How to keep your horse safe during fireworks

The unexpected noises and bursts of light created by fireworks can be frightening for horses, but there are steps you can take to keep this time of year as stress-free as possible. Even if your horse isn’t usually worried by fireworks, it’s always worth being prepared.

Are horses scared of fireworks?

Horses and fireworks aren’t a good match. Research shows that 71% of horses are frightened of fireworks, and 41% become difficult to handle during this time of year. Over a third of horses in the UK have had an accident due to fireworks, and 69% of horse owners say they’re extremely concerned about their horse’s welfare during this season.

During this time of year, you might notice your horse showing signs of fear, including:

• Elevated heart rate
• Elevated respiration rate
• Muscle tremors
• Restlessness
• Pooping more often
• Stall walking
• Whinnying
• Lack of interest in food or water

If your horse has shown signs of fear or distress in the past, speak to your vet well before firework season and ask for their advice. They may be able to prescribe medication that can help. It’s also a good idea to speak with an equine behaviourist about how to desensitise your horse.

How to prepare for fireworks night

Fireworks night can be a stressful time for horses – and their owners. But planning ahead means you’ll be as prepared as possible.

Before fireworks night

As fireworks season starts, keep an eye on planned events and their locations. Local newspapers and community pages on social media are a good place to start. Ask neighbours if they plan on having any private events and explain the potential dangers. Many fireworks displays will be on or around Bonfire Night on 5th November, but fireworks are also commonly set off during Diwali, New Year and Chinese New Year celebrations.

Other things to tick off before fireworks season include:

• Check and update your fire evacuation plan
• Check fire extinguishers and alarms are up to date
• Make sure everyone knows the location of fire extinguishers and alarms, and also knows how to use them
• Create a rota so someone is always at the yard or field during a fireworks display
• Decide whether to turn your horse out or keep them in the stable
• If you’re turning your horse out but also have a stable, prepare this in case you decide to bring them in
• Check and restock your equine first aid kit
• Check your insurance, including third-party liability, is up to date

If you’re not sure whether to keep your horse in or turn them out, Petplan Equine’s veterinary expert, Juliette Edmonds, recommends keeping your horse’s routine as consistent as possible.

‘If horses are used to living out, then stabling them can actually end up being more stressful. But if you know your horse is worried by fireworks, or is a youngster who might be less predictable, you may want to keep them stabled so there’s less chance of them becoming injured if they panic.’ Playing music on a radio or speaker can help drown out some noise from fireworks, but it’s a good idea to get your horse used to this ahead of time.

If you are leaving your horse out, Juliette recommends checking your fencing is safe and robust, and that your horses have enough space so they can move a safe distance away from the fireworks. If a fireworks display is happening very close to your yard, Juliette also recommends moving your horses to distant premises during the fireworks season, if possible.

During firework displays

It’s a good idea for you or someone else to stay at the yard during a fireworks display. While there, offer your horse plenty of distractions such as extra hay, a treat ball or the occasional treat.

In between checking on your horse, use this time to tick off some yard jobs like deep-cleaning your tack, filling hay nets for the week ahead, or sorting out the feed room.

Remember that your stress levels can impact your horse, too. Stay calm and out of harm’s way – if your horse is panicking in the stable or field, try to avoid handling them in case you get injured. If your horse is showing signs of extreme stress, or has injured themselves, call your vet for advice.

The morning after

Whether your horse has been stabled or turned out, check them thoroughly for any signs of pain or injury. It’s also a good idea to check field boundaries and stable walls for any signs of damage. Also, check fields and water troughs for any stray fireworks or other debris that could injure your horse. 

If you have yard cameras, you can review the footage and see if anything happened overnight to spook your horse. If all seems well, keep an eye out for any additional displays and repeat the above steps until the season passes.

What to do when fireworks are a problem

If fireworks have caused your horse to spook and injure themselves, the first thing to do is call your vet. Having insurance gives you peace of mind if your horse does need any treatment.

Once any injuries have been assessed and treated, report the incident to the British Horse Society on its website or via its app. You can also view other reported incidents involving fireworks, to see if any other horse owners in your area have had issues.

Is it illegal to set fireworks off near horses?

There isn’t a specific fireworks and horses law, but fireworks shouldn’t be set off near livestock. If you’re worried that a display is too close to your yard or field, speak to the organiser and let them know your concerns.

In England and Wales, fireworks shouldn’t be set off between 11pm and 7am, although the evening cut-off is later on these dates:

• Bonfire Night: midnight
• New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year: 1am

In Scotland and Northern Ireland, the time limits and regulations are slightly different. If fireworks are being set off outside permitted times and you’re concerned about your horse’s safety, report this to the police.