04/03/2025
🌪️ Cyclone WARNING SEQ/NSW: How to Keep Your Horse Safe 🌪️
Here’s a guide and a few suggestions, as a good plan can make all the difference when wild weather hits. what you can do to prepare and protect your horses before, during, and after a cyclone.
✅ Before the Cyclone: Preparation is Key
* Identify the safest paddock — Choose an area that’s high and free from large trees, powerlines, or loose debris. Avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding.
* Secure feed and water — Store extra feed in waterproof containers and fill water troughs and tanks ahead of time.
* Remove rugs and halters — Rugs can become waterlogged, get caught on fences, or restrict movement. Halters can also become a hazard if caught in debris or fences, especially in rising floodwaters.
* Tag your horse — Tag horses mane, Use a livestock grease marker to write your phone number on their coat, in case fences come down if you don't have of these options some use nail polish on the hoof.
* Check fences — Make sure fences are secure but easy for a horse to see if they need to navigate in strong winds or heavy rain.
* Prepare a cyclone kit — Include first aid supplies for horses and humans, extra halters and lead ropes, and emergency contact numbers (vet, neighbours, local council).
* Plan for evacuation — If you’re in a flood zone, know where you can safely move your horse ahead of time.
🌬️ During the Cyclone: Safety First
* Shelter vs Open Space? — In severe winds, open paddocks are often safer than small stables or sheds that could collapse. Ideally, choose a large paddock with natural shelter like thick trees (but not near gum trees or tall palms).
* Minimise flying objects — Remove loose items like buckets, jumps, and feed bins that could become dangerous projectiles.
🧹 After the Cyclone: Assess and Support
* Check fences and property — Walk the property carefully for broken fences, debris, or contaminated water.
* Watch for injuries — Check your horse for cuts, swelling, or signs of stress.
* Provide clean water and safe feed — Floodwaters can contaminate drinking water and spoil feed, so ensure fresh supplies are available.
👉 The best plan is made before the weather arrives — Cyclones can change quickly, so having a clear strategy gives you and your horse the best chance of staying safe.
Stay safe everyone!
Please note: These are general suggestions only. Every property, horse, and situation is different, so it’s important to make decisions based on your specific circumstances.
Tarni McCormack (Woodhead) | EA Level 1 General, Skill Specific Trainer & Assessor and QOTT Coach
