Macedon resident Cate Rejman, who owns Fred's Fodder stockfeed and supplies in New Gisborne, began planning the seminar - titled Horses, Heat and Fires: helping your horse survive this summer' - three months ago.

The inspiration for the seminar was a friend who lost a horse during a fire in South Australia. "A lot of my customers were saying they were unsure about what to do with their horses during the bushfire season. Quite a few people died on Black Saturday going back to rescue their horses and there seemed to be a big gap in information about caring for horses."

Ms Rejman said the seminar will include information on how to prepare properties and horses for bushfires and how to safely care for a horse during a fire. The Gisborne Veterinary Clinic will discuss tops such as heat stress, signs of dehydration and smoke inhalation.

A 'safer places for horses' initiative in the Macedon Ranges will also be a highlight. The program has been developed to identify properties in the shire that may be willing to take horses in the event of a bushfire.

"We have had a massive response from horse owners right throughout Victoria," Ms Rejman said.

"Sadly, if you are evacuating you can put your dog, cat or bird in the car, but you can't put your horse in, so you have to be prepared."

The event will be supported by the Gisborne Veterinary Clinic, the CFA and the DPI.

The Horses, Heat & Fires seminar is at 7.30pm on December 2 at the Gisborne Golf Club, Daly Street, Gisborne. Bookings are essential. Phone 54283008 during business hours.