Horses and fireworks are not a good combination, so many horse owners worry about how to keep horses safe during firework season and the period around bonfire night (Thursday 5 November 2026) can become extremely stressful.
Even the calmest of horses can get stressed, anxious and frightened by the loud noises, strong vibrations, sudden flashes and smells of smoke. This can trigger a flight response, which can lead to dangerous situations, such as horses trying to escape.
Tips to keep horses safe during fireworks
We’ve pulled together some practical advice from equine vet and founder of VetMedi Charlotte Inness and the British Horse Society to help horse owners prepare ahead of firework season in order to make it as stress-free as possible.
Wherever possible, find out if they plan to let off fireworks. If they do, explain the dangers and ask whether they might be prepared to use low-noise fireworks and to set the fireworks off in a direction that is well away from your animals. Knowing in advance when fireworks are likely to be set off enables you to prepare.
Also check whether anyone is planning to have a bonfire near your yard. Make sure you have an emergency fire procedure in place and everyone on the yard knows what to do. If you have any doubts, talk to your local fire safety officer.
Speaking to neighbours in advance can help you plan ahead
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2. Weigh up stable vs field
Decide whether your horse is likely to cope better in the stable or his field. It is sensible to keep your horse in his familiar environment – if this is not too close to displays – in his normal routine, with any companions to make it feel secure.
Once you’ve chosen, check thoroughly for anything that could cause potential injury, such as protruding nails, string, damaged fencing or stray rubbish.
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3. Stay with your horse
If you know that fireworks are being set off, ensure that you or another experienced person can stay with your horse. If you need to leave your horse in someone else’s care, be sure to leave clear instructions and contact details for both you and your vet should any problems arise.
Make sure your horse has plenty of forage to help keep them calm and distracted
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4. Leave plenty of forage
Ensure your horse has plenty to eat and use a slow-feeder or small-holed haynet to extend eating time if they’re used to this and will tolerate it.
“Chewing has a soothing effect and calms the stomach,” Charlotte explains, and suggests preparing their favourite treat for just before the fireworks start to further distract them and help them relax.
5. Consider sedation and calmers
If you know your horse is likely to be particularly stressed, speak to your vet about sedation or consider moving them for the night.
You should also consider using a calmer – we’ve rounded up the best calming supplements and best instant calmers to help you find the best option for your horse. These don’t need a prescription but “can ease stress and anxiety in mild to moderate cases,” Charlotte adds. “Always test these well before firework season to see how your horse reacts.”
6. Turn up the volume
Having music on in your barn or outside the stable can help mask and dull sudden noises and distract attention. A portable radio is useful in most setups – this DAB radio (available on Amazon) will play continuously for 12 hours.
Keeping stable lights on can lessen the effect of flashing fireworks
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7. Keep lights on
Doing this minimises the bright flashes from fireworks. If you don’t have mains power, check out our guide to the best solar lights for stables and yards.
8. Keep calm and avoid risks
Horses will sense unease in a person and this may make things worse if they are startled. Do your best to remain calm yourself and keep positive.
Be aware of your own safety, too – a startled horse can be dangerous so do not put yourself at risk. Don’t risk riding when you think fireworks might be set off.
9. Avoid heavy exercise
Don’t exercise your horse heavily before fireworks with the aim to tire them out because the exertion itself may increase stress. Instead, allow your horse to relax, have the day off, and let them spend time with their herd.
Likewise, avoid resuming intense work immediately – the mental strain of the fireworks can be taxing, and horses can remain on edge in the coming days, so opt for a relaxing walk or grooming session if your horse needs time to recover.
10. Check your insurance
Make sure that you have adequate public liability insurance. If your horse is frightened and escapes, causing an accident, then you could be held liable for compensation.
Georgia is Horse & Hound’s deputy website editor and equestrian products expert. She curates content across the website with a particular focus on upcoming equestrian events horse care and buying advice. She also manages all the ecommerce opportunities that allow us to give you easy access to the best products at the lowest prices via our buying guides. Georgia has first-hand knowledge of all the equestrian brands and their ever-evolving product lines, having been working with them closely since she started in equestrian media in 2015.
