FIREWORKS ADVICE FOR GROOMS

The 5^th November can be momentous for many reasons but for the horses in our care it can mean stress and worry. The British Grooms Association has these top tips.

1 – Keep your horse in their familiar surroundings, a stable is often preferable, but if your horse is used to being kept out then don’t change their routine.

2 – If possible keep your horse with familiar company. Horses are herd animals and take comfort in each other.

3 – If your horse is nervous use cotton wool plugs in their ears to help reduce noise, or keep the radio on to help counteract any background noise.  

4 – Use food as a distraction. Giving the horse extra hay, a lick, or a stable toy can help to keep them occupied.

5 - Ensure that you or someone stays with your horse(s) to monitor them.

6 – Never put yourself in danger. Frightened horses can be dangerous so don’t try and go in to calm a frantic horse. If you know that a particular horse gets wound up by fireworks use protective leg wear and consider putting on a cooler before they get sweaty.

7 - If your horse is genuinely frightened speak to your vet about sedation options such as ACP tablets, Sedalin paste or Domosedan gel.

8 - Your yard should have a fire policy in place – now is an ideal time to ensure all of your emergency procedures are in place and that your fire extinguishers are serviced. Do not allow anyone to let fireworks off in close proximity to the stables.

Enjoy the fireworks but make sure your horses (and dogs) are safe and settled.