30/10/2026
FIREWORKS SEASON 🎆
As Bonfire Night approaches, a lot of horse owners will be feeling quite anxious about how their horses will cope with the noise and flashes of fireworks. A common question we get asked is what can I do to help my horses to cope with firework season, so we’ve put together some tips:
1) Create a safe space – make sure they have somewhere secure and comfortable with access to forage and water
2) Provide distractions via companions, background noise, toys or treats, etc.
3) Use earplugs to mask the noise (you can either buy purpose-made options, or a big ball of cotton wool can work just as well!)
4) Consider the addition of calming supplements, or if your horse is especially nervous it may be worth considering oral sedatives/relaxants such as:
- ACP – an anti-anxiety drug that provides mild-moderate sedation. This is useful for horses that aren’t too frightened but just need something to help take the edge off.
- Detomidine – a sedative drug which provides slightly stronger sedation than ACP and is useful in horses that need a higher level of sedation.
Sedatives/anti-anxiety drugs are prescription-only, and we must have listened to your horse’s heart within the last 12 months to be able to prescribe it without seeing them first. If you are wondering whether your horse might benefit from an oral calmer/sedative ahead of Bonfire Night then please call us on 01772 861300 to have a chat with one of our vets.
