NSW floods: Castle Hill Showground shelters evacuated animals

Ainslie Daniels had only been in South Windsor with her horses for a little more than a week when she was forced to flee as floodwaters rose. She’s taken 13 of her beautiful animals to a makeshift shelter that is home to many more.

The Hills Shire and Hawkesbury have been devastated by this week’s ‘rain bomb’, but the best of this community’s resilience is also shining through as the Castle Hill Showground opens its arms to evacuated horses.

Since Tuesday, this showground has become home to crowds of horses rescued from the rising flood waters.

Ainslie Daniels, the owner of Daniels Equestrian, moved 13 of her horses here just a week after she left South Australia and arrived in South Windsor.

Ainslie Daniels with 'Mr Brown', one of the 13 horses she evacuated to Castle Hills Showground after floods hit South Windsor in early March 2022. Picture: Odessa Blain.

“It’s just been crazy,” Ms Daniels said.

She moved to South Windsor in late February of this year, just after evacuating her 13 horses from a fire in South Australia.

But as soon as she settled into her new home, the floods hit and Ms Daniels was forced to rescue her horses once again.

“Everyone here has been amazing — I’m not going to lie, it is exhausting, but people have gone above and beyond to help source food and bedding for our horses,” she said.

Ainslie Daniels with 'Mr Brown', a brumby she trained, at Castle Hill Showground. Picture: Odessa Blain.

In a statement, The Hills Shire mayor, Dr Peter Gangemi, described the Showground as “our real life Noah’s ark.”

“I was just blown away by how many residents I saw there offering help and assistance,” Mayor Gangemi said. “Our community is a generous and resilient one, and these kind acts just shows that we will once again get through this tough time.”

Speaking to The Hills Shire Times, Nikki McGrath, the communications co-ordinator for Local Land Services NSW, said they have plans in place if the floods continue next week.

Currently, Fairfield Showground and Dural Pony Club are on standby to shelter more horses.

Horses that have been evacuated to Castle Hills Showground after floods hit The Hills Shire and Hawkesbury in early March 2022. Picture: Odessa Blain

Ms McGrath said this year the community is a lot more prepared after having lived through 2021’s floods.

“Animal owners know what they need to do, so it has been way less hectic for us,” she said.

But Ms McGrath also stressed the importance of remaining vigilant.

“Have a plan, don’t wait — just make sure you leave early if you need to evacuate your livestock or animals from the floods,” she said.

Currently, the showground is sheltering 44 horses, with space for 23 more animals.

Those who are relocating their horses to the showground need to bring identification as well as adequate food and water.