How to Keep Your Horse Calm and Safe on Bonfire Night

Horses, as naturally flighty animals, often find Bonfire Night challenging due to fireworks' loud noises and flashing lights. While some remain unbothered, many become stressed or frightened, which can lead to dangerous behaviours such as bolting or rearing. Understanding how to best manage your horse during this time is crucial for its safety and wellbeing.

1. Understand Your Horse's Usual Behaviour

Know your horse’s typical reactions to noise and changes in routine. Horses commonly respond to sudden loud noises with fear, activating their flight response. If your horse is usually stabled at night, keeping it in the field might increase its stress, and vice versa. Try to maintain its usual routine as closely as possible during the Bonfire Night period.

Providing a familiar environment can reduce anxiety. For example, if your horse normally lives out, moving it to a place quieter and away from firework displays might help, but sudden environment changes can also cause distress. Observe your horse closely to determine what suits it best.

2. Stay Present and Supervise

Whenever possible, stay with your horse during fireworks to provide reassurance and intervene if necessary. Your calm presence can help soothe your horse’s fears. If you must leave, arrange for a trusted person to keep an eye on your horse and know how to react in an emergency.

Here are some practical ways to keep your horse occupied and safe:

• Keep the routine consistent to provide a sense of normality.
• Distract your horse with grooming, feeding, or toys such as a lickit in a holder to occupy them.
• When tying the horse for grooming, always use a quick-release panic clip on the headcollar to prevent injury if it panics.
• Identify local firework events and their timings so you can prepare accordingly.
• Leaving a radio playing quietly in the yard can help mask firework sounds, and keeping stable lights on can reduce the impact of sudden flashes.

3. Use Calming Products Appropriately

Several over-the-counter calming products designed for horses can be helpful during stressful situations like Bonfire Night. These are commonly magnesium-based supplements that need to be given in advance to build effectiveness, usually by mixing them into feed over several days. Alternatively, some products offer quicker relief when administered directly via a syringe.

Effectiveness varies between horses, so it often takes trial and error to find the best product. Always follow product guidelines carefully and consult your vet if unsure or if your horse has underlying health issues.

4. Maintain Calm and Confident Handling

Your horse will pick up on your emotions, so it’s important to remain calm and confident during stressful moments. Horses look to their handlers for reassurance and leadership, especially when frightened. If you feel overwhelmed or unsafe, it’s better to ask someone more experienced to manage your horse in these situations.

Never put yourself at risk trying to restrain a panicked horse. Prioritise safety for both yourself and your horse at all times.

5. Understand Fireworks Season and Legal Protections

Bonfire Night falls on November 5th, but fireworks are often set off in the days before and after this date, including weekends before or after if the date is midweek. New Year’s Eve is another common time for fireworks.

In the UK, fireworks are regulated by the Fireworks Act 2003, which sets noise and nuisance limits, including an 11pm curfew generally, extended to midnight on Bonfire Night and 1am on New Year’s Eve. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, causing unnecessary suffering to animals through fireworks is an offence, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.

While legal recourse exists, horse owners benefit most from proactive communication. Speak to neighbours holding fireworks displays to inform them about your horses and request consideration to minimise distress. Many owners on shared yards take turns watching horses and check paddocks after displays for dangerous firework debris.

6. Prepare Your Horse’s Environment

Safety in the environment is key. Remove or secure anything sharp or loose that could injure your horse should they spook. Ensure fencing is secure to prevent escape, and consider moving your horse to a quieter field if possible.

Using background noise like radios and keeping lights on can reduce the impact of sudden sensory inputs during evenings when fireworks commonly occur.

7. Know When to Seek Veterinary Advice

If your horse is severely distressed despite environmental management and calming aids, consult your vet. They may recommend prescription calming supplements or sedation for use on particularly difficult nights.

Early veterinary advice is important if your horse’s Bonfire Night experience leads to ongoing anxiety or health changes such as loss of appetite or weight loss.

Conclusion

Bonfire Night can be a stressful occasion for horses, but with careful preparation, calm handling, and sensible environmental management you can greatly reduce risks and help keep your horse safe and comfortable. Remember to maintain routines where possible, be present or have someone you trust supervise, and communicate with your community about firework events. Using calming products and vet advice when necessary will also support your horse through this challenging time.

For responsible owners, understanding and anticipating your horse’s needs during fireworks season really can make a difference to their welfare and safety.

For more about caring for horses responsibly and buying or finding horses for sale, visit trusted sources and reputable horse breeders.