It is almost time again. A few more days and we will all start the new year and that happens (as far as possible) with the necessary festivities. Fireworks are traditionally part of this but not all horse owners are eager to use them.
It still happens every year that horses on pastures (but also in the stable) react fearfully/panicky to the loud bangs that go with it. And that is only normal.
Horses are escape animals by nature, so it's natural that when loud bangs and bright flashes of light occur, they want to run away. This does not mean that all horses are afraid of them. If they are, they show tense behavior, roar through their nose, want to run away or even behave aggressively.
Do you want to prevent your horse from suffering from the fireworks? Then these tips can help:
1. Prevention is better than cure
It is important to first of all assess where fireworks are being fired. Therefore, make inquiries in your neighborhood. It is logical that we should be more concerned if the neighbors shoot off fireworks than if this happens at some distance. Does this take place nearby? Then it is advisable to let your horses spend the night somewhere else (if possible).
It is also important that your horse can stand in a safe place. Horses that are standing in a stable will be less bothered by the sound and the smell of fireworks. If they are standing in the field, it is best that they are not alone. A horse that stands alone will feel threatened more quickly and will therefore want to flee more easily. This does not mean that horses in a herd cannot rush each other.
If your horse is stabled, it is also best to watch out for other dangers. Make sure that materials such as wheelbarrows, feed carts, booms, buckets, etc. cannot cause injuries. Also keep the pasture as simple and safe as possible.
Do you have several fearful horses in the barn? Then don't put them next to each other (if possible).
2. Activity
A good tip to keep your horse as relaxed as possible is movement. Make sure your horse has worked that day, or at least been outside. This clears their heads and makes them less tense going into the night.
Speaking of exercise: hay (preferably in a hay net or slow feeder) is a great solution for this! A lickstone can also help, of course.
Do you have a radio in the barn? If so, turn it on! This distracts your horse from the sound of the fireworks. By leaving the light on in the stable, you also make sure that flashes of light are less visible. If possible, also close the shutters.
Finally, it is also important that you take a look at them from time to time.
Are these tips not helping? Then it's best to contact a veterinarian for a calming supplement.
Photo by Arthur Chauvineau on Unsplash