12 Tips to Keep Your Horse Stress Free

Fireworks are a much-loved way of celebrating many special occasions in the UK, including New Year’s Eve, Bonfire night and Diwali. However, these celebrations can be a worrisome time for us horse owners. The loud bangs and flashing lights can shake even the calmest of horses and in some situations it can become dangerous.

A Blue Cross survey carried out in 2020 found that 69% of horse owners were concerned about the welfare of their horse on the lead up to New Year. Nobody wants to see their four-legged friend distressed, but the good news is that there are some ways to help you minimise your horse’s stress.

Here are 12 ways to simple ways to keep your horse as stress-free as possible over firework season.

1. Find out about local firework displays.
Perhaps the most important thing to do ahead of firework season is to check for any displays happening near you. Local newspapers and social media can help you with this and you can discuss private displays with neighbours.

They key here is to get the information well in advance so you can plan accordingly.

2. Stick to your routine as closely as possible
Your horse is more likely to remain calm in a familiar environment so stick as closely to your normal routine as if possible. For example, try to keep horses with their usual companions and keep stabled horses in the stable.

Fielded horses can continue to live out providing there are no firework displays taking place nearby.

3. Plan ahead
If you decide it is safer to stable your fielded horse, get into the routine ahead of any planned events. Stabling your horse on the night can add to your horse’s distress, so give him a few weeks to adjust to his new environment and set up the stable to replicate how it will be on the night.

4. Be stable savvy
Make sure there are no items that could cause injury or harm to your horse if he spooks. Look out for protruding nails, trip hazards, and keep equipment like radios well out of reach.

5. Secure your pasture
Check that your field is safe, secure and away from any firework displays if you plan to keep your horse fielded. A frightened horse can build up enough speed to potentially strain muscles or catch themselves on a fence.

6. Stay with your horse
If possible, plan to stay with your horse. This way, you’ll be able to observe his behaviour and react quickly to any signs of upset. If you notice your horse getting agitated, try to remain as calm as possible. Horses can sense unease in people which can worsen their anxiety.

7. Set up a rota with other owners
Set up a rota to cover peak firework periods if you share a yard with other owners. Even better, make a night of it – wrap up warm, bring your flasks and snacks then settle down for a night with your fellow horsey-friends.

8. Find an experienced ‘horse-sitter’
Or, if you can’t be there yourself, think about asking an experienced person to go in your place. Leave clear instructions for what to do should any trouble arise and leave both yours and your vet’s contact details in case of an emergency.

9. Create distractions
The more distractions the better! Leave plenty of hay out (even in fields), invest in some horse balls to prevent boredom and for stabled horses, put the radio on to muffle any bangs.

10. Do not ride your horse
You should not ride your horse where there is a risk that fireworks will go off. Even the calmest of horses can become startled putting you both at risk of injury.

11. Check for firework discards
Carefully check the yard, field, and stable for any firework discards after locally held displays. It can become dangerous for your horse should he accidentally consume them.

12. Check for injuries
If you were unable to stay with your horse, check for injuries the morning after. Your horse may have overreached or ran into something after being spooked.