: Cleanup PPE & Process What To Do: Pause nonessential riding; wear hivis, helmets, sturdy boots, gloves, and eye/ear protection; start from the yard outward and cordon hazards. Why It Matters: Windblown timber and sheet metal can injure unprotected teams. Common Mistake: Cutting or moving timber under tension without training or PPE. Area: Boundary & Damage Checks What To Do: Walk all boundaries once winds drop, photograph damage for insurance, then make safe with temporary fencing and clear signage. Why It Matters: Documented, rapid fixes prevent escapes and speed claims. Common Mistake: Moving debris before taking photos or leaving gaps unfenced. Area: Poststorm Horse Care What To Do: Check horses nosetotail, pick out feet, dry legs, groom out grit, and reintroduce turnout gradually once fencing and footing are safe. Why It Matters: Early detection of knocks and strains prevents complications and stress. Common Mistake: Turning out immediately on soft, debrisstrewn ground. In This Guide What Storm Darragh taught UK horse owners Should you turn out in 70mph winds? How to storm-proof field shelters and fencing What to do when the Met Office issues Amber or Yellow warnings Keeping riders and yard teams safe during the clearup Managing transport and livery movements in storms Poststorm health checks and recovery Storm Darragh hit the UK with gusts up to 70mph, closing major bridges, abandoning racing at Aintree and Chepstow, and leaving yards and sanctuaries counting the cost. It was a wake-up call: in hours, saturated fields, flying debris, and power outages can turn routine turnout and travel into a serious risk.Key takeaway: In UK storms like Darragh, stable horses early, secure shelters and fencing before the wind peaks, postpone transport, and plan a structured, safe cleanup once warnings ease.What Storm Darragh taught UK horse ownersStorm Darragh proved that 70mph gusts, waterlogged ground, and debris can shut down turnout and travel overnight, so yards must act ahead of the peak to protect horses and people. The storm, named by the Met Office on 5 December 2024, brought widespread disruption, including abandoned fixtures at Aintree and Chepstow and closures of the Severn crossings, with equine charities and farms reporting significant damage.The Mare and Foal Sanctuary reported 10,000 in damage across four sites after shelters were uprooted and blown over fences, and trees blocked essential access routes. Their experience underlines how quickly a loose structure can become a projectile when gusts hit 6070mph. In Wales, windblow was described as a oncein20to30year event, flattening trees across some 340 hectares in Carmarthenshire alone (around 480 football pitches) and up to 900 hectares on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate, closing bridleways and delaying boundary repairs. Racing abandoned at Aintree and Chepstow shows how even elite venues pause activity when crosswinds and surface conditions are unsafe.Equine welfare isnt just about cuddling ponies; its about preparing for natures curveballs. As the climate crisis brews fiercer storms, sanctuaries face increased vulnerability. Mare and Foal Sanctuary (source)Should you turn out in 70mph winds?Nokeep horses in during Amber/Yellow wind warnings and any forecast gusts approaching 70mph, especially on saturated ground. Turnout becomes unsafe when fences may fail, debris is airborne, trees or branches can fall, and underfoot conditions increase the chance of slips and softtissue injuries.Experienced owners across the UK locked down yards during Darragh for exactly these reasons: sodden fields, unstable fencing, and debris in the wind. One owner summarised it perfectly:Storm Darragh will be hitting much of the UK We have had heavy rain and high winds since yesterday and are expected to have gales nearing 70mph on Saturday I will be closing the horses on the yard tomorrow for their safety. The fields are saturated, so they're not inclined to go out anyway. Miss_Millie (Horse & Hound forum)Bring horses into secure stables or a sheltered yard, provide constant forage and water, and keep routines calm and predictable. If the temperature dips with the windchill, fit appropriately weighted, breathable rugsmany yards rely on warm, breathable stable rugs when horses are in for 2448 hours.Quick tip: Fill extra haynets and water buckets before the worst of the weather to minimise time outdoors when the gusts peak.How to storm-proof field shelters and fencingAnchor freestanding shelters to the ground and check every fixing, bolt, and bracket before storms; after the wind drops, walk every boundary and repair or isolate damage immediately. In Darragh, shelters were literally lifted and blown over fencesproof that even heavy timber builds need proper anchoring.Before high winds:Fit ground anchors and tiedowns rated for galeforce winds; inspect skids and anchoring plates for rot, rust, or loose bolts.Orient openings away from the prevailing wind and remove or secure doors, gutters, and loose roof sheets that can catch gusts.Clear the fetch into the windmove jumps, bins, barrels, and empty water troughs that can scoot across fields.Check electric fencing strainer posts, insulators, and energiser earths; keep a repair kit (tape, connectors, reels, spare posts) ready and isolate power before working.After the storm, prioritise boundary lines and any areas where trees or limbs have come down. In forestedged or rural Welsh areas, clearance may be delayed until professionals can safely process windblown timber; keep temporary pens or internal tape lanes handy and signpost hazards.Pro tip: Photograph damage for insurance before moving anything, then make safe with visible temporary fencing and hazard tape until permanent repairs are possible.What to do when the Met Office issues Amber or Yellow warningsAct 2448 hours ahead: secure structures, move feed and bedding off the floor, reorganise turnout and staffing, and postpone nonessential travel before the peak gusts arrive. NFU Mutual urged farmers and livestock owners to prepare early for Darraghs Amber and Yellow warnings covering wind, rain, and snow, which is exactly the window to get ahead of outages and access issues.When warnings are issued (NFU Mutual via Farmers Guardian):Elevate hay, feed, and bedding above possible flood level; cover with tarps and secure ties.Check drains, gutters, and water collection points so runoff clears before heavy rain arrives.Fuel the generator, charge power banks, and position torches and headcollars by each stable door.Assign a buddy system for muckingout and checks so no one works alone in peak winds.Confirm your stabling plan, including a box for any medically vulnerable horse; stock firstaid supplies and spare headcollars/lead ropes.Decide on rug weights early; for wet, windy snaps following rain, many horses are most comfortable in winter turnout rugs that combine waterproofing with breathable insulation.Quick tip: Put emergency contacts (vet, farrier, local authority highways/forestry) on a laminated card at the yard entrance; when signal drops, youll still have numbers to hand.Keeping riders and yard teams safe during the clearupPause nonessential riding and insist on PPEhivis, helmets, sturdy bootswhen assessing damage, because hidden tensions in windblown trees and corrugated sheets can be lethal. If elite meetings like Aintree and Chepstow are abandoned for safety, our leisure rides and lessons can wait too.Use the racing precedent as your yard rule: when crosswinds and underfoot conditions are unsafe, activity stops. Expect bridleway closures where windblow has compromised trails; never cut or move timber under tension without professional training. Mark hazards visibly, cordon off compromised areas, and report issues on public rights of way to your local council or Natural Resources Wales if youre in affected regions.For the clearup, kit up your team properly. Highvisibility outerwear keeps you seen by vehicles and plant on lanes and in yardsour hivis for riders pairs well with certified riding helmets and supportive, grippy riding boots for slick conditions. Gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection are essential if using power tools (by trained users only). Keep horses away from the work area and confine dogs.Pro tip: Start cleanup from the yard outward so emergency access stays clear; stack debris leeward and strap loads so nothing lifts back into the wind.Managing transport and livery movements in stormsCancel or postpone horse transport when high winds close bridges or exceed your vehicle, trailer, or insurers limits, and only rebook once warnings lift. Darragh shut the Severn crossings, and crosswinds on elevated routes can destabilise even wellloaded trailers and boxes.Check live updates for strategic roads and bridges well before loading. If youre midjourney as warnings upgrade, take the earliest safe exit and shelter in a leeward, offroad area. Park facing into the wind, apply the handbrake, chock wheels, and keep horses onboard only as long as its safer than unloading; then secure to a sheltered building and wait it out.For planned moves, choose routes with fewer exposed spans, add time for debris checks, and ensure partitions, breast bars, and rubber matting are in top condition. Keep passports and a stocked transport kit readybut be prepared not to travel. Communicate early with venues, vets, and liveries so everyone can reschedule safely.Poststorm health checks and recoveryAfter the storm passes, check every horse nosetotail, pick out feet, and monitor closely for cuts, strains, and stress while you repair facilities and plan for any longerterm clearance. High winds push grit and twigs into coats and tails, and wetthencold swings can leave feet soft and bruiseprone.Work methodically:Inspect limbs, eyes, and muzzles for abrasions or embedded debris; coldhose minor knocks and monitor swelling.Pick out hooves and check frogs and soles for bruises; dry legs thoroughly before fitting protection such as horse boots and bandages.Groom to lift grit and shed loose hair; a set of grooming essentials near the stable block speeds recovery and skin health.Reintroduce turnout gradually once fencing is secure and surfaces have drained; start with small, supervised pens if needed.Walk all fields and tracks for nails, glass, wire, and unstable branches; fence off any undermined gateways or ditches.Expect forestry and bridleway clearance to take months in heavily hit areas; in parts of Wales, largescale windblow can take up to three years to fully process, so build alternative routes into your hacking plans.Quick tip: Keep a simple diary of any poststorm stiffness or behaviour changes; patterns help your vet or physio spot issues early if something lingers.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend keeping a small storm kit by the tack room doorheadcollars, lead ropes, torch, power bank, basic first aid, spare rug linersso you never hunt for essentials when the wind is howling.FAQsThe short answers below reflect best practice from Darraghs impact across the UK.What damage did Storm Darragh cause to UK horse facilities?It caused 10,000 in damages at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary (uprooted field shelters, fallen trees) and widespread yard disruption from blown debris and failed fencing, with major travel and bridleway closures.Should I turn out horses during UK storms like Darragh?No. With 70mph gusts, saturated fields, and debris risk, keep horses stabled or in a secure yard until warnings lift and youve checked fences and footing.How do I prepare fields and shelters for high winds?Anchor shelters to the ground, check all fixings and roof sheets, clear loose items, and stock electric fencing repair kits. After the storm, walk boundaries and make safe before turnout.What Met Office warnings were issued for Darragh, and what should I do?Amber and Yellow warnings for wind, rain, and snow were issued. Act early: elevate feed, secure structures, adjust rugging, and postpone transport before the peak.Are bridleways safe after storms in Wales/UK?Often not immediately. Largescale windblow closed many routes; check local authority or NRW notices and avoid trails with unstable timber until professionals declare them safe.How long will storm recovery take for yards and forests?Yard cleanups can take days to weeks, but in heavily affected Welsh forestry, full clearance of windblown areas may take up to three years, so plan hacking and access accordingly.What PPE should I use for storm cleanup?Wear hivis, a certified helmet, sturdy boots with grip, gloves, and eye protection. Only trained users should operate chainsaws or heavy tools; keep horses and pets away from the work zone.Finally, remember the example set by professional sport: when safety is in doubt, press pause. Secure the yard, keep horses calm and warm with the right rugs, protect your team with visible, protective kit, and return to normal only when wind and footing say its safe. Our team is here to help you choose the right gearfrom winter turnout rugs and stable rugs to hivis, helmets, boots, leg protection, and grooming essentialsso youre ready before the next weather warning lands. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Turnout RugsShop Stable RugsShop Hi-Vis GearShop Riding HelmetsShop Riding Boots