Keeping Horses Safe and Calm During 4th of July Fireworks

A list of the best tips that keep horses safe and calm during firework season.

If you are like me, you might be scouring the internet to find out how to keep a horse calm and safe around or near firework displays. We do not have control over what our neighbors explode, but we can help keep our horses calm during fireworks. So here are a few tips from veterinarians and top trainers all in one place!

🐴If the horse has a volatile history of being scared, talk to the vet about a sedative.

🐴Check gates, fences, and corral panels-no one wants a scared horse running loose.

🐴Don't separate them from their friends-a calm horse can provide confidence to its scared partner.

🐴Equine ear plugs and and other calming aids are available

🐴Train for earplugs before the 4th

🐴Late feeding may keep them occupied

🐴Play radios with soothing music, loud enough to muffle some of the sounds

🐴Keep the lights on to minimize flashes of light

🐴When it's over, check fence gates and pastures again for weak spots.

I hope these tips keep you and your equine friends safe this year, and next year we can all look for awesome desensitizing clinics to help our critters through the next Fourth of July Fireworks show.

References:

Equine, T. (2016, June 27). Horses & Fireworks: Keeping Them Safe. Tacomaequine. Retrieved July 2, 2022, from https://www.tacomaequine.com/post/2016/06/27/horses-fireworks-keeping-them-safe

Introducing & Teaching a Horse to Accept Ear Plugs- Rick Gore Horsemanship. (2011, February 7). [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzXLNgUR6zw

Chicksd Discount Saddlery. (n.d.).Chicks Discount Saddlery. Retrieved Dec 12, 2023, from https://www.chicksaddlery.com/equinavia-ear-budz-3-pairs