Bonfire night is nearly here and whilst we tick through to Christmas and new year, fireworks will just keep coming. The firework season can be extremely stressful for horses and their owners. Horses as well as many other animals, can be startled by the loud noises. I am hoping to cover it all; From the preparation, to dealing with the after math. This blog will tell you everything you need to know when it comes to making fireworks as stress free as possible for you and your horse.
Make sure the field is secure -
If your horse is usually kept in a field, it’s fine to keep them there as long as they are safe and away from any displays. The most important part is checking their field is secure, if your horse gets scared you don't want to risk them being able to escape. We'd also recommend booting up your horse so that if they do get stressed and start running around, the harm they can cause to themselves is minimised.
Stay calm and safe yourself -
As horses can pick up on our stress, make sure you remain calm yourself. Appearing worried might lead to your horse feeling similar emotions. When around your horse make sure you’re safe, stay aware of changes in their behaviour to prevent getting hurt if your horse gets startled.
Turn the radio and lights on -
If your horse is stabled keep a radio on or music playing in the background, this will mask loud bangs and help to soothe your horse. Another good tip is leaving the lights on, this will help to dull down the impact of any sudden flashes. Some of our staff use disco lights, with all the different colours it massively helps with distracting them from the fireworks.
Remember to stock up the stable with distraction like our Carrot ball, Featuring HUG & TUG – The greater the pressure, the firmer the carrots are held and the more effort is required to remove them. Manufactured from the same material hot water bottles are made from. Carrot Balls will entertain your horse time and time again preventing boredom. Load Carrot Balls with Carrots, Turnip, Swede, Parsnip, Apple and so much more!
Stock up on forage -
Check their field the next day -
Before letting your horse out into the field, the next day, always check for used fireworks and anything that could be dangerous and harm your horse.
Common signs that your horse might be stressed or anxious include:
- Pawing
- Kicking Tail swishing
- Vocalisation
- Flared nostrils
- Decreased appetite
- Sweating
- Repetitive head movements
Our Steps to a successful night:
Prepare - Preparation is key, make sure you know exactly when, where and what time the firework displays are happening around your stable. Check Facebook, by searching for ‘firework’ events, or even Google ‘firework events near me’. Try and speak to your neighbours, ask them to avoid setting any off near your horses field. If you know that fireworks are being set off close by, make sure that you or someone experienced stays with your horse to help keep them calm. Stick to their routine - If your horse is usually stabled then keep them stabled, be consistent with as many things as possible. It's really important not change their routine or environment, this will encourage them to feel at home despite the strange noises. Make sure you exercise your horse before dark, when the fireworks will start. Riding during the fireworks risks you or your horse getting injured if they get scared. If you're worried remember we sell Calming Cookies for horses, dogs and humans - The fantastic and completely natural cookies, to be given like a treat! Calming Cookies are ideal for horses during excitable or stressful situations such as clinics, competitions, clipping, training, fireworks and traveling. Feed as and when required, they help your horse to stay calm, confident and focused without affecting their ability to perform.
Make sure the field is secure -
If your horse is usually kept in a field, it’s fine to keep them there as long as they are safe and away from any displays. The most important part is checking their field is secure, if your horse gets scared you don't want to risk them being able to escape. We'd also recommend booting up your horse so that if they do get stressed and start running around, the harm they can cause to themselves is minimised.
Stay calm and safe yourself -
As horses can pick up on our stress, make sure you remain calm yourself. Appearing worried might lead to your horse feeling similar emotions. When around your horse make sure you’re safe, stay aware of changes in their behaviour to prevent getting hurt if your horse gets startled.
Turn the radio and lights on -
If your horse is stabled keep a radio on or music playing in the background, this will mask loud bangs and help to soothe your horse. Another good tip is leaving the lights on, this will help to dull down the impact of any sudden flashes. Some of our staff use disco lights, with all the different colours it massively helps with distracting them from the fireworks.
Remember to stock up the stable with distraction like our Carrot ball, Featuring HUG & TUG – The greater the pressure, the firmer the carrots are held and the more effort is required to remove them. Manufactured from the same material hot water bottles are made from. Carrot Balls will entertain your horse time and time again preventing boredom. Load Carrot Balls with Carrots, Turnip, Swede, Parsnip, Apple and so much more!
Stock up on forage -
Try and provide lots of forage, just to keep them busy and pre-occupied. Even if your horse is overweight - the benefits of keeping them distracted for the sake of a few calories, far outweigh the negatives. Treat balls and likit's make for a great stress reliever. Another option is putting apples in their water bucket for them to play with whilst ensuring they stay hydrated.
Check their field the next day -
Before letting your horse out into the field, the next day, always check for used fireworks and anything that could be dangerous and harm your horse.