When Hurricane Irma hit in 2017, Brett Barteld and Lindsay Barrack boarded around 75 horses. Barteld and Barrack, who co-own Mahan Farm, expected to see a similar herd with the onslaught of Hurricane Michael, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.

Barteld has been a farrier for 30 years and won’t turn anyone away despite limited space. 

“I’ve always got extra room,” he says.

Horse owners were already coming in steadily from the coast Oct. 8, 2018. 

“If you don’t have any other means and I’m your best option, I’m going to be right here with my horses,” says Barteld. “I have to charge something, but I’m not going to hold someone’s feet to the fire if they’re in a desperate situation.”

Barteld charges to make up for the hay and bedding the horses might use.