In the aftermath of a bushfire, the danger isn’t over once the flames are out. Many horses face health challenges in the days, weeks, and even months that follow. While safety, fencing, and paddock cleanup are essential first steps, feeding and water quality are just as critical for your horse’s recovery and long-term well-being.

This article focuses on what to check, what to feed, and how to keep your horses safe and supported after a bushfire — especially when returning to fire-affected properties.

Fire Damage Goes Deeper Than You Think

Veterinary records and land management reports show that more horses die after a bushfire than during it. That’s because symptoms of injury or illness can take time to appear — sometimes up to eight weeks post-fire.
Even horses that appear “fine” immediately after may be suffering from:

• Smoke inhalation
• Burns (external or internal)
• Colic
• Laminitis
• Dehydration
• Toxic exposure from ash, soil, or firefighting chemicals

If your horse has been in or near the fire zone, you’ll need to take a proactive and ongoing approach to their care — starting with fresh water and clean feed.

Water Safety: Clean, Ash-Free, and Untainted by Foam

One of the most important post-fire priorities is checking that your horse’s water is safe. Water contamination is often overlooked, but ash, soot, and firefighting chemicals can linger in dams, tanks, troughs, and creeks long after the fire has passed. Here’s what to watch for:

Ash and Firefighting Foam

In Victoria, both aerial and ground firefighting efforts may involve retardants and Class A foams — which can be dropped from helicopters and aircraft to slow fire spread. These products can end up in nearby water sources if they’re used close to your property.
While most firefighting foams in Australia today are PFAS-free or lower-risk, legacy contamination is still a concern in some areas. The greater immediate risk is ash, soot, and debris — especially in dams or low-lying creeks where runoff accumulates.

Action steps:

• Inspect all dams, creeks, and tanks for visible ash, soot, or unusual colour/smell.
• If there’s any doubt, truck in fresh water for horses until you can confirm safety.
• If your tank or dam was exposed to aerial fire drops, contact your local council or DPI to ask whether retardants or foam were used in your area.

Feeding After Fire: Hay First, Weeds Second

As your pasture recovers, feeding clean hay becomes essential. Post-fire grass is often nutrient-poor, and invasive or toxic weeds may sprout more quickly than desired pasture species.

Tips for Safe Feeding:

• Feed clean hay from unaffected properties — ideally elevated in slow feeders or hay nets to prevent ash contamination.
• Do not rely on pasture until it is well re-established and assessed for toxic weeds.
• Watch for signs of gut upset, colic, or laminitis, especially if your horse has been stressed, displaced, or exposed to smoke or ash.
• If your horse has burn injuries to their muzzle or mouth, consider soaking hay or dampening feeds to make chewing easier and reduce irritation.

Stress and Routine Matter Too

Bushfires are traumatic — not just for us, but for our horses too. Stress can impact digestion, immune function, and behaviour. As much as possible, restore your horse’s daily routine, including:

• Regular feeding times
• Familiar herd mates and social interaction
• Shelter from wind and weather
• Calm, confident handling

It may be weeks or months before your property is safe to return to. Relocation to an agistment property with secure fencing, clean water, and good feed might be necessary until:

• Paddocks are clear of hotspots and rubbish
• Fencing is safe
• Pasture begins to regrow
• Water supplies are proven clean

Monitor Closely for Ongoing Health Issues

Even if your horse seems fine initially, stay vigilant. Health issues like laminitis, colic, and respiratory disease can show up later — sometimes several weeks after the event.

Watch for:

• Laboured breathing or coughing
• Reluctance to move, lameness, or heat in the hooves
• Changes in appetite, behaviour, or manure
• Dehydration or dark urine
• Burns around eyes, mouth, legs, or genitals

When in doubt, get your vet involved early. Better to be safe than sorry.

 Quick Checklist: After the Fire

• Check fences, shade, and water troughs for damage
• Walk paddocks for ash pits, hotspots, and fallen branches
• Inspect trees — they can burn inside for weeks
• Keep feed off the ground and monitor for signs of weed growth
• Ensure water is fresh, clean, and ash-free
• Don’t let horses drink from contaminated dams or creeks
• Monitor health daily for burns, laminitis, or colic
• Maintain routine and herd contact to reduce stress
• Seek vet advice early if you notice any symptoms

You’re Not Alone

Caring for horses after a bushfire is emotionally and physically exhausting — but your care makes all the difference in their recovery.

If you’re unsure about feeding, pasture rehab, or supplement choices post-fire, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to support fellow horse owners through difficult times.

You can also explore nutritional support options like Missy’s Bucket Gut-Plus, which includes a balanced formulation of magnesium, minerals, and gut support — suitable for horses recovering from stress and dietary disruption.