Yes, it’s that time of year again, when grown adults enjoy playing with fire and explosives. The rich history and tradition behind Guy Fawkes night remains largely unappreciated by our horses and ponies, who probably view the whole enterprise as a bore at best and possibly rather alarming.
Horses and ponies probably don’t appreciate the cultural significance of bonfire night
Desensitising horses is a proven strategy, but if you haven’t already started it is probably a little late now. The bangs, flashes, colours and smells of fireworks and bonfires are bound to disturb some horses, particularly those of a nervous disposition. Some sensible tips to help manage your horse or pony during the evenings around bonfire night include:
- finding out if there is a licensed fireworks event close to where your horse is kept
- maintaining a normal routine for your horse
- ensuring your field or stable is safe from stray falling fireworks or bonfire embers
- have somebody keep a watch on the yard and horses during the evening
- consider leaving the yard lights on overnight
- keep the number of your vet posted on the stable door
Susanna Ballinger, veterinary director at Ballinger Equine says: “Horses are flight animals, so it is hardly surprising if some become nervous or agitated when subjected to loud bangs, flashes or the smell of burning.”
“If you know your horse to be of a nervous disposition or suspect they are likely to become agitated and upset by fireworks, consider a calmer or a sedative. A calmer such as our own veterinary grade Calm Assist is best fed in the days leading up to the anticipated stressful event, such as fireworks night. Calm Assist can be purchased without prescription directly from our online pharmacy.”
Susanna adds: “However, some horses will become very stressed by fireworks. In such cases it is always best practice to contact your vet and discuss the option of a prescribed medicine sedative. Again, this is best administered prior to the onset of the stressor event to sedate your horse and prevent agitated behaviour.”
“It must be said though that horses are not necessarily frightened by fireworks. Indeed, I know of some who actually enjoy the show and most will not need anything at all. If in doubt talk to your vet and discuss what is best for your own horse or pony.”
Calm Assist is a nutraceutical and may be purchased without prescription. With a veterinary formulated combination of magnesium, L-tryptophan and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, it is designed to be fed as a nutritional adjunct to help maintain normal nervous function in potentially anxious and stress-prone horses and ponies. Available for purchase at the Ballinger Equine online pharmacy, through a Ballinger Equine veterinary surgeon, via the Practice office on 01462 414008 or by calling personally to the new practice dispensary, East Barn, Fairclough Hall Farm.
For competitors, the good news is that the entire Ballinger Equine branded range of supplements is guaranteed free of naturally occurring prohibited substances.
