EWA Welfare Corner: Bushfire and Emergency Prepardness

Summer is coming. A plan made now could save your horse’s life later.

Plan ahead for bushfire season

With summer approaching, bushfire season is on its way. When an emergency happens, horses are among the hardest animals to move at short notice, so welfare in a crisis depends on the preparation done well beforehand. Horses that are used to loading and travelling, and owners who already have a plan, are safer and far less stressed.

1. Write an evacuation plan

• Identify at least two destinations, such as a friend’s property, an agistment centre or a showground, and agree on them in advance.
• Map two exit routes in case one is blocked by fire, smoke or traffic.
• Work out how many horses you can transport and who can help. If you don’t have enough float capacity, make arrangements now.
• Share the plan with everyone who cares for or rides your horses.

2. Leave early

Fire conditions can change quickly, and roads can fill with smoke and traffic. Loading early means calmer, safer travel for you and your horse. Check the Emergency WA website and app, and know what each fire danger rating means for your area. On high-risk days, consider moving your horses before there is any sign of fire.

3. Make sure every horse can be identified

• Check that microchip and registration details are up to date.
• Attach a halter tag or leg band with your name and mobile number.
• Keep recent photos of each horse, including markings, on your phone.

4. Practise loading

A horse that won’t load can’t be evacuated. Practise loading, travelling and unloading regularly, in different conditions and with different handlers, so it becomes routine. If your horse is hard to load, start training now.

5. Prepare an emergency kit

Keep a kit somewhere you can grab it quickly:

• Several days of hay and feed
• Water containers
• Buckets, spare halters and lead ropes
• A basic equine first aid kit and any regular medication
• Copies of ownership, vaccination and vet records
• A torch, gloves, and contact numbers for your vet and a backup contact

6. Prepare your property

• Reduce fuel such as long grass and leaf litter near stables and yards.
• Keep hay and feed away from buildings where possible.
• Check that gates open easily and access roads are clear.

What you can do this month

• Write your evacuation plan and share it.
• Check your microchip details and ID tags.
• Do a practice load with each horse.
• Put your emergency kit together.
• Download the Emergency WA app and set up your watch zones.

Remember: the safest option for you and your horse is to leave early.

Further resources: https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/emergencywa/prepare