Fireworks: 7 tips to keep your horse safe and calm

December 15, 2025 Fiebe De Win

8 min

Fireworks: 7 tips to keep your horse safe and calm

How to keep your horse safe and calm during fireworks

We like fireworks, as long as they are far, far , very far away from our horses. And unfortunately, that is not the case for most fireworks displays.

Fireworks can be extremely frightening for horses, whose sensitive hearing, seeing and flight instinct make sudden loud noises and bright flashes very stressful . Understanding this is the first step in keeping your horse safe during fireworks season!

A horse in distress may give in to their flight instinct, hurting themselves in the process . But even horses that don't run can experience stress- related problems such as trembling, rapid heartbeat, or digestive problems.

How to keep your horse safe and calm during fireworks?

Whether your horse will be totally stressed or completely zen , it's good to be prepared before the fireworks display . If you have known your horse for a longer time, you might know exactly what to expect. But with a new or younger horse, it's best to prepare for different possibilities : will you have a stressed or a zen horse?

Here are 8 tips to keep your horse as calm and safe as possible during fireworks :

Stay nearby

If you feel like the experience of fireworks s will be stressful for your horse, or have no idea how they will react, stay nearby. Make sure you or someone else is close to check on your horse during the display.

Monitor your horse's behavior during the fireworks display . If you feel like your horse is easily stressed out and reactive , it might be a good idea to provide them with a calming supplement . Prequalm from Unika provides a gentle, reliable calming effect. And because it works best when given 3 hours in advance, you can prepare your horse calmly and stress-free, long before the excitement begins.

Play some background music

Some horses are comforted by soft background noise , such as the radio . A phone with a Bluetooth connection to a music box does the trick just as well!

Practice this a few times beforehand to make sure your horse will not freak out by the sound . Maybe tune into a few different channels to see which music your horse prefers , p op or classical? 🎶

Sometimes, music is just not enough. Tranquility by DH Solutions is perfect for short-term stress. It can be administered from 45 minutes up to 3 0 minutes before the stressful event.

Provide plenty of forage

Keep your horse busy and distracted on the night of the fireworks by providing plenty of hay or slow feeders. Their m unching might also mask the loud noises from outside.

A bucket with Vitalbix ' Pure Lucerne+ keeps them busy, stimulates chewing and saliva production and supports healthy digestion. Getting food during a stressful event might also create a positive association !

Provide an activity

Just before the fireworks , you can provide your horse with a Unika Ball. The introduction of something new might distract them from what's going on in the air and spark curiosity and attention to this new (tasty!) thing.

The Unika Prequalm Ball consists of natural ingredients (magnesium, passion flower and lemon balm) and supports in managing stress and nervousness. I deal for horses that might need some help with their body emotions.

Depending on horse: block or show the fireworks

Some horses are calmer when they don't see the exploding lights, others tend to become more stressed when they can't see what's going on.

If you're not sure which type your horse is , we have prepared a little test!

When does your horse feel safest ?

When they can see what's happening .
When their environment is quiet and visually calm .

Has your horse experienced fireworks before, how did they react?

My horse led it well and/ or even seemed curious .
My horse s howed signs of stress such as not being able to stand still, sweating, widened eyes, snorting, calling out t ,...

What is your horse's body language like during excitement?

Ears forward, maybe a little more alert but steady . It's easy for them to calm down again after a more stressful experience.

High head, tight muscles, tail clamped or swishing nervously . Becoming calm takes a long time and their emotions stay clear for a long time after a stressful experience.

How does your horse usually react to flashing lights or moving objects?

Watches with interest or curiosity .

Shies away, snorts, or even turns their heads to avoid looking .

Does your horse enjoy or tolerate new sights and sounds?

My horse s tays calm or curious when hearing loud noises (tractors, thunder, dogs barking) . They can become a little tense, but they stay present .

My horse g ets very tense, startled, tries to flee , or freezes completely (then explodes) when something unexpected happens .

🐴 More questions answered with 1? Your horse will benefit the most from seeing it all. Optionally, you can reduce sensory input with earplugs * , but if you use them, make sure your horse can still stay relaxed and aware of their surroundings.

🐎 More questions answered with 2? Block visual distractions by closing barn doors and windows. You can reduce the sensory input with earplugs * . It might be a good idea to introduce your horse to a few calming supplements, such as the ones available on Equicom . No need to consult a veterinarian for these, they are 100% safe!

💡 * Important note for earplugs: introduce them beforehand, do not use them for the first time on the night itself!

If you want to introduce a calming supplement into your routine's horse, Calm MG by Unika is a great option . For daily use, simply mix it into their feed as needed; its syrupy texture makes it very tasty and easy for horses to enjoy.

Keep their schedule consistent on the day of the fireworks

On the day of the fireworks, make sure they are fed at the same time and get turned out as usual. Sudden changes might give your horse unnecessary stress.

Introducing a calming supplement a few days beforehand can calm your horse that's type 2:Relaxfrom Global Medics is available in powder form , and has a calming effect on horses sensitive to stress.

Call a vet in case of doubt, signs of extreme stress or possible injuries

If you notice signs of extreme stress, unusual behavior, or possibly injuries , don't hesitate to call your vet. It's always better to be safe and get professional advice than to risk your horse's well-being. Even if you're unsure, a quick check-in can prevent small issues from turning into serious problems.

Talk to your vet before the big night to see if they'll be available. That way, you'll know exactly who to call if anything comes up.

Horses during fireworks

Fireworks can be stressful for horses, but with good preparation, you can help your horse feel safe and calm. Whether it's keeping them busy with hay or slow feeders, providing soft background noise, or knowing when to let them see or block the lights, every small effort counts. A calming supplement will help your horse feel calm and keep them comfortable on such a busy night.

And remember: your horse will be very grateful for every effort you put in. Take it one step at a time and trust your instincts as a horse lover. Your care, attention, and small thoughtful actions make a big difference to your horse. Thanks to you, your horse will feel safe!

🐴 Key Takeaways

Fireworks can trigger stress in horses, but preparation helps keep them safe and calm.
Monitor your horse's behavior and provide distractions such as hay, slow feeders, or a Unika Ball .