This handy guide from Dengie helps to reduce the stress your horse suffers on Bonfire Night…
Remember, remember the fifth of November - and a week or so either side - can be a really anxious time for horses and ponies, so it's really important that we do as much as we can to help.
It's not the actual bonfires that are the problem - it's the fireworks that shriek, hiss and explode with great force, lighting up the sky. Providing your horse with a welcome distraction is the key to keeping him as calm as possible. Here are some top tips:
Remember, remember the fifth of November - and a week or so either side - can be a really anxious time for horses and ponies, so it's really important that we do as much as we can to help.
It's not the actual bonfires that are the problem - it's the fireworks that shriek, hiss and explode with great force, lighting up the sky. Providing your horse with a welcome distraction is the key to keeping him as calm as possible. Here are some top tips:
- A fibre feed such as Dengie's Hi-Fi Lite and Alfa-A Original is both low in sugar and starch, and will keep him occupied for quite some time, thanks to their slow chew times.
- Keep an eye out for any displays in your area and let event organisers and households planning to let off fireworks in your neighbourhood know that there are horses nearby so that they can site their displays accordingly.
- Make sure that you keep to your horse's normal routine and familiar environment. Change is unsettling and things need to remain as natural as possible.
- Check paddocks to ensure there is nothing that could injure your horse should it become distressed. Don't forget to look out for firework débris once the events are over.
- Ensure that fencing is in good repair and there are no breaks in hedges.
- A Dengie Stable Lick or a snack ball containing Alfalfa Pellets can help to keep your horse busy and his mind off any unfamiliar sounds.
- Hanging root vegetables such a turnips and carrots - or hazel twigs - from the stable ceiling will help to bust the boredom and keep your horse amused.
- Stuffing forage into a fine-gauge hay net - or placing one inside the other - will make sure that it lasts for much longer and keeps the horse busy munching.
- Remain with your horse during planned displays and use a radio to muffle any sudden loud noise.
- If, from previous experience, you know that your horse is likely to become extremely distressed, it might be a good idea to talk to your vet about sedation.
- Keep your vet's contact details handy.
- Never ride where there are planned firework displays.
- Make sure you have an emergency fire procedure in place.