As much fun as a Fourth of July celebration can be for people, it’s a terrifying holiday for some horses. Horses that are skittish—and particularly noise-averse—might become unnerved if holiday fireworks are set off nearby. For that reason, horses and fireworks usually aren’t a good combo.
Horse Management Tips
If you’re worried about how your horse will react, take some precautions to keep everyone safe. Put him in a place that is familiar and secure—his stall or perhaps a small paddock. If you opt for a paddock or pasture, check the entire fence line and latches for areas of potential failure. A panicked horse bolting through a developed area on a dark summer night can lead to tragedy. If you keep your horse stabled, close the windows and doors to block out noise and firework flashes.
Either way, make sure your horse has plenty of hay to keep him busy and content. Offer it in a haynet or slow feeder for further distraction.
If your horse is accustomed to having music playing, consider placing a radio nearby turned up to high volume. A fan set to high can offer additional noise blocking. If your horse is already used to wearing earplugs (e.g., to avoid distractions when ridden), this is a good time to get them out. You can buy horse earplugs for a few dollars online or at your local tack shop.
For extremely reactive horses, sedation might be an option. Ask your veterinarian whether sedatives or a calming paste or supplement might be appropriate and, if so, what product he or she recommends. Keep in mind they would have to be timed to the fireworks display and you’d need to watch your horse carefully.
In Summary
Some horses are risks to themselves and others during firework celebrations, no matter how many precautions you take. If your barn is near lots of fireworks and this is the case, you might be better off moving your nervous horse to a quieter farm for the holiday.
Related Reading: Smart Strategies for Handling Anxious Horses
Parts of this article originally ran on EQUUS.
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