Are my horses at risk if there is a fire? How many could I save and how  would I do this? Can I do this without putting people at risk? - click here to download the full pdf

Understand the new Fire Danger Ratings which are available on the fire services
websites in each state, or in bushfire survival plans.
Think carefully and seriously about whether it would be possible to move your horses
even if you were not faced with fire...then decide what you COULD do in an emergency.
(Do you have too many horses to move? Will you take some and leave some? Will they load easily for transport?)
Recommended strategies include:
• understanding bushfire behaviour so you know how to react;
• preparing your property (where possible remove combustible materials);
• preparing your horses if you must leave them on your property (remove rugs,
halters: anything which might burn.) Provide access to areas with minimal
vegetation; access to dam (s); leave internal gates open; do not put horses in
confined areas - i.e. avoid stables, or small yards, .
• if possible consider moving your horses to safety (transport them to prearranged
safe areas ) - but this needs to be before the fire starts in your area: so your
source of fire information is very important!
• do not release your horses on to roads: they will put others at risk and be in
more danger themselves
• consider microchipping: this is a permanent method of ID
• register horses in your PIC (property identification code) with the Department of
Primary Industries so that the emergency services know you are there and what
stock belong on your property

If you expect to move your horses, CONSIDER:
Traffic on the roads: what route will you take?
Are your horses willing to load in normal circumstances?
Where you will go? Do not depend on the ‘authorities’ to
provide the a safe location... Arrange for somewhere to go
well in advance: can you go to family members, friends,
other horse owners in distant areas?
Will your vehicle be sufficient to move your horses?

Prepare an emergency pack now, which includes: first aid
for people and horses; a torch, food and water, blankets,
fire resistant clothing, a portable radio with batteries, spare
halters and ropes. Check the emergency services website
for suggestions on other contents of this pack. 

If you expect to move your horses PLAN:
When will you leave: what will be the trigger?
Will the plan be different on weekdays/weekends?
Will all members of your family leave early?
Who will go with the horses and who will stay?
Are there pets to consider? What else will you take?
Do you have a contingency plan if it is unsafe to leave?
Work out the safest place at home to put your horses, if you
cannot move them, but you must leave. Are you prepared for
this? Do the family understand the consequences?
Have you considered the value of human life against the
value of your horses? It is ALWAYS more important to put
your own safety before the safety of your horses!

Register with the Horse Emergency Contact Database (HECD) on the Australian Horse Industry Council website.