Horse safety during fireworks season

Horse safety during fireworks season

Fireworks season can be a spectacular time of the year, but for horses and horse owners it can be a very anxious period with additional risks that need to be considered. 

Even normally placid horses can be terrified by unusually loud noises and flashing lights. With that in mind, it is vital to think about how to keep your horse as calm and safe as possible and to consider the risks that rockets, fountains and Roman candles flying overhead may cause.

These risks are relevant for horses that are stabled as well as those in the field, and the onus is on owners to ensure their animals are safe and comfortable.

Some actions to take in advance include:

Before the fireworks

• Always research social media and local news so that you know when and where firework events will take place. Let neighbours know you have horses and how they are impacted. This might discourage private displays.
• Your horse is likely to be more comfortable when following their normal routine.  Therefore bring horses into the stable before the celebrations begin if that is normal. For horses that prefer to be outside, ensure the field is as far away as possible from any potential fireworks displays.
• Leave lights on in the yard and stable and consider leaving a radio playing to lower stress levels. You should start this several nights before fireworks are due. [1]
• For horses that live at grass, check paddock fencing is safe and secure and make sure any loose fencing is fully repaired well in advance.
• It may be possible to prepare horses for fireworks by playing fireworks noise through speakers in advance, starting at a lower level and then increasing the volume. Horse and Rider magazine says even playing brass band music can help. But use slow, relaxing music to calm the horses down before the fireworks begin.[2]
• Bright LED lights which change colour alongside the music can also help horses cope with fireworks.
• Consider the risk of fire. Ensure stables are clean and tidy to reduce fire risk.  Know where your fire extinguishers are and test any fire alarms.

During the fireworks

• If you feel that you need to stay with your horse, keep a low profile out of their line of sight.
• Consider supplemental forage feeding for horses living outdoors, to reduce anxiety.
• For nervous horses, and for areas where the firework displays are close by, consider supplements which can help your horse stay calm.  Prescription sedatives may also be appropriate but consult your vet before use.

Can I prevent a firework display from taking place?

One of the questions horse owners ask the most at this time of year is whether they have any power to prevent a fireworks display because of the impact on their animals. The answer is mostly ‘no.’ In Northern Ireland, it is no longer possible to purchase certain outdoor fireworks without a licence, and in Scotland, they are looking to tighten laws, too, but there are no real laws that cover the impact that fireworks could have on horses and livestock.

However, there are some parameters. Fireworks must not be set off between 11pm and 7am, except for Guy Fawkes Night itself when the cut-off is extended to midnight. For New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, the cut-off is 1am. [3]The British Horse Society says the best action is to desensitise your horse to loud noises and flashing lights and to talk to your vet for advice.[4]

It is also important to have the right insurance cover in place. Cover is available through Howden for equestrian businesses and of course, horses and riders.

Horse and Pony insurance can cover mortality risk, life-saving surgical fees, vets’ fees and horse owner’s liability. It is also important to consider the risk of potential damage to buildings, for instance, due to fire. We have a range of property insurance products that can assist.