How we care for the brumbies of Bluewater

Every horse follows the same path with us — rescued safely, treated by a vet, rehabilitated at our recovery facility, and rehomed to a family that will care for them for life.

The Rescue Journey

From roadside to forever home

Sighted & assessed

We monitor the herds and respond to reports of horses wandering onto roads or nearby properties.

Safely brought in

Using calm passive trapping, we guide the horse away from traffic and into safe holding.

Cared for & healed

Feed, water, vaccinations, gelding and any needed treatment restore each horse to health.

Matched & rehomed

Once ready, the horse is matched with a carefully screened, loving adoptive family.

Two brumbies in dry bushland being kept away from roads

Rescue & safe removal

Program 01

Safe, passive trapping & road-safety response

Free-roaming horses that wander onto public roads are a danger to themselves and to drivers. Our first priority is always to move horses out of harm's way — calmly and without distress.

We use passive trapping techniques, drawing horses in with feed and water rather than chasing them. This keeps stress to a minimum and allows us to bring the whole group to safety, away from public roads and traffic.

Monitoring of herds and response to sightings
Low-stress, no-chase capture methods
Keeping horses and motorists safe on local roads

A carer checking on a horse during a health assessment

Veterinary & recovery care

Program 02

Food, water & veterinary care

Many horses arrive underweight, dehydrated or in need of medical attention. We provide the essentials of good health — clean water, quality feed and professional veterinary care.

Each horse receives a health assessment, vaccinations, and gelding for males where appropriate, preparing them for a calm and healthy life in a new home. Covering feed, vet and transport bills is one of our biggest ongoing costs.

Daily feed and fresh water
Vaccinations and gelding for males
Treatment of injuries and health conditions

A recovering horse grazing calmly on green pasture at the rehabilitation facility

Our rehabilitation facility

Program 03

A dedicated rehabilitation & recovery home

Recovery takes time and a safe, quiet space. We operate a dedicated rehabilitation and recovery location, well away from public roads, where horses can settle, regain condition and begin to trust people.

Here, horses learn that humans mean food, safety and gentle handling rather than fear. This patient gentling is what makes it possible to rehome a once-wild brumby into family life.

A safe location away from traffic and hazards
Time to regain weight, strength and condition
Gentle handling and trust-building

Rehoming & adoption

Program 04

Careful rehoming to the right families

The goal of every rescue is a permanent, loving home. We actively seek out interested adoption candidates and match each horse to a home based on temperament, needs and the adopter's experience.

Responsible rehoming protects the horse for the rest of its life and frees up our resources to help the next brumby in need. We support adopters through the transition so both horse and family thrive.

Actively finding suitable adopters
Matching temperament and experience
Ongoing support during settling-in

See how adoption works