Many horse owners will be familiar with the feeling of dread during evenings of loud bangs and bright lights, not knowing what situation awaits at the yard in the morning.
With the autumn months well underway and fireworks season around the corner, it’s quite natural to be feeling apprehensive.
Whilst it can be an anxiety inducing time for both horses and owners, Catrin George, Animal Wellbeing Specialist at horse and rider insurance provider, Animal Friends Pet Insurance has teamed up with Charlie Lewis from horse rescue and rehabilitation charity, The Hugs Foundation, to share some top tips to help ease the stress leading up to Bonfire Night:
Prepare before the night itself
Charlie says: “It is common in the dog world to desensitise to loud noises and fireworks by using recordings and positive reinforcement, such as a treat. This can also work with horses. Starting at a volume that your horse can cope with and gradually increasing the volume over the course of several days can be very useful preparation.
“Allowing your horse to get used to loud, sudden noises before Bonfire Night may help the evening be less stressful.
“Other useful preparation includes ensuring that all fencing is secure in the field and there’s nothing potentially dangerous wherever the horse will be staying during the night.
“Of course, it goes without saying that if you are able to be with your horse during any loud festivities, it could also help to keep them calm, but always remember to keep yourself safe too as they can behave unpredictably when anxious. For very nervous horses, horses who are known to be very stressed by loud noises, or horses for whom stress may make current or previous medical issues worse, a discussion with your vet may be needed. They will be able to advise whether sedation may be a good idea for your individual horse to help them cope.”
Inside or outside?
Charlie comments: “Leaving horses inside or outside during the firework season is a hotly debated topic on equine chat rooms, and everyone has their own opinion on what is best. The fact of the matter is there are pros and cons to both sides, and the decision will depend on the individual horses and management practices available.
“As a rule, horses are more likely to stress when there are sudden changes to routine. For most horses, keeping them in the routine they are used to will be the best bet, as this allows your horse to settle in comfortably. However, even if you don’t change your routine, having someone around to keep an eye on everything and reacting to the situation as the night progresses is often a good idea but needs to be done carefully as a scared horse can react quickly and unpredictably.
Sticking to the stables
Charlie says: “The logic behind stabling horses makes sense to humans as we tend to feel safest indoors, and logically it makes sense that our horses would feel the same way. For some horses, those that are used to being stabled, this might be the case.
“Although they will still be able to hear the fireworks, when indoors they are sheltered from the flashing lights that may cause distress. The environment can also be controlled better in a stable and having classical music playing on the radio can help drown out the noise of the fireworks. Stabling a horse also means they cannot run around, potentially injuring themselves.
One for the outdoors
Charlie adds: “On the flip side, some horses find stabling difficult and adding the stress of fireworks to the equation may make it too much for them. Some horses will stress in the stable and attempt to get out, causing themselves injuries in the process.
“Horses are flight animals, so for some the concept of being trapped in a confined space can make them feel unsafe and unable to escape from whatever frightens them. These horses may be safer in the field with a quiet companion. Being able to see what is causing the noise can be beneficial for these horses, so remaining outdoors can be helpful for them.
During the display
Charlie comments: “During the display, whether indoors or outdoors, close monitoring of your horse is advised to ensure that they are as relaxed as possible. It is difficult to judge exactly how a horse will react until they are put in the situation, so even the best laid plans can unravel. Being present means you can react in the moment to diffuse a situation should one be necessary.”
When the party’s over
Charlie suggests: “Having a thorough check of the environment is always a good idea as fallen debris may be in the horse’s turnout area. This can be dangerous to the horses, both externally if they stand on it, as well as internally if they try to eat it.
“On top of this, you should check the stables and turnout area for damage, especially if you were not able to be there to witness the horse’s behaviour. Horses are large animals and can cause damage to their fields and stabling when stressed, so having a walk around and a check can ensure their safety in the days to follow.
Catrin George adds “Sky lanterns in particular can have a devastating impact on horses. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) urges local authorities, community groups and private individuals celebrating Bonfire Night not to release sky lanterns1. it’s important to be vigilant in checking any fields and hedgerows as the wire used in the frames can cause serious injuries if encountered or ingested.”
We know these months are particularly difficult for some horse owners, often feeling conflicted between enjoying the fireworks themselves, but fearing the effect it might have on their horses, and other animals. Following The Hugs Foundation’s expert top tips can really help your horse through any particularly loud events, and hopefully help put your mind at ease too!”
For more info on horse and rider insurance, or for more advice on calming other animals during fireworks season, visit: https://www.animalfriends.co.uk/dog/dog-advice/dog-training-and-behaviour/how-to-calm-your-pet-during-the-fireworks/
