“Those horses are my livelihood and I consider them part of my family,”
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. – From 800 miles away, the images of Mother Nature’s wrath in Oklahoma are breathtaking. From a few blocks, they’re something else entirely.
“It’s tough. It’s tough to grasp,” said Minnesota native Randy Weidner, who lost nearly everything in Moore tornado.
Weidner, 38, grew up in Rosemount, but travels across the country as a race horse trainer with his girlfriend, Lindsey White.
Since February, he’s lived at the Celestial Acres Training Center in Moore, Okla. He was set to head back to Minnesota on Wednesday morning to race his horses at Canterbury Park.
That all changed when the twister hit. With his voice sounding tired, he described the moments before the devastation.
“The winds were going crazy. And that’s when we tried to get the horses out, but the storm chasers that were there were loading their equipment back in their truck and said you guys got to get out of here right now,” he told KARE 11 by phone.
They were forced to leave their 12 horses behind. Looking to seek shelter they were on their way to the Moore Hospital when they decided to go to a friend’s house instead.
“The Moore hospital that we were going to go to took a direct hit from the tornado. I guess it’s a blessing that we continued on the road to our friend’s house,” he said.
Their horses were not as lucky. When Weidner returned to the stables, he found all of them dead, along with nearly 100 more lying in the field.
“Those horses are my livelihood and I consider them part of my family,” he said as his voice wavered.
His trailer, his truck and all of his personal belongings are gone too. He estimates about $260,000 is lost. All that’s left is a slab of concrete where he once laid his head at night.
And while he worries about paying the bills with his horses gone, he knows he hasn’t even suffered the worst of it.
“My heart just breaks for these families that lost love ones,” he said.
Click (HERE) to comment at KARE 11
Categories: Horse News
Straight from the Horse's Heart 
I am so very, very sorry for your loss…I cannot imagine your pain. Prayers to you.
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Wow.. I cannot imagine driving off and leaving any of my animals to fend for themselves. IF he had turned them loose I guess they would have suffered the same horrible death? During Hurricane Andrew 300 horses had to be shot or were already dead the next morning…
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Yes, turning them loose would not have necessarily saved their lives. This was a huge storm and even those who were left standing after it was over were often in such poor condition they were humanely euthanized.
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I’m so sorry for their losses but I’m afraid that my horses would have come first before i left for shelter. You see, i don’t have good sense, not when it comes to my animals. At any rate, i do feel for those humans who have list everything.
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So he should have stayed behind to die? Really, our horses are very important to us but I can’t replace my husband or my son.
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The right thing was done. Our animals are extremely important & I would do almost anything to save them, anything that does not involve putting my family in jeopardy by one of us dying so an animal can live. Personally, I think things are a bit out of line when an animal becomes that important. No matter what, such a huge, devastating loss that I can hardly fathom. My heart breaks & I cry for you, & all the other victims. However, you & your family are alive!!! It will all work out.
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Knowing myself, I would have stayed..I wouldn’t have been able to let them alone..no way…just terrible thing to do
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If you had stayed in that situation you most likely would have died. Wouldn’t that have been a terrible thing to do to your family?
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itis easy to say you would stay. unless it is bearin own on you and your family….of course you do the best you can to save your animals, but…they had very little warning..so sad…
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Incorrect about the warning. Go check out the forecast info, the previous day tornado in Shawnee and the information that was given well in advance that day….not that you can get 100 plus horses to safety in 2 hours, but some were still in the barn; that is a death sentence.
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Actually the warning was not given well in advance. A general statement of instability for all of Oklahoma was given for that day. As far as the actual tornado in Moore goes, it went from not a cloud in the sky to F5 in less than an hour. Parents could not get to their children. They had to stop banging on the school doors in order to get home and get into shelter. They found people who were not in shelters laying on the ground where the tornado dropped them. So if you choose to try to save your horses, then you go with them. In the 1999 tornado one family turned all their horses out so they would not die in the barn. When they came out of the shelter the barn was gone and every horse was dead anyway. If a tornado is hitting your farm, most of your animals will die. In a fire you can load your horses on a trailer and drive away from the fire. With a tornado you do not know where it will develop and when.
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Deborah Corff:
Incorrect…severe weather was forecasted for over 48 hours and a tornado hit Shawnee the 24hours plus before.
And your post fails to recognize that many had no plans, no shelter and business was continuing as usual in a severe weather environment. I take weather alerts VERY seriously.
As to turning out…well, at least those in that tornado tried…as did this trainer’s staff…fires are different than tornadoes. Your point made no sense to me.
And yes, with a tornado and NOAA and history and some preparedness ……YOU DO KNOW.
Geesh…this stuff is getting nonsensical.
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I can’t imagine the terror those horses went through. The suffering. And they could not get away because they were fenced in or in the barn. But then the horse racing ‘industry’ thrives on the suffering of horses doesn’t it?. How many of these horses would have ended up in a slaughterhouse anyway? Check out the auctions and see how many horses come straight off the track to the kill trucks.
Maybe the suffering and deaths of these horses will be a turning point in this person’s life to rethink the suffering caused by horse racing.
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Dear Pat !! with all due respect I am and have been a Horse advocate for many many years , I respect and I truly love all Horses , But i must defend Horse racing !!!!!I live near Thistledown and and go there all the time not to the Races but i go to the barns where the Horses are, as a whole the Horses are treated with the respect and given love by all who tend to them………….. Horses Love the Competition, not that every track does this and there is exceptions and there are underhanded people and it does need weeding out of those who disrespect Horses……. But think for a minute , their are Thousands of horses Housed and taken care of there…………. and LOVED also Where would they all go???? with out Racing , clean it up and make strict rules , the horses have a home !!!!!!!!!!!!
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I have to agree with Pat about the horse racing…I hate it. Horses out there “loving” what they do when they are 2? You shouldn’t even be thinking about working them until then. All the damage that occurs to their body. We humans will pay anything to be entertained. Look at the pathetic sports industry and the money being spent on athletes when teachers, police, firemen and soliders are the ones who truely deserve to be paid all that money. As for the tornado, every time the wind picks up by me I stand at the window all night in sheer terror. I would die staying with mine as well, but they are the only kids I have. Living with the guilt would be unbearable.
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are you a member of the Greensboro Baptist church ? sure sounds like it !!!!!
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you know so easy to judge when its not you. how dare you, this man and his wife lost everything and got out with the clothes on their back -you have no idea how well those horses were loved and cared for there. THere are bad in every discipline of horses so you arent GOd and how can you be so evil. Maybe one day you will suffer from this too and then see how easily you judge and bash this poor family —you should rot in hell. evil evil evil.
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My My , isnt that just a little rash?????? Laura , wondering just whom is the evil one………….
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wow… that’s brutal…..
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You People Are The First To Bring Out The Bad…There Is So Much Good That You Are NOT seeing!! Randys Horses Have Always Been Well Cared For And LOved Dearly. If His Horses Don’t Make Out On The Track As A Race Horse TheY Move On To New Loving Owners With Careers Barrel racing. Don’t Be So Cold Hearted And Cruel To People And Their CaReers….I’m Sure You Wouldn’t Like It If SoMeone Said It To You. Keep Your ThoughtS To Yourself. God Bless You And All The Poor PEople And Animals Of Oklahoma!!
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This is not the time to debate slaughter houses on horses,there are animal and human lives both lost,this is about rebuilding and pulling together,may God bless and watch over each and everyone
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was not a very good thing to say in a situation like this, I had a horse caught up in a little tornado and it tossed him and broke his back leg, with time it healed, no vets were of help. It’s not just the race horses, go to a sale and see where half the horses wind up young beautiful animals. I have 14 head and run a farm alone and will put all I have to keeping them, they are my family, I have raised and trained them they are all loving and have been there for me, my barrel mare is 20yrs old and still running. I will put them in the ground before they experience the trama of being on a killers trailer.Horses are good theropy for children and adults suffering handicaps. They know what’s happening, they are not dumb animal, they are as dedicated as a dog if you let them and love them.
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I agree with Pat Miller. Randy Weidner’s bilge about the horses being family makes me sick. The livelihood part is true. He makes money off the horses he trains to race. He is a horse racing trainer. Ever see a race where the leading horses are not whipped like crazy by the jockeys to get to the finish line. Just like barrel racing where the ‘fair sex’ whips her horse to get the fastest speed and then spews bilge about loving her horse. Randy Weidner is sad for the loss of his horses, but probably more so for the loss of money. I feel, as Pat does, regarding the terror those horses felt at being trapped as well as those families who lost loved ones.
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I am so so sorry for your loss. I am a huge animal lover and rights activist. I wish I could do something for you. I could fly out there but don’t know how I could help. Please let me know. My prayers are with you. ❤
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Dear Terri , i can feel what an awesome special person you are, we all must put first all that cannot help them selves, i am so sorry for all the Losses Oklahoma had, and mourn deeply for all the Horses lost there, also for the Mustangs that are so brutely rounded up for no just reason !!!!!!!!!!!! I like you and all here Love and respect the pure innocent wonderful beauty put before us………………….. The Mustangs !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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How could anyone heap criticism on a man for saving his family and leaving the horses to fend for themselves? How could he have saved them? It wasn’t safe to be in the barn, but horses will run into a barn when frightened even if it’s burning. They would have had to lock the barn to keep them out. Putting them in a horse trailer could have been a death sentence if you headed in the wrong direction, they might have been better off loose in a field. Loose, how would they know where to run? How do you save a hundred, even 12? How many trailers would you be able to load and drive in time? How many drivers would you need? How do you determine where to drive them? Leave the man alone, don’t judge unless you’ve been there.
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The trainer was heading to Canterbury Park….to race, not get away from the tornado. He left a small staff behind to care for the horses. This was a business move, not safety for his family.
The bigger and most important question to me, where was the trainer’s and the farm’s emergency plan? Doesn’t sound like there was one. Did the farm, trainer, staff want dead horses on their hands? OF COURSE NOT!
But this is named “Tornado Alley” for a reason.
IOW, Carol…HE DIDN’T HAVE A PLAN.
BTW, he left humans behind too with what seemed to be not much of a plan or instructions.
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You Have No Idea Of Randys Situation. He’s A Horse TraNer That Owned 12 Horses That He Bred And Raised With His Heart And Soul!!His Live For His Animals Us Greater Than Some Peoples LOve For Their Own Family/Kids! If You KneW Anything At All Of His Job And RResponsibilities Than You Would Understand He Would Have Done Everything He CouLdve Done If There Was Time!! Shame On All Of You For Being So Cold And Judgmental!!!
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And Randy’s PLAN was what?
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Amen, Carol! As sad as this entire thing is, everyone needs to take a step back, & put themselves in others shoes, what would, or could, they have done, any differently? It said he went to try to save his horses & was told to leave now, there wasn’t time. They may have been told or warned a bad storm was approaching their area, but, unfortunately those folks are used to hearing that. They only had like 15-16 minutes to take shelter once the tornado touched down. People need to have a heart, instead of lashing out, & where do you let 100+ horses, or any other animal loose that might be safe? That tornado was like 1.5-2 miles wide, was on the ground for 40 minutes, & had 200mph winds, no where but underground would protect you! They might be able to build storm shelters for people, but not highly feasible for animals, even the schools didn’t have them! How does one plan for something this immense, this tragic?? 😦
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Amen! It’s so easy to be armchair commentators when you aren’t there.
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How about just STARTING a plan well in advance of such a situation?
How about the Horse Slaughter wanna be government authorities of OK demanding higher building standards, retrofitted safe rooms and evacuation plans for people with more than two large animals????
Take a step back? It appears that stepping back has been going on for a very long time in many high risk weather areas. The idiot Congressional rep from the Moore area says “it’s a choice” about safe rooms. Really?
No one here is advocating mandated “safe rooms” for large animals, but as you stated….OK doesn’t even do it for HUMANS.
This is getting stupid with the “walk in their moccasins”, “be nice”, “calm down” rhetoric….people are asking QUESTIONS….not condemning anyone.
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Hmmmm…my response to Valerie W. with the “big high five” to Carol is awaiting moderation.
Still waiting for commentary from the pity the poor trainer crowd that doesn’t ask about emergency plans in Tornado Alley…I’ve got some questions for the owners of the “Celestial (?) Ranch” too.
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Well Said Carol!! There Will Always Be People Like These That Don’t Know What The Heck They Are Taking About….Peoe Just Don’t Coment Or Critize If You Don’t Have Any Idea What The HeckThe Real Situation Is!!!
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And you don’t know what kind of people you are criticizing for asking civil questions about this trainer’s plans in the event of a severe weather event in TORNADO ALLEY.
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I’m with you, Carol! During times that it is possible, we do everything we can to love and care for our horses, but sometimes things happen out of our control, and then we just do what we can. I have a beautiful mare that raced on the track as a two year old. She got great care there, and she is one of my best friends now. She still loves to run today! As much as I love my horses, if a choice has to be made there can’t be a choosing them over your family! So sad about the losses all around in this tragedy, but it is a poor choice to criticize a man when you haven’t walked in his shoes!
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I am a horse trainer in Gainesville let me know if you guys need anything. 9783025722
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He worries about paying his bills with the horse’s gone, as they are his livelihood. I am sorry for the loss of the horse’s lives. I cannot imagine leaving any behind. He could not have saved them all, but with some planning, he could have saved some of them. If they knew hours in advance, why didn’t he start planning then, or have a plan already in place. Better yet, why breed so many that you cant ensure the safety of them.
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Amen!
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They didn’t KNOW hours in advance an EF5 tornado was going to strike. Yes, there was the possibility of storms that day but what was he and the hundreds of other horse owners supposed to do? Load them all up and then drive around waiting and trying to figure out exactly where the storm would hit and avoid that area? That’s not going to happen either. And it wouldn’t matter if it were one horse or a hundred, you CANNOT ENSURE THEIR SAFETY 100% of the time. Are we all supposed to stay with our horses 24/7? Are we not supposed to go to work when there’s a slight risk of storms? Would you feel that same if it had been one horse and he’d been working a “real” job at an office 45-minutes away (which is the reality of many horse owners)?
Might I suggest that everyone who is criticizing this man and so many others (his girlfriend also lost horses in this storm) that you get off your duffs and drive to Moore and Shawnee and the other areas hit and see the devastation first hand? Perhaps then you’ll have a better perspective and a little more compassion and understanding for what he and hundreds of other horse owners are going through.
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Incorrect…they knew about severe weather conditions.
I told you what he should have already done….this is getting stupid and sounds like some sort of cheerleading squad has been sent out.
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Amen!!….
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Why come down on him for supposedly not having proper evacuation plans for his horses & as some are saying people knew well in advance about the storms, when there’s a school that children did not come out alive!!! What happened there? What was their evacuation plan & if others supposedly knew well in advance, then the schools knew too. Why didn’t Target close, & the many other stores? Let’s look at the human loss here! It seems as though human life has become more & more devalued & it’s certainly evident here!!! He had his priorities in line for the family. If you have no one else & your animals are your life, then your view is different for YOUR situation & don’t put down another person who has family, friends, people to live for! But once again I ask you to get your eyes & mouths off of this man & ask why the school wasn’t fully prepared!!!!!
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Some of you here commenting keep condridicting yourselves, stating this man cared about these horses, “They are his kids”, “The Horses are his Family”, but not possible to take them with him, so you think it is ok to leave behind your kids and Family members and save only yourself? No, there are known places, such as nearby fairgrounds, ect that you can take animals to safety, at least let them loose to have a chance to run for safety??? In his defense, it seems that much of that community has been dumbed down, not to have a plan in mind, and take any pre-cautions, really, the kids were in school? and I have heard that some schools, (less affluent areas) aren’t even equipped with any shelters??? AND PEOPLE ARE NOT GETTING LESS IMPORTANT, SOCIETY IS GETTING MORE EMPATHETIC WITH THE ANIMALS. After all we are organic matter, we are animals, we are nature and subjective to its un predictable force. For Tornado Alley not to have a better understanding of that is at the least pure irresponsibility, and partially apathetic.
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I am a country woman at heart…Horses have been a huge part of my life.BUT I am appalled at some of the comments left here. If you rally think for ONE MINUTE that this man just casually left his horses to die…I’m sure that you couldn’t be more wrong. On the same note..This is a story about a man that lost all…NOT a forum to post your political thoughts!!! This man and many others that lost livestock will forever be haunted by the vision of seeing all their livestock dead..Please people have a HEART…apparetly some will have to dig real deep…Many prayers for ALL who lost family, animals and basically everything they ever owned….
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What “political” thoughts?
What I see here is reasonable people asking reasonable questions and making reasonable comments on preparedness…..especially when you are in charge of over 100 horses in a well known and documented hazardous climate/weather area.
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He was only in charge of 12, not all the horses at the place. Actually being hit by a tornado is rare, I would say unless you have had this experience before you would not realize how quickly it happens and a tornado of that magnitude is almost unimaginable. Where do you drive to get away from a tornado? Did you know where it was going next? It is easy to judge someone if you haven’t been in their shoes. Being an owner of many horses who are well cared for a loved deeply I would say he did the best he could. He made the decision to save his life and the life of his girlfriend. I am sure his heart is breaking and he is reliving what he could have tried to do as we all would. It is a tragedy…but life goes on.
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I know racing and the level he was competing at; I did not blame him.
These horses are on a ranch, owned by others, etc…..where was any sort of plan????
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Well said Cheryl Weber !!!
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I personally have to dig real deep because I have seen and heard about too much terrible human behavior regarding animal welfare, so I tend to be a skeptic. Not saying that’s the case here. But most people don’t have a heart for animals and view them as property. Remember, some people are supporting the opening of a slaughterhouse for unwanted horses in this state as a humane alternative.
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AMEN!
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The AMEN was for Cheryl Webber’s post
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All I can say is most of you must have never been in a situation like this. We had warning two days in advance that tornadoes would be likely in a LARGE area of Oklahoma. These things are unpredictable as to EXACTLY where they will happen or when. He could have moved all 100 horses to where he thought they would be safe and actually moved them into the path of the storm. You CANNOT predict the exact path. And once it looks like it is actually going to hit and you move them, then the tornado turns and you find you have moved from an area that didn’t get hit to an area that is devastated. I am appalled that you would criticize this man for ANY of this.
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When you know that and you live in Tornado valley,especially when you have and are charge of 100 Horses………… You must have a plan for safety for them all………………… Denise I agree with all you have said !!!!!!
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Uh….. do you guys even live here, do you know how fast a storm can fire up and drop a tornado, sometimes faster than a person can ever hook up your trailer, sometimes faster than a PERSON can GET OUT OF THE PATH. Have you ever experienced the fury of an Oklahoma storm. I love my animals from my dogs to my horses, cows and poultry BUT HUMAN LIFE COMES FIRST so until YOU are faced with having to leave one of your animals and PRAY that this thing, from a 1/2 mile wide to 2 miles wide misses your small corner of the world, its easy to sit somewhere safe and say “I would do this or that and I would stay and die before I would take shelter for myself”. You see I want to be here for my children and grand children, losing my animals would be devastating and IS (and this I know from experience) but I would be worse off were I to lose a child or grandchild or even myself (yep I value MYSELF more than my animals) SO until you are faced with such choice I don’t think you have ANY room to talk. MY prayers are with all those who lost loved ones whether human or animal, my prayers are for those who had to make the very hard choice of leaving their animals behind.
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All I am saying is that we all have a choice on where to live, if we choose knowingly that we live in Tornado Valley we must make plans for it !!!!I am in Ohio and we also get Tornados, so I do realize and know about them , we dont get near as many but if i chose to live where I know they are very plentiful I would have a back up plan !!!!!! for Family , I consider the horses family also………..So dont go off your Rocker !!!!
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So sad, so heart breaking, there really are no words to adequately describe this tragedy. Everyone, humans & animals, have been, & are still in, my prayers & thoughts. I am so sorry for everyone touched by or affected by this devastating tornado, for all their losses, loved ones, family, friends, horses & pets, property, everything. I pray that God will give you comfort & keep you all strong, & that all who lost their lives were taken quickly & didn’t suffer, including all animals who perished. 😦
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This is such a “rock and a hard place” situation. Sometimes, regardless how much we try to rationalize an event such as this, there is simply no comprehension as to why. If anything, it makes us learn to appreciate life more and our place in it. I, along with so many others, find horse racing and other aspects of owning horses to be seriously flawed and needing change. As we all fight to ban horse slaughter in the U.S., please keep in mind how each and every one of us have vowed to work towards improving horse ownership and breeding practices in America with ethical and moral insight and intention. We need to remember that in order for us to have a real relationship with horses, we have to put their needs and best interests first, not our own. If we can keep that in mind, people will one day have a better understanding and appreciation of how special our horses really are and our responsibilities to honor and respect them.
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Oh please, I love my horses and dogs but they are animals.To think that you should put their needs or best interest before those of your self or your children is just STUPID!!!!! To all of you in Ok., I am so sorry for your losses. It does break my heart that so many animals suffered do to Mother Nature, but human life does come first!!!!
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Mr. Weidner, I am so sorry for your lost. Those poor horses suffering in the field. And the twelve that just were killed. No words can make up for your lost. I just want to cry for those poor horses.
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There are many good questions here, but it still remains, the fact that all the planning in the world cannot prepare you for anything like that. These people even if they lost family or animals or homes will forever wonder if we could have done more, could have done something different, it will haunt them till the end of time~now I have never been threw a stom like that-but I have had loss and these people will never forget and will never forgive themselves, we can all be good at second guessing and as the saying goes ~~walk a mile in there shoes~~ .
There is to much hurt in this world that is intentional to animals, focus on that and not a mistake that a person who loves his animals may have made~he will suffer with his decisions and mistakes well enough.
Lets remember the good of all animals and their uniquiness. I found this, this morning and it brought a smile to my face hope it does the same to folks herehttp://now.msn.com/animals-are-awesome-too-video-shows-animals-doing-amazing-things.
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Seriously people? Those of you chastising this man for “leaving his horses behind”, are clueless about severe weather. Tornadoes won’t wait for you to load up 100+ horses and get out of it’s way! Turning them loose is about the only help you can give them but that can even be a daunting experience when a tornado is about to bear down on you. Why don’t you show the man some sympathy instead of being so judgemental. Just remember, unless you were there, experiencing it first hand, you’ll NEVER know how you would have handled the situation. (Humanity sure surprises me sometimes…or lack there of)
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What i dont understand is why didnt they evacuate the horses and close the schools long before this tornado hit? I was watching the weather on tv and saw these huge storm cells heading right to there a couple days before they hit! The weathermen warned people in these areas that a strong tornado was almost a certainty and yet, no one evacuated! Even to the point of holding school in a building that had no tornado shelter!! This is tornado alley folks! Why havent they made it a law by now that all public buildings have storm shelters? And it should be part of the building code there that every new home is built with an underground storm shelter!! And it should be mandatory that all trailer parks have an underground shelter large enough to hold all occupants of said park. Then, maybe there wouldnt be this huge loss of life. I do know that if i owned that many horses and i knew a couple days ahead of time that there was even a remote possibility that a tornado was heading my way, id have moved those horses out of there somehow. I am very sorry about the loss of your horses. It breaks my heart, not only for what the horses suffered, but for the pain that the owners are going through. Praying for you all!
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Exactly WHERE would you move your horses to? The area where storms were possible was HUGE, it covered nearly all of Oklahoma, a good portion of Kansas, Missouri and Iowa. There is no way to predict the EXACT LOCATION AND TIME of a tornado.
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It is always hard in the wake of natural disasters like this to hear about such tragedies. I feel for the trainer and the loss of the horses. 😦 The pictures I’ve seen have been so sad.
For those who are callous enough to berate the person for not having a “plan” in place????? I can only hope that you do not experience such a devastating loss.
Do you live in an area where there are tornadoes? You do know that it’s not guaranteed where one may hit. Right? So, should entire counties evacuate because MAYBE there MIGHT be a tornado?
It’s not like a Hurricane along the coast, or even like fires in the west when you can predict where/when it might hit. Many times you only have have about 10-15 minutes to get your family to safety. In 2011 we all KNEW DAYS in advance that it was going to be bad in Alabama. What some of you fail to realize is that you do not know WHERE it is going to be bad. Should we all just have packed up and left the state?
Basements are not common here given the ground – many do have shallow storm shelters and few towns have community options if you can’t afford to have one on your own property. I guarantee the community storm shelter won’t allow you to bring your horses in. Many of those storm shelters are in local churches – and are NOT completely underground either. So if hit my by a massive F5 – you’re SOL anyway.
We do have a plan in place, horses are outside, they carry our brand, and if there is a tornado warning and we are in the path? My FAMILY and the dog go to ground. It is not about not valuing animal life as I can tell you now that I love my horse more than I love most ignorant people. But you can bet your rear that my FAMILY’s safety will come first.
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I thought I made this point clear, but I DO care about the trainer and his losses.
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He wasnt in charge of 100 horses he had 12 and when he came back he found 100 horses on his land dead. Probably flying around from the tornado and they landed on his property. Im sorry but these people lost everything where is your compassion…
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The HIGH RISK area for tornados on May 21 2013 INCLUDED and area from Missouri THROUGH Oklahoma INTO Texas, maybe more. ARE YOU ALL THINKING WERE JUST SUPPOSED TO LOAD UP THESE 3 STATES AND GO WHERE. So we had an IDEA we would have tornados SOMEWHERE in that HIGH RISK area. Now since you all are so quick to JUDGE WHY DONT YOU ALL PREDICT FOR US THE NEXT AREA TO BE HIT SO EVERYONE CAN GET OUT we would love if someone could make that call OH and DONT BE WRONG since you will be blamed. Come on people HAVE A LITTLE COMMON SENSE
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good for you. some people just don’t think.
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Seriously people? I’m shaking my head at how rude/naive/cruel (choose your own adjective) some of you are. Yes, severe storms are sometimes forecast in advance (and are quite common – can be double figures during a summer!), but actual tornado formation in those storms is completely unpredictable until just a few minutes before it forms. This scenario isn’t like a once-or-twice-a-year hurricane that is much more predictable and everyone is told days ahead of time to get out. Methinks the people who think he could have packed up the horses and left have no clue about how unpredictable Mother Nature’s storms in the Plains are.
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I agree. It’s sad that so many people believe they know better, sitting behind their computer screens they just know they would have been able to save their own life and the lives of the horses.
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I cannot judge this man not knowing the exact circumstances but I do know what it is like to be in a situation and have to leave your horses behind. My family had 400 acres in Scapoose Oregon when the Willamette Valley Flood of 1996 hit. The water was rising and we had to leave. I had 9 horses at the time but I only had a 4 horse trailer so I could have only taken 4 with me but we also had Water Buffalo, cows, chickens, dogs and cats(Ferral) I could not catch. At that time I was not able to make the decision on what to do. My family made the decision and the animals stayed behind. We did have a care taker who said he would not leave the animals. He had been with our family for 13 years and he refused to leave but I had no choice. I cried and cried and cried. Sorry this is long. I was so devastated leaving my horses. The water kept rising and as the water was was rising the roads were all covered. We could not even drive out there. The care taker was taking care of the animals and as the water kept rising less and less pasture became available for the animals. We bought a little boat and we were boating grain and feed to the area the animals had but by the time the water had stopped rising the only peice of our property not covered was the care takers trailer and about 1000 feet of land( I’m not sure if this is exact). We had my 9 horses, 11 Water Buffalo, about 30 cows all huddled on this bare peice of land that was surrounded by water.
None of our animals died and I felt very lucky but I did have one of my mares get horned on her vulva by one of the water buffalo and we could not get a vet out until the water went down. She was pretty hurt and the vet gave me penicillan to give her shots which we had to take by boat.
The neighbors around us lost all of their horses and cattle that they could not get to safety. We we were the only ones who had nothing die. I felt blessed and I prayed and prayed for them to be safe. I also cried and cried and cried. I love all animals and the thought of them drowning just devastated me. I felt horror and devastation during the whole ordeal. I also felt helpless but we did the best we could.
The amazing part of the story is that all of those animals had no room to move and they were all scared but they all shared that small peice of land surrounded by water. I only had one mare hurt. It was like those animals knew this was all they had and they had to share to stay alive. I have tons and tons of pictures of the flood and our animals huddled together on this peice of land. I don’t remember exacty how long it took the water to go down but it was a while.
Sometimes people have choices and sometimes they don’t. Not knowing the whole story it is hard for me to judge this man and the people who stayed with the horses. I would not have left my horses but I was hualed out of there screaming and crying and told I could not stay. I do know I feel devastated and sad for the animals that died. I am sure they were very scared also. I also feel devastated that our wild horses are being taken off their land and that a slaughter house might be up and running again.
Sorry for the long story. All we can do is keep fighting for what we feel in our hearts is right. I also pray some day our wild horse can live in peice and be left alone and that horse slaughter is stopped all together.
Please no negative remarks to what I wrote.
I also want R. T. to know that I admire his strength and will to fight for our wild horses. I have so much respect for this man. We need more people like him fighting for those animals that are innocent with no voice to speak for themselves. Thank you, Tina
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NOAA experts warned DAYS in advance of the severe weather, just like they did with Sandy. Seems he had the capability (trucks/trailers) to get his “livelihood” to a safer region. This tornado was so big, even loose horses inside a fence didn’t have much of a chance. I guess the few lucky ones that did survive was because fences were blown away or they landed right.
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But don’t you just love the adamant nature of some here, defending the trainer (nothing about the ranch owner), the state of OK and the regulatory agencies that defend people NOT CHOOSING/HAVING EMERGENCY PLANS OR SHELTERS! In fact, some of those “officials” have said it is a freaking choice!
It isn’t about feeling for the losses for all, including the trainer; it’s about what did you do before hand to mitigate the damage and death. Certainly all decent humans CARE and want to help.
Some people are mixing up the issue here.
I CHOOSE not to live in certain areas, FOR A REASON! If you choose to live there, get smart.
What disgusts me the most is the building codes in OK. I’ve heard some from OK agencies/elected reps say the Plaza Town school was “OLD”????? Really???
Oh puhleeze! 1960’s?
I have family in OK, for a long time….they had root cellars from the 1880’s….this town, unless private effort….HAD NOTHING!
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Plus, a tornedo hit there only four years ago. It seems they need to take certain precautions, if not for themselves then for those who depend on them, like their animals and for the schools and their children!
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Also, I’m sure he’ll file and insurance claim and recover his losses, but it’s a shame that that amount of horses had to die. People really don’t value animal life at all.
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Assuming he has insurance…..but that is not the issue here.
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Sorry, that should read ‘fourteen’ years ago. In fact, statistics show that the month of May and this week have the highest incidence of tornedos. The anniversary of the Joplin tornedo is today. It isn’t like they are a rare occurrence. At the last minute of course, there isn’t much you can do. Maybe it isn’t a good idea to raise horses in Tornedo Alley.
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Thank You Well said !!!!!!!
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Loved OnesYou Have NO idea And Shame On Yo For Even Making Your Comments!!! Time To Plan For A Tonando?? Really??!! Horses Are His Life, Job,Career So That Is How He And Many Other Horse Trainers Make Their $$. Having 12 Horses Is NOthing In That Field Of Work! You Act Like He Didn’t CARE….those Horses Are His Kids!! He Takes Better Care Of Them Than Some Take Care Of Their Kids!!!People Loved You Make Me Spit Fire…..Shame On You!! God Bless Everyone In Oklahoma And Their loved Ones…People Or Animals!!
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Ok, this wasn’t a hurricane so you cannot compare it to Sandy which yes, does give you evacuation time. You cannot warn someone that a tornado is going to hit their specific location days ahead of time. You get notice that there is a threat of possible tornado somewhere within hundreds of miles. If we took tornado precautions every time they said there’s a threat, you would be in your cellars non stop. I can tell that some of you people commenting on this page do not live here. I’m sorry for this man’s loss and all the other people who have been through this terrible tragedy. I LOVE OKLAHOMA!
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Maybe I wasn’t clear – the animals have no recourse, but humans always do. That’s the point I was making about the issue. Animals are nothing more than property in the eyes of the law – which reflects the view of society as well. So while I feel bad that the people of Moore had to suffer like this, I do wonder why, if the horses were so important, that nothing was done by the owners. Heck, nothing much was even done to protect the town’s children at school!
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Randy…….I am so unbelievably sad for your loss…..I totally understand horses being your family…..
They are like my family as well………………..May Peace be with you in this time of loss, healing and rebuilding…………..
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Hmmm… read this, “His family set up a fund at Wells Fargo in hopes of raising money for him since he lost most everything. Weidner said the fund is called “Randal Weidner Catastrophe Trust”
(Copyright 2013 by KARE. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
This is from the link at the TV station site.
This guy, which a immediate family includes a “girlfriend” have set up a donation site. Fine. I don’t care…to a point. Help him? Sure. What is the donation for? Rehabbing damaged equines? Moving to another site? What?
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Notice the post says “him” since he lost most of everything…..not $h*t about the dead or living equines.
Gotta love it.
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It says his “family” set up a fund. NOT HIM, NOT his gf!!! The fund his family set up is probably to help him live, pay bills until he has an income! Maybe you think he doesn’t deserve that either?!!!!”
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Sharon….you are missing the point….a fund has been set up for HIM. It doesn’t matter who set it up…what’s your point?
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I think people really need to take the Warnings serious..the weather patterns have changed all over more severe………….
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I would be curious to know what kind of emergency plan could have been put into effect dealing with all of those horses. 12 in the barn and 100 in the field. It seems there was no safety anywhere for man or beast. Give this guy a break. THe ones in the field perished too.
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I heard it was classified as an F5 not much you can really do for horses if it just happened unexpected…….. and being an F5 it pretty much obliterates everything in it’s path…..However there was warnings prior with plenty of time to get horses moved, but 100? That’s probably not realistic….
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Here in Colorado where I live I’ve have had my truck and horse trailer ready to roll and other times I’ve had to leave my horses with an unexpected tornado within a few miles of my property….sometimes life happens………
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My heart bleeds for you you, such a heavy loss. My horses too are considered family; losing one is devastating but losing all at once makes the heart very heavy. In such a situation there are no wrong and right choices, you saved yourself/selves and while you lost your horses and belongings you have the ability to recover and move forward. You are blessed in comparison to others affected by this tornado. Many thoughts and prayers to you from the midwest. While I don’t know you personally I just hung up from a conversation on the phone with a friend who mentioned you and your experience. It’s a small world and you are blessed to have friends, family and strangers who are praying for you-
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Very heartbreaking to hear of the Horses being left behind and dieing a very traumatic death, I am sure there are so many animals people left behind, just horrible in my eyes, I could never leave any animals behind, they are my family, people wouldn’t leave their kids behind? Anyone living in that area needs to have a plan, this is an obvious inevitable for that area, and don’t worry about the man’s “livelihood”, his insurance will replace his (property) “horses”..sad..
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OMG! Please, please has anyone read the incredible book “HORSES OF THE STORM”??’ The Incredible Rescue of Katrina’s Horses, written by Ky Evan Mortensen? This book is a profound piece of work, a reality check and a MUST READ for all horse rescue groups, and all horses owners… I was not at all surprised to hear the mention of the names “R.T. & TERRY FITCH”, in regards to being amongst the many volunteers who donated their time,equipment, endless energy, and many dollars to help the 4-legged victims of “KATRINA & RITA”…. While reading this book, I cried endlessly for the innocent horses, mules, donkeys, and all animals (humans also) who suffered through the horror of & devastation of Katrina.. Just way too much information to relay to you at this time… You will just have to read the book yourself.. People who left the area, with their horses locked in the safety of their barns & stalls, innocently, made the wrong decision to do so….but one must read this book to bear witness, and gain insight as to have their own disaster plan.. Please do not be to harsh to criticize others in the face of devastation, unless you have experienced this yourself first-hand… Listen to the guidance from R.T. & Terry before you judge others….They can offer much insight from their experiences, and we are truly the lucky ones who can learn from them…We can then pass it forward to our own local animal shelters and rescue/disaster teams, to be more prepared for the next time that we must forge together for the sake of our beloved 4 & 2 footed neighbors & loved ones.
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R. T. and Terry we need to get real information from you on being prepared in such a
disasters.
My understanding is to mark your horses with spray paint with your name and phone number.
R.T. it would be great to have an update on your expertise that will help us be more
prepared for the “What if”.
For anyone who believes you can always get your horses out with you is really not seeing the truth
of unexpected emergencies.
I’ve had to leave my property in an emergency and it sickened me at the thought of what if I lose them. I don’t think I’d ever be happy again.
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Thank You Robyn , for the first real comment all horse owners can use facing a disaster !!!!!!
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Thank you Marissa for the info on that book. I would love to read it!!
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Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Would anyone have felt better if they had stayed and the family killed? You make decisions based on the info you have at the time and hindsight is 20/20. It is easy to armchair quarterback, and much harder to make life and death decisions on the fly. I feel for this guy. Making that call had to be the hardest thing he ever had to do and NOTHING anyone can say will be harder than what he is saying to himself. The worst words in the human language are “What if I had…” Thank heavens he is alive and my heart goes out to him for his loss.
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I simply asked Govenor Mary Fallins office how they feel about people from other states offering to help horses and their owners, especially since they told us to butt out of their states equine issues. The lady responded, “karma, it came our way didnt it. She said we need any help we can get. ” of course Gov Fallin should have realized that the pro slaughter people wouldnt be banging down oklahomas doors to offer help. Real genuine horse owners are reaching out. That should make her ghink, did i make the right choice?
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Still waiting for the “plan” information.
What was it? Seriously….what was the plan?
And not one of you people lashing at those asking questions or stating fact has provided one. You quibble and change subject. You are weather experts, participant real time players and a kerfuffle of knowing the trainer better than anyone and yet tell us to shut up because we don’t know him.
Still haven’t had a comment on the “donation” site at Wells Fargo.
What was the plan for this trainer and the ranch owner in Tornado Alley?
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The death of any animals, including horses, in this tornado is heartbreaking. As an out-of-state person, I was surprised that the Orr Family Farm tragedy in which from 75 to 100 horses died or were euthanized was never mentioned in this long debate. I have heard nothing but sympathy for the Orr’s and am incapable of discerning the difference between the two. It is apparent to me that there is no way to see either of these situations without seeing within the decision makers, and as far as I know that is impossible.
I would ask that we all send love and light to everyone human or animal who perished and help them all across the Rainbow Bridge.
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There was a young guy that was a exercise rider at this same farm and he lived there. He told a reporter that he hid in a horse stall in one of the barns and something fell over, a wall or something was blown down and that was the only thing that saved him. He was covered in mud, I believe he said that he tried to turn some of the horses lose hoping they might find some shelter. The barns looked like bent scraps of metal. You saw what the cars looked like, most of them looked like they had been beat with sledge hammers into scrap. Nothing and I mean nothing could have survived the wind that contained blowing dirt, pieces of houses and cars flying through the air. The only safe place would have been underground. But it does surprise me that schools don’t have underground shelters. This is tornado ally, these people are sitting ducks. As the planet warms these storms will get worse and worse. This is what science modeling has shown of these weather patterns.
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I lived in Oklahoma in the 1970’s on a race horse ranch. Speaking from experience, we had over 30 horses stalled and 80 in he fields…..now, when tornado alerts came through (and back then there was not the weather alert technology of today) we did what we could. We let all the horses out of the barn and we went to an underground shelter to save our lives. Realistically this is about all we could do….we could not have moved all of the horses anywhere off of the ranch. You have VERY LITTLE TIME to do much, believe me. My heart goes out to all of the people who lost their lives, family and friends, pets, livestock and who pretty much lost everything the owned. So as far as a “plan” Denise…..there were tornado warnings about every week or so…and sometimes it seemed like every other day where we lived March through June. When you live in Oklahoma you know this, everyone who lives on a farm or ranch has a “plan” of some sort….but you have to be realistic!
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Wow, the ignorance of some people. My heart goes out to all that have lost anything in that storm. What I don’t understand is how complete strangers have the nerve to bash those who “choose” to seek shelter and leave their animals behind. You have to understand, like an earlier statement said, a fire would have maybegiven time to pack it all up, but tornados are different and if you packed up all those horses, everytime a warning went out, you’d be doing it a few days a week out there during this season. And where do you go? Tornadoes dont plan their exact path and where they touch down. So, prayers to all th you animal owners who lost your beloved pets and loved ones a like.
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Incorrect….tina hoffman…from your lack of weather patterns, tornado paths, etc and the “choosing” ka-rap. No one is bashing anybody here…..we asked QUESTIONS about PLANS..
Tornadoes are reasonably predictable.
The trainer had 12 horses…he could have taken them to Remington Park…but he didn’t and lost his rig in the process.
The training facility owner had more than 100 horses on the property….WHAT WAS THE PLAN??????
I’m not judging anyone…I’m asking “what was the plan”?
It appears there was NONE!…trainer, training center owner.
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Then maybe its best not to own so many horses in tornado alley!! As if there is not enough safer places to live and raise horses in this country! Does not make sense to me. If i was going to invest in very expensive animals and real estate to support them, i sure wouldnt choose to do it in tornado alley, knowing full well that i might lose everything. Same goes for those who live in the wildfire areas and the mudslide areas and the earthquake areas. Yes, bad weather can strike almost anywhere, but there are areas where the probabilities are greater and i cant believe people would actually choose to live there, especially without adequate underground storm shelters to protect those people!! The zoning laws should be stricter! Never the less, i offer my greatest sympathy to the owners of this ranch and all the people who suffered so greatly! I am very glad that the owners escaped without harm!
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Maybe we should all concentrate on calling State Reps and Senators , to co sponsor THE SAFE ACT …………..Everyone apply those special talents to this issue , one we can really make a difference at, dwelling on the Tornado in Oklahoma and what should have been done , is wasting efforts on something that cannot be changed !!!!!!! We can only hope they will make there own changes It was a ACT OF NATURE !!!!! Lets apply on what we can change……………………. Our HORSES are in eminent danger, again get on it make those calls !!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Some of you here commenting keep condridicting yourselves, stating this man cared about these horses, “They are his kids”, “The Horses are his Family”, but not possible to take them with him, so you think it is ok to leave behind your kids and Family members and save only yourself? No, there are known places, such as nearby fairgrounds, ect that you can take animals to safety, at least let them loose to have a chance to run for safety??? In his defense, it seems that much of that community has been dumbed down, not to have a plan in mind, and take any pre-cautions, really, the kids were in school? and I have heard that some schools, (less affluent areas) aren’t even equipped with any shelters??? AND PEOPLE ARE NOT GETTING LESS IMPORTANT, SOCIETY IS GETTING MORE EMPATHETIC WITH THE ANIMALS. After all we are organic matter, we are animals, we are nature and subjective to its un predictable force. For Tornado Alley not to have a better understanding of that is at the least pure irresponsibility, and partially apathetic.
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Ms Osh…….you sound like a suburban that knows very little about evacuating horses let alone own one………especially a 100+ horses………..
..
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Robyn, you are not very good at judging what you read, because your analyzation is tunneled visioned. I am trying to say to be pro active when it is the life of another you are responsible for, I am experienced in evacuating horses from Fires and Floods, and my ex-husband helped evacuate over 100 Arabians from a fire in NV, so I do have 1st hand knowledge and experience. I am just the kind of person that relies on my own tuition, I don’t wait for others to give me the ok, I made excuses on why everyone, including the humans did not pay attention to the warnings, maybe in the future they will realize because of Global Warming, Fraking, De-forestation, these types of natural occurances will be much more intense.
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Then you should write with such experience and knowledge???.
You write with I”d never leave my animals behind their like family…….Like Duh?….if so then write like a knowledgable person….. ..
In a tornado I doubt a fairgrounds is any better place…what do they have concrete buildings, a tornado shelter just for hosres?????Write with some real assitance….
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what is your writing experience? How old are you? You are the one that is critizing and not engaging in pro-active conversation, only insults.
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Ms Osh you need a clue bird…missing the point because you fail to comprehend it????
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Hugs and prayers to you and your family, can’t even imagine the pain you must feel with your loss…
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I am a horse owner and lover myself , but really come on people this is not about the horse racing industry ….Its about a family and their horses and all that was lost , it’s sad and I feel for the horses and the family . I am so sorry for your loss …..And all the people and animals that were killed . So very sad.
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What a wonderful thing it would be if Sunday Morning we all would awake to Feel Good Sunday to RT writing a piece on the unsung Heros THE HORSES, their were so many more then SGT Reckless…………………….. Throughout History the horses have been at our sides through thick and thin , have been so irreplaceable !!!!! Just 1 Day to honor the Horses who have given their all to us ????? Through the Brutal round ups done without foundation many horses have shown just what they are made of…. I remember a horse we Named Freedom , that i cannot seem to find out whatever happened to him, he showed such courage , strength and pure innocent love most of all I video I will never forget, the part when after barely escaping with his life, he turned to look at his family one last time !!!!!! ………………He knew instantly then their was nothing he could do to save them from the BLM !!!!!!
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OMG Arlene your story makes me want to cry…………….GEEZ…how sad…I’d never forget that horse………..
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Freedom is in my dreams regularly, I can never forget him !!!! the BLM claims they later on captured him, but I know they didnt somehow !!!! I have tried to find him to no avail…….. He is the embodiment of Freedom his courage on that day is a beacon of true Freedom to me !!!!!Does anyone here know where he is???? He is the POSTER Mustang of Freedom !! All Mustangs are very special, but there is something about this one that has to do with the end of the BLM ?????????? !!
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In my humble opinion; there was time to make a plan and move on it and evacuate to safer environs; all. This will make many people aware of the fine line between playing the odds and acting on a plan in enough time to save all your animals. I have had to lay low for days during tornado weather in Kansas and OK and Iowa. It is nerve wracking when you know there are flying monsters out there that kill so easily. Safety is a fragile thing… as fragile as life.
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Everyone here must remember this is a blog for the Horses !!!! The passion and respect and allegiance for the HORSE is what is here !!!!!!! I would expect nothing less , the HORSE always WINS here !!!! I do not believe this poor man was bashed here !!! Only questions raise as tot the whys and the wonders of why he left his horses unprotected knowing full well he Infact Lives in TORNADO VALLEY>>>>>>> and there Infact was a Tornado on its way, I am sure this man loved his Horses, but he neglected to try and ensure there saftey, If there was no way to do this WHY did he choose to bring them there ???? Just asking not bashing !!!!!!
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Seriously you people should not be so quick to judge!!! I am a horse owner and have lived in Oklahoma all of my life. If you are not from here you have no business trashing this man for his actions. I know we had plenty of two day warning that it was coming but unlike a hurricane they can not pinpoint the exact location this thing is going to drop out of the sky and destroy your entire life. He did all that he could to protect his animals and there is not a way to move 100 horses in less than an hour get them out of the path of this storm. There was not way to tell where it was going to affect until it dropped!!! Once it did it was only 20 miles or so if that from where these were housed. I don’t know about any of you guys but im no super person that could move them that fast out of the tornado path. So please everyone lets rally around this man in his time of need and be the great Ameriacans and Oklahomans that we should be. God Bless all of you even if you can’t be nice.
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