What preparations should I make for my horses in case of an emergency?

There are many potential emergencies which could pose a risk to horses. These could include:  

• Bushfires
• Flooding events
• Extreme heat and heatwaves
• Severe storms or cyclones
• Long-term power or water outages
• Biosecurity emergencies (e.g. disease outbreaks)

Reviewing which events have historically impacted local areas, as well as more recent incidents and relevant risk factors, can help identify those  most likely to occur.  

Emergency planning is essential to help safeguard horse welfare, protect human safety and where possible, minimise damage to property.

Properties with horses should have an individualised plan for different emergency scenarios tailored to the local risks. For example, in coastal areas, plans should cover storms and flooding, while sites that host equine events should also include biosecurity emergency planning.

Action steps:

• Identify the emergency risks relevant to your area and facilities 
• Sign up for emergency alert systems to stay informed
• Establish clear trigger points for action (e.g. extreme fire danger ratings or flood warnings)
• Determine in advance whether to implement shelter-in-place or evacuation protocols for different emergency types and severity levels, taking into account the capacity of your facilities and availability of safe alternatives (e.g. shelter-in-place for low severity storms, evacuation for severe flood warnings)
• Discuss emergency plans with others, including local horse associations, agistment managers, neighbours, or other local horse carers to support coordinated and collaborative action plans 

Establishing and organising contacts and records in advance can save critical time during an emergency and help with timely, effective communication. Inadequate identification or documentation may result in delays to evacuation, inappropriate medical treatment, or difficulties in reuniting horses with their carers after an emergency.  

Action steps:  

• Compile a centralised emergency contact, including  emergency services (e.g. police, State Emergency Service, fire services, regular and after-hours veterinarians, family, neighbours, agistment staff and local equine contacts)
• Identify multiple transport options, including available floats, trucks and reliable transport contacts
• Locate and document local evacuation facilities and planned routes to access them 
• Organise and securely store copies of important records, including horse identification records, proof of ownership, recent photographs of each horse, vaccination records, insurance information (if applicable) and relevant veterinary history

Horses may be easily misidentified during an emergency, making accurate and up-to-date identification essential.  

Action steps:

• Microchipping is strongly recommended; speak to a local veterinarian for further advice 
• Ensure any brands or unique identifying markings are clearly recorded
• Maintain recent photographs of each horse and store them within relevant records
• Prepare secondary emergency identification methods, such as securely attaching ID tags (e.g. waterproof luggage tags or engraved dog tags) to the horse’s mane or tail, or using non-toxic livestock markers to write identification and contact details on the horse's body (ideally on both shoulder and rump) 

The layout and maintenance of a property can significantly influence the risk of injury or loss during an emergency. Proactive changes to improve the safety and resilience of facilities are an important part of emergency preparedness.   

Action steps:  

• Maintain clear and accessible pathways for floats and trucks to safely enter and exit the property 
• Identify paddocks that may be at risk in different emergencies and, where possible, create alternative shelter or refuge paddocks. Prioritising features such as larger size, secure fencing, elevation above flood-prone areas, distance from fire-prone zones, minimal debris, access to water, and adequate natural or man-made shelter from severe weather
• Implement strategies to ensure access to backup water or power if required 
• Establish and maintain firebreaks, and manage vegetation to reduce fire risk
• Consider designating a paddock for quarantine purposes, separate from other horses, in the event of a biosecurity emergency
• Regularly assess fencing to ensure it is safe (e.g. replacing barbed wire with plain wire) and secure, as horses may be prone to flight during times of stress 
• Ensure shelters are well-constructed and appropriately anchored to withstand severe weather conditions, particularly if horses must remain on the property. Provide secure, weather-protected storage for feed, equipment, medications, and chemicals

During some emergencies, evacuation with horses may be recommended. With appropriate planning, stress can be minimised for both the horses and carers, reducing delays and risks to safety.  

Planning evacuation to a designated location in advance helps ensure that both transport and site requirements can be met during an emergency.  

Action steps:

• Identify at least one suitable off-property evacuation site (e.g. a local showground or agistment facility)
• Contact the site to confirm permission and any entry requirements, and confirm details at least every six months. Ensure all requirements for the evacuation site are met (e.g. up-to-date vaccinations and microchipping) 
• Provide the evacuation site with key information about the horses including number, health status, identifying markings, and microchip details (if applicable)
• Prepare detailed directions to the evacuation site and identify potential route disruptions (e.g. flood-prone crossings or fire-related road closures)   

Evacuation plans can only be implemented if horses can be transported safely using well-maintained and appropriate equipment.  

Action steps: 

• Maintain floats and vehicles in roadworthy condition through regular servicing and checks, ensuring essential tools (e.g. spare tyres and jacks) are readily available
• Prepare additional halters, lead ropes, and emergency fencing to support safe loading and temporary containment
• Identify multiple backup transport options, such as local transport providers or alternative floats.
• Ensure sufficient capacity to transport all horses, as well as space for feed, water and emergency supplies 

Horses are prey animals who may exhibit survival-driven fear responses such as flight in situations of high stress; therefore, careful training and preparation by those who may need to take action during an emergency is vital to ensure plans run smoothly. Regular exposure to evacuation planning in the form of “emergency drills” or “trial runs” will allow the horse and handler to become accustomed to the operations during a real emergency.  

Action steps: 

• Practice float loading regularly, using plenty of positive reinforcement to increase the chances of a calm experience for the horse during a real evacuation
• Create a planned “loading order” so horses can be configured to be kept together or separated as needed (e.g. loading a calm, steady horse prior to a flightier paddock mate) 
• Review all emergency plans regularly (twice yearly is recommended) with your community to ensure handlers and carers are aligned and can execute evacuation steps efficiently 
• Ensure those who may need further training are prepared for their tasks (e.g. all handlers should understand and practise the evacuation steps to safely load a horse onto a float, and  carers can sign up for a local equine first-aid training course)
• If aspects of the emergency protocols weren’t feasible or efficient during a drill, reassess and make changes to ensure plans reflect practical functionality 

Prepare a thorough and clearly labelled kit containing necessary supplies in advance, tailored to the local risks and horses. Ensure it is stored in a central, visible location and is clearly labelled. Waterproof and pest-proof containers are recommended to prevent damage. Contents should be checked for expiration and updated at least every six months, and whenever new horses are introduced to the property.

Proper records allow for rapid identification of horses to establish proof of ownership, facilitating continuous care for horses in need. Laminate or keep hard copies in waterproof sleeves and create and store digital copies as backup.  

Include the following:  

• Printed emergency plans tailored to your property for varying circumstances, including step-by-step actions
• Horse identification records for each horse on the property (updated regularly): name, sex, age, colour, brandings, markings, recent photos, and microchip number (if applicable)
• Veterinary records for each horse: vaccination history, previous medical conditions, including any current medications and doses
• Proof of ownership (where available)
• Emergency contact list including owner/manager, backup carer(s), regular and after-hours veterinarian, transport provider (if applicable), and evacuation facility contact
• Mobile battery charger and power bank
• Battery power or hand-crank radio for staying up to date with changing conditions 

During periods of emergency disruption, maintaining horse hydration, gut health, and energy is important for physical health. During crises and at evacuation sites, feed may be in short supply so having prepared feed available for transport is important.  

Include the following:  

• Portable water containers which can supply 20-30 litres per horse per day 
• Buckets labelled for each horse as needed 
• Hay nets or bags
• Zip ties for safe bucket hanging
• Minimum of 7-10 day supply of food per horse, with a preference towards familiar foods to minimise the risk of colic (e.g. hay, pelleted or hard foods)
• Waterproof tarps to protect feed from the elements
• Feed scoops
• Salt blocks or loose salt
• Electrolyte powders and dosing instructions 

Immediate care may be needed for injuries or conditions sustained during emergencies until veterinary help is available. Appropriate training and medical knowledge are essential parts of emergency preparedness. Tailor veterinary supplies to any specific horses’ needs and speak to local veterinarians about additional items they may recommend and usage instructions.  

Include the following:  

• Saline for wound irrigation
• Needles and syringes
• Tweezers
• Antiseptic solution or spray
• Wound cream or ointment
• Cotton wool or gauze
• Non-adherent dressings
• Cohesive bandages (e.g. VetWrap)
• Stable bandages and adequate padding
• Strong, waterproof adhesive tape 
• Scissors
• Disposable gloves
• Monitoring tools including digital thermometer and stethoscope
• Notebook and pen for recording vitals and treatments
• Include a 7-10 day supply of any medications needed for specific horses with clearly written instructions including dose, frequency, and route of administration 

During emergency situations, horses are likely to be stressed and may behave differently. Maintaining safe and adequate control of horses is important to ensure both horse and handler safety.  

Include the following:  

• A strong, well-fitting halter for each horse, labelled with the horse’s name, and include spares
• Lead ropes for each horse, including spares
• Additional identification materials such as zip-ties and waterproof baggage tags or engraved metal tags, breakaway neck collars with ID, and non-toxic marking tools such as livestock paint crayons (traditional spray paints are not recommended as they can cause skin irritation)
• Horse blindfold
• Sturdy leather gloves for prevention of rope burn during handling 

Float readiness and preparation is essential for a smooth and rapid evacuation.  

Include the following:  

• Float and transport vehicle and keys
• Spare tyres and jack
• Wire cutters
• Adequate fuel and additional fuel (stored safely) if necessary
• Horse transportation gear as needed, including tail wraps, travel boots, and head bumpers
• Strong torches and headlamps for visibility if night loading is required  

Holding of horses may be required in unfamiliar or unsafe environments during emergencies. Preparation of appropriate equipment and materials can reduce risks of escape or injury from environment or confinement.  

Include the following:  

• Portable electric fencing or tape with needed insulators and connectors
• Portable fence posts and mallet for installation
• Battery or solar fencing unit with spares
• Tarps or shade cloth for weather protections
• Extra rope or baling twine 

During biosecurity emergencies or with mixed-property environments such as evacuation sites, the risk of infection and disease transmission is increased. Stress and crowding may also suppress immune function. Preparation with biosecurity supplies will reduce the risk of disease and secondary conditions impacting horses.  

Include the following:  

• Hand sanitiser for handlers 
• Animal-safe disinfectants
• Basic cleaning supplies, including bleach and dish soap
• Buckets and scrub brushes for cleaning and disinfecting supplies
• Paper towels
• Waste bags
• Hoof picks and basic grooming tools
• Fly and insect repellent sprays  

Handler health and safety during emergencies is critical. This ensures carers are physically capable to safely manage and care for horses as needed. 

Include the following:

• Drinking water for humans
• Portable and shelf-stable snacks
• Sunscreen
• Hat and protective clothing for adverse weather conditions
• Dust and smoke proof masks
• High visibility vests for handlers
• First aid kit for humans
• Whistle or alarm 

While in an emergency, good preparation becomes essential to maintain an organised environment for carers to execute their plan. Staying calm and following assigned tasks will help ensure a thorough and timely response. 

Based on previously agreed “trigger points” for various types of emergencies, act decisively and enact the emergency plan as soon as those criteria are met. Early action is vital to provide adequate time to respond. This requires vigilance to stay aware of conditions, and as stated, it is highly recommended to sign up for alert services to ensure access to as much advance warning as possible.

If evacuation is warranted based on conditions, it should be performed as soon as possible.

Action steps:  

• Activate evacuation protocols as soon as trigger points are reached
• Contact pre-arranged evacuation sites and confirm destination is safe and accessible
• Notify evacuation site of estimated arrival time and the number and condition of all horses
• Use low-stress handling techniques when working with the horses: quiet voices, slow movement, avoiding crowding
• Prepare horses to load calmly and avoid rushed handling, using the same procedures and loading order as during practice drills 
• Do not sedate horses unless specifically directed by a veterinarian
• Ensure the equine emergency kit is loaded safely with evacuation materials 
• Drive conservatively and do not stop in hazardous areas to check horses
• Maintain communication with emergency contacts and notify changes to plans as needed 

Under certain circumstances, horse evacuation may not be recommended or safe.  

Do not evacuate if:  

• Active fire conditions are blocking exit routes
• Floodwaters are crossing evacuation pathways 
• Severe winds or cyclones are present
• Human lives may be seriously endangered by attempting to move horses 

Horses who are left behind may survive emergency conditions but must be able to move to escape hazards and have constant access to water. 

Action steps:  

• Move horses to the pre-determined safest paddock available 
• Remove all halters, lead ropes, fly masks, and rugs
• Use secondary identification methods to identify horses and property (breakaway ID, zip-tie tags with ID, marking ID with non-toxic markers or paint)
• Provide additional water sources in differing areas in case access gets blocked or water becomes contaminated
• Do not leave feed out that may spoil or ferment; prioritise water access over feed availability
• Leave clear signage at property entrance detailing number or horses remaining on property, location of horses on property, and carer contact details 
• Notify emergency contacts and neighbours of horses remaining behind
• Do not attempt to return to the property until authorities advise it is safe to do so
• Arrange for welfare checks on horses left by authorised personnel, if possible 

Once the immediate concern of the emergency has passed, safety and recovery should be prioritised. This should include a structured review of how the emergency plan functioned. It is important to remember that emergency preparedness is an ongoing process.  

Action steps immediately post-emergency:

• Prioritise human safety, followed by accounting for all horses and addressing any welfare concerns including injuries, burns or respiratory issues. Seek veterinary care as soon as possible if there are any indications of burns as the full severity may take days, even weeks, to become apparent and can be very painful. 
• Animals who survive and are in good health should be moved to a clean paddock or sheltered area with plenty of access to good-quality feed and water and monitored closely. Those who are severely injured beyond recovery should be euthanised as a matter of urgency to avoid further pain and suffering. 
• Ensure horses are appropriately contained and have access to safe water and feed. 

Ask yourself:  

• Were the emergency trigger points clear and accurate?
• Was the transport safe and functional? (if applicable)
• Did the horses load and travel safely to the evacuation site? (if applicable)
• Was the emergency kit adequately stocked and accessible?
• Were contacts assessable and communication methods effective?
• Were feed and water reserve sufficient?
• Did the property need any further preparation (e.g. fencing, shelter, road surfaces)?
• Did carers feel prepared and adequately trained?
• Was coordination adequate with other contacts and the local community?
• How did the horses cope during the evacuation? 
• What factors could improve the evacuation experience for the hoses?  

Action steps:  

• Revise emergency protocols and emergency triggers based on feedback
• Update contact lists as needed
• Replace or upgrade equipment or property infrastructure as needed
• Restock and organise emergency kit
• Implement further training for carers and horses as needed
• Create a plan to restart positive-reinforcement based drills for horses