The year is coming to an end and as per usual we'll end it with a bang. All the celebrations and parties may be fun for us, however some horses don't handle the loud noises that accompany this time of the year as well as others. HorseFitShop gives you some tips and tricks to ensure your equine friend survives New Year's Eve.
Horses are flight animals and their natural response to exciting situations and loud noises is to run. Horses don't take the time to figure out if the situation is in fact threatening, because it may very well be a predator they'll have to shake.
Thankfully, most horses don't get startled by fireworks and when your horse is relatively far away from the fireworks it tends to go off without a hitch. However, if you feel your horse is getting restless around loud, sudden noises or perhaps behaves anxiously, it might be wise to take some precautions.
#1 Don't behave any different yourself
Horses like structure, they are creatures of habit. Stick to your daily routine. This will give your horse confidence and will keep your equine friend calm. If your horse gets restless or anxious, don't hesitate to soothe it. Whilst soothing an animal used to be frowned upon, we think this notion is outdated and recommend to comfort your horse when necessary in exciting situations. The natural response is to run, however sometimes your horse might freeze instead. Comfort and support your horse by stroking it and talking to it. By touching your horse and giving it attention raises the oxycotin level in the equine nervous system which may reduce stress levels. In the future you could consider signing up for stress trainings. These sessions condition your horse and may reduce the fear of loud noises from fireworks.
#2 Keep your horse stabled or not?
To decide whether or nto to stable your horse at New Year's Eve it is recommended to keep a close eye on it on the days leading up to 31 December. Keep an eye out to see whether your horse remains comfortable when fireworks are lit in its vicinity. Considering a horse is a flight animal, make sure to check the paddock, pasture and stall for any items that might result in injuries when your horse is panicked. Barbed wire is never adviced to use as fencing, and during times like these even less so. Keep the stable hatches closed to prevent loose rockets from entering the stables.
#3 Offer distractions
Prevent boredom and offer distractions in the stable or pasture. Supply ample roughage and if you don't already, use a slow feeder. Your horse's intake is slowed down, meaning he'll have hay to eat for most of the night. This will distract from any noises outside. Leave a radio playing in the stable to offer alternative noises and muffle the noise of the fireworks. Additionally, you could leave the lights on to reduce the visibility of flashes.
#4 Move your horse temporarily
If your horse seems to stay restless despite taking precautions like the ones mentioned above, you could opt to move your horse to a place where there is less fireworks nuisance. Moving your horse can be stressful too, however most likely it will be less stressful than stabling your horse amidst fireworks.
#5 Supplements to support stress
There are several calming supplements available to support your horse during stressful situations like New Year's Eve. Don't forget to take the necessary precautions as well though. In case of severe stress due to fireworks you might consider feeding your equine friend
Puur Calm, which is perfect during temporary stressful events. There also calming pastes or gels which you can use; examples are the
Primeval Stressless Injectoror the
EQ Confidence Gel.
HorseFitShop has a wide range of supplements to support your horse if it is under stress.
We wish you a happy new year, void of any (fireworks) stress!