Get your horse ready for fireworks season

Horses and fireworks definitely don’t make the best combination – the unusual, loud noises and flashing lights can upset even the quietest of equines. While there are increasing calls to reduce the public’s access to the brightly coloured pocket rockets, with our four-legged friends’ welfare at heart, what can you do in the meantime to keep your horse calm? With firework season on the horizon – which seems increasingly to stretch from pre-Guy Fawkes Night to the new year – here’s how you can proactively prepare your horse to keep the experience stress free.

What can I do leading up to a firework display?

It’s important you know what’s going on around you and when – don’t leave it until Bonfire Night, as many will time their displays to happen in the days before (or after). Check out local social media groups and newspapers to see if there are any public displays advertised in your area at least a few weeks beforehand.

You can reduce the risk of private display upset by letting your neighbours know that you have horses and the distress that this can cause. Non-horsey residents aren’t always aware of the impact fireworks can have on horses and other four-legged friends, so it can be really beneficial to have this conversation beforehand, rather than having a heated confrontation when it’s too late and tensions are high.

In or out?

To stable or not to stable? That’s the question. There’s no evidence to suggest that your horse is safer either way, however it’s sensible to keep him in a routine that he’s familiar with.

Some horses feel safer being able to see the fireworks with companions close by, whereas others may be comforted by the four walls of their stables. Stabled horses can still become scared and cause themselves injuries, though they can’t build up as much speed as a horse in a field who could catch himself on fencing or strain muscles. If you choose to turn your horse out, ensure that the field’s safe, totally secure, and not close to the firework display area – one rogue firework could be all it takes to convince him to test a slightly shaky boundary. Similarly, inspect his stable for any protruding nails or uneven edges that could cause injury.

How can I help to educate others on the potential dangers of fireworks?

It’s important to remember that most people aren’t setting off fireworks maliciously – the risks aren’t as obvious to those who don’t have pets of their own, and these eye-catching displays are designed to be entertaining, after all.

Direct friends, family and your local community to the website of any of the leading welfare charities – they’re often full of resources detailing the dangers that spooked horses can pose to themselves and others. Raise awareness that not every horse has a stable to shelter in away from the noise and lights, though not every horse will be safe simply because he’s in a stable, either – many are happier out.

The British Horse Society and other charities are working with the Office of Product Safety Standards to raise awareness on how to keep everyone safe. Watch out for other advice on its social media channels – and be sure to share to help boost awareness.

Top tip

If you’re unlucky enough to experience a firework related incident, report it at horseincidents.org.uk or on the Horse i app.

Get your copy of December Horse&Rider, on sale 7 October 2021 to find out what you can do to make fireworks night less stressful for you and your horse