04/03/2025
🌧Horse preparation for the upcoming Cyclone in SEQ 🌧
With Cyclone Alfred forecast to impact SEQ this week, we have had multiple calls from concerned horse owners asking what they can do to prepare. We have put together some recommendations to help prepare and safeguard your horses.
✅Preparing your horse/s for a Cyclone:
🐴 Prepare a safe place to keep your horse. In making this decision, you should consider if the area is prone to flooding, at risk of flying debris and whether it can be accessed after an extreme event. If your horses usual residence is prone to flooding, consider moving your horse to a safe place before the storm hits so you are not travelling during the cyclone.
QSEC often take EMERGENCY stabling - please contact them directly if you are in need of Cyclone stabling for your horse.
🐴 Prepare Food & Water: Prepare multiple days worth of food & water for your horses in waterproof easy to move containers. Keep in mind the Cyclone is forecast to hit SEQ mid-end of the week and we are going into the weekend when produce and feed stores may not be open or accessible due to flooding.
🐴 Medical: All essential medication & medical information should be stored in a water proof container with enough medication for at least 1 week. If your horse is on prescription medication, please contact Moreton Bay Vets immediately on 07 5422 9410 so we can organise a Veterinarian to prescribe medication for your horse 💊
🐴 Identification: Clearly identify your horse. Horses are often branded and microchipped, however in a weather event it may be difficult to read brands and you may not have access to a microchip scanner. Horses can be identified by: Neck bands with your name & phone number, Luggage tags braided into their mane & tail, Livestock markers/spray paint, Permanent marker on hoof wall.
🐴 Rugs & Halters: Remove all rugs & halters from your horse so they do not become water logged or caught in flood debris/fencing.
🐴 Fencing: Check the integrity of fencing and ensure it is easily visible for your horse at night time or during a storm. Painting fence posts or top rails can help with visibility for both horses and emergency services if your property floods. If your property starts to flood turn off electric fencing.
🐴 Emergency Kit: Prepare your emergency kit with first aid supplies for horses & humans, additional halters & lead ropes and emergency contact numbers. Keep photos & ownership information in a water proof container for ease of access.
🆘Important Phone Numbers
Police, Fire, Ambulance - 000
SES - 132 500
Energex - 13 19 62
Moreton Bay Vets - 07 5422 9410 or 0447 202 600
RSPCA QLD Lost & Found - 1300 363 736
🌤After the Cyclone:
🐴 Check your property & fence lines for damage. Keep an eye out for fallen powerlines; contact 000 or 13 19 62 immediately to report fallen power lines. Do not release horses into paddocks until they have been completely checked.
🐴 Empty all water troughs and fill with fresh, clean drinking water as flood water can be contaminated and make horses sick.
🐴 Check your horse for any injuries. If there are no immediate injuries, monitor your horses health over the next few days as some illnesses do not present immediately, if you notice any signs of injury, stress or illness call your Veterinarian.
🐴 If your horse has been without food for a prolonged period, reintroduce food slowly and in small portions. Always allow your horse to have access to fresh clean drinking water.
🐴 Allow your horse time after the cyclone to have uninterrupted rest. This helps aid in recovery from stress and trauma and reduces the risk of associated illnesses such as colic.
Stay safe SEQ! If your horse is in need of Veterinary attention, please contact us on 📞07 5422 9410 👨⚕️
