This blog post was written by: Levade

Firework and your horse
New Year's Eve can be a stressful time for horses, especially because of the noise and flashes of light from fireworks. In this blog, you will read some tips on how to deal with your horse's fireworks stress.

How do you recognise stress?
The most important thing to start this story is, of course, recognising stress. Horses are flight animals by nature, so they react quickly to changes in their environment. Stress signals can be subtle, so here are some key things to look out for:

Changes in behaviour.
Nervous behaviour - Frequent turning, head shaking, or moving restlessly in the stall or paddock.
Aggression - A horse that is normally calm may suddenly kick or bite at other horses or people.
Withdrawal - Some horses actually withdraw.

Physical changes
Sweating - Excessive sweating without physical exertion can be a sign of stress.
Accelerated breathing - A horse breathing rapidly without exertion.
Muscle tremors - You may see slight tremors or tension in their muscles, especially in the neck or flanks.

Unusual eating or drinking habits
Reduced appetite - A stressed horse may refuse to eat or drink.
Chewing movements without eating - This may indicate nervousness or tension.

Stereotypic behaviour.
In some horses, you may see stereotypical behaviour such as weaving, cribbing or wind-sucking becoming more prominent. This can also be a sign of stress.

Tips against fireworks stress
1. Get your horse used to the sound.
If you know your horse is sensitive to noise, you can get him used to fireworks noises well in advance. For example, play fireworks sounds at a low volume while grooming so that your horse gradually gets used to them. Increase the volume only when you see that your horse is comfortable.

2. Provide a safe environment.
Put your horse in a place where he feels safe, such as in his stable or a well-fenced paddock. Check the surroundings for any dangerous objects. A horse that panics can injure itself, so a quiet, familiar place is very important.

3. Stay calm yourself.
Horses are masters at picking up on human emotions. Stay calm yourself and act as if nothing special is going on. If you are relaxed, your horse is more likely to remain calm too.

4. Distraction
A simple trick is to keep your horse occupied with food. For example, give hay or a lick to distract him from the noise outside. This not only helps to shift focus, but also has a calming effect. Another trick often used is to turn on the radio. Music has a calming effect for some horses.

5. A ‘night light’.
Leave a lamp on in the stable so that the flashes of fireworks are less noticeable. This can help reduce fear of sudden flashes of light.

6. Don't let them be be alone
If possible, stay in the stable with your horse. This way, you can reassure him/her if he/she really panics. If you cannot be with your horse yourself on New Year's Eve, ask some help of a stablemate orsomebody else to keep an eye on your horse. This way, together you can make sure your horse stays safe.

With these preparations, you can hopefully make New Year's Eve a little less stressful for you and your horse.

We wish you and your horse(s) a happy and above all healthy and safe New Year!