Keeping your horse calm during the firework season

Don't fear firework season!

Liquid supplements are easily and quickly absorbed by your horse

Firework season is just around the corner, if you have a horse with a nervous nature or prone to increased stress levels at this time of year, you may want to start thinking about how your management and feeding could have a positive impact for the season and potential challenges ahead.

Top tips for stabled horses

  • If your horse is particularly stressed by fireworks it is advisable to bring them in to the stable but try to stick to their normal routine as much as possible
  • Horses who are stabled tend to be more settled if they can see a horsey friend in a stable nearby
  • Keep the lights on - This helps dim the flash of fireworks to reduce spooky behaviour
  • Playing a radio in the evening or even overnight can help settle horses and distract them from the sudden noise of fireworks
  • Play the radio before firework season begins so your horse can become accustomed to it
  • Provide plenty of forage - Both the forage itself and the saliva created by chewing help to settle the stomach and reduce feelings of stress
  • Check the stable is safe and secure - check for protrusions and make sure the door can securely close

Top tips for horses who are turned out

  • Nervous horses who are left out can get stressed and run around, risking injury to themselves

  • It is perfectly acceptable to leave horses turned out if they are used to fireworks or do not get overly stressed, as many are happy standing in a herd watching from afar

  • For horses left out in the field overnight, check field safety and make sure they are well secured

  • Horses left out can be occupied by the addition of piles of hay, so long as this doesn’t cause them to fight with each other over possession - always make sure there is 1 extra pile to the numbers of horses in the field, and that they are spaced well


Top tips for you

  • If you need to feed a calming supplement, buy in advance so you have it ready and waiting
  • If you know your horse will be stressed, talk to your vet and discuss the possibilities of sedation
  • Plan an evening or late-night check to keep your mind at ease, ask someone experienced to be with you if you feel unsure
  • Maintain a similar routine, remembering you may need to make small changes to limit the risk of injury
  • Be aware of when local events are planned to help you feel less stressed yourself
  • Read local press, local social media pages, local noticeboards and listen to your local radio
  • Have a friendly chat with your closest neighbours, ask them to let you know if they are planning on having fireworks as this will help you prepare, and help their understanding too
  • Remaining calm yourself can have a very positive effect on your horse

Be prepared in good time by feeding a calming supplement and/or a calming feed balancer 

 Blue Chip Karma

Blue Chip Karma can be fed as and when needed as it contains a water-soluble form of magnesium which can be quickly absorbed into the blood stream. Karma is boosted by additional beneficial vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and L-tryptophan, included as a pre-cursor for the hormone serotonin, the ‘feel-good’ hormone. Karma does not contain any banned or prohibited substances and is completely safe to use daily or as a single dose as required. 

Feed a balancer to ensure your pony/horse continues to receive the vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need to maintain long term good health. Even better, choose a balancer (such as Blue Chip Calming Feed Balancer) which includes a targeted supplement for calming if your horse has related needs. For example, if your horse is likely to become on edge from being stabled more, or from a decreased winter workload. Blue Chip Calming feed balancer is fed daily to help settle horses over a longer period of time.

Our feed advisors are here to help!

Email: info@bluechipfeed.com

Call: 0114 266 6200

Social: @bluechipfeed