As Bonfire Night approaches, horse owners across the UK start to worry about one thing: fireworks. While we love a good display lighting up the sky, our horses don’t always share the excitement. Loud bangs, bright flashes and sudden movements can cause extreme stress, leading to anxiety, injury or even dangerous behaviour.
Here are some practical steps to help keep your horse safe and calm during fireworks season.
1. Plan Ahead
Preparation is everything. Check local events, community pages, and social media for planned fireworks displays near your stables or home. If you know when and where displays are happening, you can make arrangements in advance such as stabling your horse earlier, playing background noise, or staying with them for reassurance.
2. Create a Calm Environment
If your horse is normally turned out at night, consider stabling them during fireworks displays, provided they are comfortable inside. Keep lights on in the stable to reduce the impact of flashing lights, and play calming music or radio to mask sudden noises.
Some owners find that horses kept in groups, where they can see and reassure each other, cope better than those isolated alone.
3. Use Calming Aids
There are a variety of calming supplements and sprays that can help soothe nervous horses. Look for products that contain ingredients such as magnesium, L-tryptophan, or herbal blends designed to reduce anxiety naturally.
At Nags Essentials we stock a range of trusted brands that support relaxation and focus, especially useful during stressful periods like Bonfire Night.
4. Stay Calm Yourself
Horses are incredibly sensitive to human emotions. If you stay calm, confident, and reassuring, it helps them feel more secure. Avoid making sudden movements or reacting strongly to noises. Act as though everything is normal and your horse is more likely to follow your lead.
5. Safety First
Even the most placid horse can react unpredictably to fireworks. Double check stable doors, gates, and fencing to make sure they’re secure. If your horse is turned out, ensure there are no hazards such as barbed wire or low hanging branches that could cause injury if they spook.
6. Consider Desensitisation
In the long term, gradual desensitisation can help reduce fear of fireworks and other loud noises. Playing low volume recordings of fireworks in a safe environment can help your horse become accustomed to the sounds over time.
7. After the Event
Once the fireworks have finished, check your horse for any signs of injury or stress, and provide extra hay or a treat as a distraction. Keep an eye on them for the next few days as sometimes the effects of stress can show up later.
🐴 Keep Calm and Carry On
With a little preparation and the right approach, Bonfire Night doesn’t have to be a nightmare for your horse. Every horse is different, but by staying proactive and calm, you can help them feel safe and secure when the skies light up.
