Basic Sciences Bldg. 2001 S. Lincoln Ave. During this time of the year, electrical storms frequently make their way across the country. These annual weather occurrences can result in death losses to livestock, including horses.
Horses are very sensitive to electricity, especially lightning.
Depending on the management practices followed, a horse's susceptibility to being struck by lightning may be increased or decreased, says Dr. R.D. Scoggins, equine Extension veterinarian at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine at Urbana. He explains that horses tend to bunch together for protection during an electrical storm. In a pasture, animals will often seek out shelter under a large tree. Unfortunately, trees are often located near water troughs or wire fences, making them extremely good conductors of electricity. Electricity in the form of lightning will follow metal fencing for a considerable distance.