How do you prepare your horse for fireworks?
- Heltie Horse
- May 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 12
Fireworks, you have probably heard them regularly around you. The time has come again and will only get worse in the coming period. For many horses it is not a problem and it causes little or no stress. But for some horses (and their owners) this is a very stressful period. In this blog we would therefore like to give you a number of tips for a New Year's Eve that is as stress-free as possible.
Tip 1: Provide sufficient roughage
If there is one thing that calms horses, it is chewing! Therefore, make sure that your horse has constant access to roughage. Chewing on this has a calming effect and is also directly calming for the stomach. The stomach acid is then neutralized by the saliva, which also reduces the chance of stomach ulcers.
Tip 2: Give calming herbs/supplements
If you know that your horse quickly experiences stress, choose to start with calming herbs or a supplement in time. Herbs and supplements do not paralyze the horse and do not prevent all stress, but they do support the processing of the tension. Horses can therefore experience stress at the moment itself, but if all goes well, they will deal with it more easily and can let the tension flow away better. They do not go overboard in the stress, which can prevent some panic. Think of a combination of chamomile and passion flower. A liquid supplement with these two herbs can also be used at the last minute!
Tip 3: Decide in advance whether you will keep your horse inside or outside
As owners we like to put our horses in the stable during New Year's Eve, this gives us a safe feeling. Safe in the box, lights on and possibly the radio loud. For many horses this also works great, they feel comfortable in their own stable and can find peace there. But there are also horses that you can better keep outside. They get stressed by the noise and the light and the fact that they can't see it and can't get away. Those horses are often calmer outside, then they see what's happening and have the feeling that they can get away if they want. Make sure that if you put your horse outside, then this is of course in a safe space and the fences are checked properly.
Tip 4: Give something tasty during New Year's Eve
Does your horse love carrots or would he kill for a certain slobber? Make sure you have this ready for New Year's Eve. Give your horse a good portion of this just before New Year's Eve. Then your horse will be nicely distracted, will be in a relaxed mode and will then be less aware of what is happening in the environment.
Tip 5: Stay close to your horse
Are you and your horse best friends? Then stay with your horse during New Year's Eve, move the party to the stable and make sure you can keep an eye on your buddy. Your calm presence ensures that the horse also feels safer and knows that it is okay. This can certainly help him to experience the fireworks less stressfully.
Tip 6: Don't tire your horse out!
Some people train hard just before New Year's Eve, because the horse is nice and tired when it is in the stable. This causes the horse to experience a form of stress, which can actually be counterproductive. Leave your horse alone earlier, a day off with its trusted herd mates. Don't go full steam ahead the next day either, New Year's Eve is mentally tough for the horse. Give your horse the peace to process everything and, for example, just go for a nice walk or cuddle.
Happy New Year!
All information in this article is sourced from
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