It’s firework season, 4th of July and you know what that means?! Endless BBQ-ing, using the garden hose to cool down in the hot summer sun (because our trusty above-ground swimming pool finally decided to spring a leak), a big firework display, and late-night sparkler fun for the kids.
However, it’s not all fun and games for our four-legged friends. Fireworks trigger our fight or flight response and it’s no different for our horses. Horses are naturally prey animals so when their fight or flight is triggered they respond as if their life is being threatened.
I’ve gathered the three best ways you can ease your horse’s firework jitters this season.
Desensitize
You can do this by streaming firework sounds for your horse. Anybody who has been around green horses knows that desensitization is key to a “bomb proof” (or in this case, a “firework proof”) horse. Of course, you’d want to do this before the 4th of July to help your horse get used to the sound.
Keep Them in a Familiar Space
For the love of everything holy if you know your horse suffers from anxiety caused by loud noises, please do not decide to take them out on a trail ride on the evening of the fourth because it will most likely turn into a rodeo. Quick. Instead, keep them in their familiar space whether that be their turnout, box stall, pasture, or arena. Think about it. When you have anxiety does it make it worse when you are out and about? They feel the same way.
Hang Out With Your Horse
I know it’s fun going out, watching fireworks, and celebrating #merica but your horse may need you more than your friends do. If you do decide to stay back with your horse simply hang out with them for the evening and remain calm when they begin to get jittery. Our horses look to us for reassurance and they can feed off of our energy so when you’re calm, it helps them to do the same.
Remember, the Fourth of July can be triggering for many so take it easy and maybe spend the evening with your horse instead. I mean, you can still have fun at the barn with some music, a camping chair, and the company of your beloved equine.
What do you do for the Fourth of July? Does your horse get jittery with the sound of fireworks blasting in multiple directions or do you have one of those “firework-proof” horses? I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to drop a comment below or message me on my personal Instagram at @unbridledmama.
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