Emergency Preparation

The most important thing to do is to have a fire plan and practice it for yourself and your horses. Below are some additional points.

If possible designate a large open space that has no or minimal vegetation.  
- This can be a refuge or protected space that you can move horses to in case of a fire, or on the day leading up
to a designated Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger day.  
- Do not lock horses in a stable or allow them out onto the roads where they are more likely to be hurt by fires and
traffic.

Float training
- Once a fire has started or you have been told to evacuate loading horses into a float can be difficult and
dangerous to both the horses and yourself
- If your fire plan includes floating your horses out to a known safe location then make sure you have practiced
with them and that they are all comfortable and calm (including new foals and their dams)
 
If leaving your horses in a large open space remove equipment
- In case of a nearby fire start or in the lead up to an extreme or catastrophic fire danger day not only should you
move all horses to your designated safe area but also remove all rugs, fly veils/masks and halters (these may
catch on fire or melt in the radiant heat and cause worse burns).  
- Use non-toxic paint or marking chalk to write your phone number on the horse's body in large lettering. If you do
not have access to non-toxic products, you can also write your phone number in permanent marker on their
hooves, but given fires may damage their hooves, writing on their body is best if you can. This will help in
recovering them should it be required.  
 
Leave food and water for up to 5 days 
- Should a fire impact your property, horses are good at avoiding the fire if they have enough room to move
freely.  
- You may not be able to return to your property in the days after a fire, so leave food and water for them in
appropriate ways.  
- See material from the emergency services agencies for guidance about the best way to leave food and water
for them.  
 
Keep a bushfire response kit 
- There are many different items that can assist your horse recover should they be exposed to a fire, but having
water, sponges and ways to treat their hooves should they have been exposed to hot ground as well as seeking
prompt veterinary attention are all key to successful recovery.  
 
Being aware and staying informed about any emergency sitution and weather event is also important. Use multiple sources like setting up alerts and viewing your state/territory's emergency app/website, listening to emergency broadcasters like local ABC radio and maintaining your own local situational awareness by watching for smoke and wind changes, listening for sirens and talking to neighbours.

  
More information is available through the emergency services organisations across Australia.  
 
Many of these agencies offer on-site advice for land holders, talk to your local fire brigade.  
 
Victoria: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-your-property/farms/horses-and-bushfires
 
NSW: https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/animal-safety/plan-for-your-horses-farm-animals-and-livestock
 
Qld: https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/bushfire/animal-welfare-in-bushfires
 
WA: https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/siteassets/documents/agriculture/livestock/bushfire---horses.pdf

SA: https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/plan-prepare/before-a-fire-be-prepared/pets-livestock/#horse 
 
Tas: https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/animal-welfare/emergency-animal-welfare-management/animals-and-bushfire/animals-and-bushfire-planning
 
ACT: https://esa.act.gov.au/be-emergency-ready/bushfires
 
NT: https://securent.nt.gov.au/prepare-for-an-emergency/emergency-planning/animals-in-emergencies/horses