Fireworks, pyrotechnics, loud noises, bonfires, bangs and flashes frighten horses, ponies and pets. As carers for our animals we all have a duty to ensure they are safe and healthy and looked after in a calm, secure environment. As the fifth of November celebrations draw near, bonfires and fireworks can be a serious cause for concern and our horses and ponies will need some help to keep calm.
Bonfires, bangs and bangers – not so nice for our animals
Every year in the run up to Guy Fawkes night, animal owners worry about the stress their pets suffer from bonfires and pyrotechnics. We know fire, acrid smoke, bangs and bright flashes all cause stress to horses and ponies as well as to other animals. So consider taking some basic precautions to reduce stress in your horse or pony during the bonfires and fireworks this autumn:
- Talk with your neighbours and your local authority about the scheduling of local fireworks parties
- Continue with a steady, calm, uninterrupted routine for your horse or pony
- Ensure your horse’s field shelter, barn or stable is safe from stray fireworks or bonfire embers
- Have your livery yard arrange a watch rota when bonfires are lit nearby
- Consider leaving the yard lights on overnight
- Maybe even leave a radio on at a low volume in the stables throughout the night
- Keep the number of your vet posted clearly on the stable door
Dr Susanna Ballinger, Clinical Director at Ballinger Equine says:
“It is the same every fireworks season. The practice receives hundreds of requests for help from worried horse and pony owners and livery yard managers. Concerned owners seeking advice as to how they can keep their pets, horses and ponies calm during fireworks. It is hardly surprising that the smells and sounds of burning and the bangs and flashes of fireworks, all trigger agitation, distress and even fear in animals.”
Dr Ballinger continues: “Our own dogs get stressed by fireworks and it is upsetting for owners who can feel powerless to protect their pets. Planning seems impossible as fireworks are on open sale for weeks and private bonfire parties aren’t regulated. In addition, some people seem to take pleasure in discharging fireworks just for the sake of it, without any regard for the welfare of animals.”
Act now to take measures to keep your horse safe and calm
“Our advice is that if you have a nervous horse and you know there will be fireworks and bonfires close to where your horse is kept, please don’t wait until the fifth of November. Get in touch with your vet now and discuss the option of a prescribed medicine sedative. This may be administered prior to the onset of the stressor event to sedate your horse and prevent agitated behaviour.”
Ballinger Equine Calm Assist for your horse
For horses and ponies known to suffer stress reactions, a high quality feed supplement calmer fed in accordance with your vet’s instructions can be a big help. Ballinger Equine’s own veterinary grade Calm Assist can be purchased without prescription directly from our online shop and is best given in feed in the days leading up to the anticipated stressful event.
Calm Assist comprises a veterinary formulated combination of magnesium, L-tryptophan and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, designed to be fed as a nutritional adjunct to help maintain normal nervous function in potentially anxious and stress-prone horses and ponies. It may be obtained directly via the Ballinger Equine online shop, through a Ballinger Equine veterinary surgeon or by ‘phoning the Practice office on 01462 414008.
For equestrian sporting competitors, the good news is that the entire Ballinger Equine branded range of supplements is guaranteed free of naturally occurring prohibited substances.
