Viral Video Showing What Happens to Horses During Hurricanes Shocks Viewers

A video that sheds light on what happens to horses during hurricanes has gone viral on social media and upset thousands of viewers.

Sam J. Hobbs, a Florida horse owner, posted the video to TikTok on Tuesday, writing: "[I] braided my info in my horse's mane [and I'm] leaving him outside for the storm [Hurricane Ian]." It has amassed over 8 million views and nearly 5,000 comments while demonstrating an expert-approved "equine disaster plan." You can watch the full video here.

Horses in Hurricanes

Unfortunately, not everyone can evacuate their horses during hurricanes. According to the Humane Society of the United States, all horses left behind should be "let out into a paddock or corral."

"Include enough water (12 to 20 gallons per day per horse), hay, feed and medications for several days for each horse," the Humane Society said. "[And] permanently identify each horse by tattoo, microchip, brand or photograph."

The Humane Society also recommends attaching "temporary" identification information to horses via halters.

"On each halter, attach a luggage tag with the following information: the horse's name, your name, email address, your telephone number and another emergency telephone number where someone can be reached," the organization said. "At the time of evacuation, consider additional temporary identification, such as a leg band."

Hobbs's Video

In her video, Hobbs shows viewers that she's braided a temporary identification card into her horse's mane, and explains that he will remain outside with his "girlfriend" as Hurricane Ian passes over their area.

"I'm putting him out during this storm because, apparently, it's safer to leave them out so that they can do their thing and not get hurt if ever the barn flies away," Hobbs said. "We also put [out] a lot of extra hay for them because nobody will be there to feed them tonight."

Viewers Reaction

Viewers were shocked to learn that owners often leave their horses outside during storms, and though they recognized that this is safer than locking horses inside barns, they were still heartbroken by the information.

"Omg I didn't even think about people having to do that!!!!" Rebecca Fielden exclaimed.

"Omg my heart is crying," Bethybeth said. "I hope they are ok!!!"

"It's a horrible feeling when you have to leave them out for their own safety. I remember doing this," imahokiefan wrote.

"This breaks my heart! I know you have to do it and it's for their safety, I just don't want them scared. Stay safe," Sunsetmomma7 added.

Newsweek has reached out to Sam J. Hobbs for comment.

Latest on Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida at around 3:05 p.m. on Wednesday, leaving more than 1 million people without power. Due to the storm's "catastrophic winds, life-threatening storm surge [and] significant flooding," Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) warned customers that power outages could last several days.

"Due to the destructive nature of this storm, dangerous conditions could last for several days and cause outage counts to fluctuate," the company said.

For more updates on Hurricane Ian, click here.