Horse Care During Fireworks with Equestrian Stabling by IAE

It’s fireworks season and we have searched high and low for the best horse care tips for Bonfire night including some top tips from our team. We will include links to our sources down below.

Fireworks will become increasingly popular over the next few weeks with some displays already starting, but don’t forget the other events that are also common for fireworks including New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

Practice for fireworks

Fear is a natural response to stressful or unusual changes in the environment, especially in prey animals such as horses but there’s a few ways to combat this. The BHS suggest desensitising your horse to fireworks by using similar noises and lights before the event.

“Helping your horse get used to loud noises and flashing lights can reduce your horse’s reaction to fireworks. You can introduce firework noises using any portable device you have to hand and can use colour-changing LED lights to introduce flashing lights.”- BHS
Remember to start slowly and reward your horse accordingly but to also be respectful of your horses’ stable mates. Who may not be as responsive to the training and whose owners may have alternative methods for coping with bonfire night.

Having a little patience could go a long way, by trialling these ‘firework drills’ you could help your horse to respond more calmly in the future. Particularly if they are young and experiencing something completely new.

However, if your horse has reacted negatively and even dangerously in the past don’t be afraid to speak to your vet about sedation as a possible option.

What’s happening nearby?

Another sensible step in your firework preparation is figuring out when and where fireworks will be let off nearby, this could be your neighbours or organised displays. If a display is happening close by, it may be best to move your horse temporarily.

It could even be worth seeing what changes organisers can realistically make. People aren’t usually aware of the impact fireworks have on horses, but a friendly conversation could lead to reasonable compromises which reduce stress levels and fear for all nearby animals.

Where are you going?

The resounding advice on where to keep your horse is “stick to their routine”, like all animals’ horses will be distressed if their usual routine is disrupted and familiarity will comfort them during a stressful evening.

Make sure their stable or field is tidy and secure, the last thing you want is any injuries or escapes which could have been easily prevented. It is also important to be aware of your own and others safety during fireworks. The Horse & Hound makes an excellent point about this in their article:

“Make sure that you have adequate third-party liability insurance. If your horse is frightened and escapes, causing an accident, then you could be held liable for compensation.” -Horse & Hound.

Stay with your horse during fireworks displays if you can and so long as you remain calm they will feel reassured by your presence. If you can’t stay with your horse, have an experienced horse person check in on them, this is something you can organise among friends or livery neighbours.

Additionally, a radio or speaker playing low level music outside of the stable will help to disguise firework noise. Classic FM have an annual radio feature specifically to relax your pet during peak firework times. Which they will broadcast from 5pm to 9pm on Saturday 2nd November and Tuesday 5th November.

After Bonfire night

It’s best to check your fields and stables for the entire week, in case your horse has broken anything, or any firework debris has landed in your field. It is also a good idea to check over your horse for any injuries they may have sustained by sudden spooking.

Finally, take care when riding in the evenings over the next few weeks and if you think fireworks are likely don’t risk it!

Sources:
https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/features/horses-and-fireworks-270821
https://www.bhs.org.uk/go-riding/riding-out-hacking/common-incidents/fireworks