Keep Your Horse Safe During Fireworks

As an equestrian, we try to manage our horse’s environment and routine to ensure their happiness and safety. From their forage, grain, and supplements to their daily exercise and turnout regime, our main focus is on helping our beloved horses to thrive. Sometimes though, things are out of our control. 

One such example of this is celebratory fireworks. Whether they are put on by your town for the Fourth of July festivities or the pinnacle of your neighborhood New Year’s Eve party, oftentimes fireworks are beyond our control. As it is well known, many horses have a negative reaction to the lights and sounds of fireworks. In this blog post, we explore several strategies to help your horse manage the excitement and stay calm through the fireworks.

Come Inside

Even if your horses live outside, it is a good idea to bring them into the barn if you know that fireworks will be occurring. Stay in communication with your close neighbors about the dangers of fireworks for horses and ask that they give you advance notice before they light fireworks (if you live in a town that requires fireworks permits, your town office may be able to tell you as well). Bring your horses in the barn early to get them settled in; even if you have calm horses, fireworks can cause them to lose control and possibly bolt.

Close the Doors

Proper ventilation is important to your horse’s respiratory health, however, during fireworks, it is a good idea to close up the barn as much as possible. This will help to muffle the noise and make the bright flashing of the fireworks less noticeable. Consider using fans to keep the air circulating and manage the temperature (especially for fireworks in the heat of the summer).

Turn on the Lights

Leaving the lights on in your barn will prevent the fireworks from lighting up your barn with each blast. This makes them less likely to spook your horses and takes away one of the most startling effects.

Listen to the Radio

Playing a radio in the barn provides your horses with background noise. This white noise will help to drown out the sounds of the fireworks and make them less intrusive for your horse. Additionally, many horses find the constant music and talking from the radio soothing.

Consider Earplugs

For highly reactive horses, earplugs can muffle the noise and allow them to relax during the fireworks show. Make sure that you practice with the earplugs ahead of time so that your horse is familiar with them and they do not cause additional stress. The Cashel Horse Ear Plugs are easy to insert and are comfortable for your horse to wear.

Digestive Support

When your horse is stressed, their digestive system may go awry. Provide your horse with ample amounts of quality forage to keep their system moving (munching on hay can also serve as a bit of a distraction for food motivated horses). For highly stressed horses or horses prone to ulcers, consider utilizing an omeprazole based product, such as UlcerGard Oral Paste, to block acid production and prevent ulcers from occurring.

Talk to Your Vet

If your horse has had extreme reactions to fireworks in the past, it may be wise for you to have a chat with your veterinarian. Depending on your horse, they may prescribe a sedative as a last resort. Be sure to follow their recommendations completely for optimal results.

For many people, fireworks signal a celebration… but they can be alarming for many horse owners. By following our simple tips and tricks, you can help your horse be more comfortable and relaxed throughout the evening. How do you keep your horse safe during fireworks? We would love to hear your recommendations in the comments below.