Droughts and flooding rains: Supporting horses through Australia's harshest seasons

In Australia, we’re no strangers to weather extremes. The phrase “droughts and flooding rains” isn’t just a saying — it’s a reality we live with year after year. Right now, parts of the country are heading into winter gripped by drought, with dry dams, bare paddocks, and dust on the wind. Meanwhile, other regions are dealing with the opposite — widespread flooding, boggy paddocks, and rising water levels that make even basic horse care a challenge.

These conditions don’t just test the land — they test the people caring for it. For horse owners, it means disrupted routines, constant worry, and doing everything you can to keep your animals safe and well, even when the conditions are anything but. Whether you’re watching your paddocks turn to dust  or treating skin infections after weeks of rain, the strain is real — physically, emotionally, and financially.

This blog is here to offer practical, down-to-earth support. It’s not about doing things perfectly — it’s about helping you get through the tough days with strategies that work in the real world. We’ll walk through the challenges horses face during both drought and flood conditions, share realistic care tips, and highlight Cavalor products that may help support your horse’s health when you need a hand.

 

When the rain doesn’t come: Horse care during drought

Drought conditions can creep up slowly or hit hard and fast. Either way, they bring a unique set of challenges for horse care — especially around hydration, nutrition, and respiratory health.

Key challenges

  • Reduced water intake and dehydration

  • Dust-induced respiratory issues

  • Poor pasture quality and rising feed costs

  • Increased risk of colic and digestive upset
  • Struggling to keep condition on your horses

 

What you can do

  • Encourage water intake by keeping troughs shaded and clean. Adding flavoring (like electrolytes) can entice fussy drinkers.

  • Introduce high-fiber feeds slowly to make up for lost roughage. Feed balancer's can help bridge nutritional gaps.

  • Monitor respiration, especially if your horse has a history of coughing.

Cavalor products to support drought management:

  • Cavalor Electroliq Balance – A liquid electrolyte to help maintain hydration and mineral balance, even in non-working horses.

  • Cavalor OilMega – Provides essential fatty acids to support coat condition and overall health during feed shortages.

  • Cavalor Bronchix Pure – A herbal blend designed to support respiratory health over the long term. Ideal for horses exposed to dry, dusty environments, it helps clear the airways, reduce irritation, and strengthen the lungs against ongoing environmental stress.

 

When it just wont stop raining : Caring for horses in floods and wet weather

Excessive rain can create muddy, boggy paddocks, soft hooves, and a whole new set of health concerns — particularly for horses standing in wet conditions for long periods.

Common issues

  • Mud fever, greasy heel, rain scald

  • Thrush and softened hooves

  • Skin infections and minor wounds

  • Colic or laminitis from sudden pasture changes

What you can do

  • Rotate horses through the driest areas available or bring them in periodically to give their legs and hooves a break from the mud.

  • Clean and dry legs daily — especially around the pasterns — and treat small scabs early to prevent infection.

  • Avoid over-rugging. Damp rugs trap moisture and contribute to skin issues.

  • Introduce grazing slowly when pasture returns after flood events.

Cavalor products for wet weather support:

  • Cavalor MudDoc – A powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory balm that soothes and treats mud fever and skin irritations.

  • Cavalor Derma Wash – An antiseptic shampoo that gently cleanses skin and reduces bacteria without drying it out.

  • Cavalor Derma Spray – A skin-friendly spray that supports healing of small wounds, rain scald, and other skin issues.

  • Cavalor Dry Feet Natural – An effective antibacterial hoof spray that dries out and protects the frog from thrush in wet conditions.

  • Cavalor ArtiTec – Daily joint support with antioxidants and herbs, perfect for horses managing unstable footing or stiffness post-flood.

Managing behavior and emotional wellbeing

It’s easy to forget that horses feel the emotional impact of environmental stress just as much as physical discomfort. A disrupted routine, limited turnout, or sudden relocation's can cause anxiety and tension.

What you can do

  • Keep routines as consistent as possible — feeding, grooming, and exercise, even if limited, help provide structure.

  • Offer enrichment if horses are stabled more than usual — slow feeders or stable toys can help.

  • Consider calming support for horses showing heightened stress, especially when relocating or adjusting to new environments.

Cavalor products to ease stress:

  • Cavalor Calm – A calming supplement that helps reduce stress in nervous horses reacting to changing situations.

  • Cavalor SoZen – A long-term calming solution that helps regulate cortisol and adrenaline responses over time.

Taking care of yourself

Behind every well-cared-for horse is a horse owner doing their absolute best — often under immense pressure. Whether it’s stretching out limited hay while trying to keep condition on or dragging rugs through the mud, this is tough work. It’s okay to admit that it’s hard.

Remember:

  • You don’t have to do everything. Focus on small wins.

  • Reach out to your local equestrian community — there’s help out there.

  • Take a moment to breathe. A healthy horse needs a healthy owner, too.

Weathering it together

Australia’s landscape is harsh — but horse owners are incredibly resilient. Through droughts and flooding rains, we adapt, support one another, and keep showing up for our horses, no matter what.

Cavalor Equicare is here to support you — not just with premium care products, but with practical advice, science-backed solutions, and a deep understanding of what real horse owners go through every day. If you need help finding the right products for your current conditions, reach out to our team or speak with your trusted vet or nutritionist.