What happens to horses during New Year's Eve?
To understand your horse's panic, it helps to put yourself in the perspective of the four-legged friends. Their highly developed senses make the loud noises and flickering lights of fireworks seem more intense than they do to us. Added to this are the smell of fire and large smoke clouds in the sky, clear signs of an unknown enemy. New Year's Eve is an exceptional situation for flight animals, so special caution is required.
Tips on how you and your favorite can get through New Year's Eve well
New Year's Eve with a horse can become a #challenge. However, if you follow the tips below and prepare your favorite in time for the night, New Year's with your horse will be much more relaxed.
Where should I best shelter my horse?
Generally, it is easier for your horse to be in a single stall on New Year's Eve. However, if your four-legged friend spends the whole year in an active or open stable and feels comfortable in the herd, you should not move it to avoid additional stress.
Preparations in the stable
In the stable, you have the opportunity to observe the following protective measures. Close all doors and windows in the stable area well before midnight to dampen the noises. Additionally, you can cover windows and doors with blankets so that the lights from the fireworks are less noticeable. To further distract from the light flashes of the fireworks, provide as many light sources as possible.
To counteract the loud noise even more, you can turn on the radio in the stable to create a constant noise level. If your horse is particularly nervous or still young and inexperienced, place it next to a calm and relaxed horse. And finally, a very important #step: Make sure all fences in the stable area are intact so that the horses cannot break out in a possible panic.
Snack time
Even a small midnight snack of hay can work wonders, as it keeps your four-legged friend distracted and occupied during the fireworks chaos. Besides hay, you can also find LIKIT salt licks in our shop, which are especially tasty for your horse. This way, your favorite certainly won't get bored.
To help your favorite stay #calm, calming feed can also help. Herbs like valerian and hops have a soothing effect. The Nerven-Liquid Kopfklar is considered a #gamechanger for restlessness, stress, and sensory overload.
Talk to the neighbors!
Many people cannot imagine how panicked horses (or other animals) react to fireworks. Point out the immense consequences for the four-legged friends and ask them not to set off fireworks near the stable. This could be a great #relief for your horse and you.
The day after
On January 1st, you should not overexert your horse, as it has had little sleep and needs rest after this kind of sensory overload.
It is very important to check your favorite for possible injuries. After the small health check, search the stable area for firework debris that could injure your horse. Pay special attention to paddocks and pastures.
Hopefully, we were able to ease your fear of New Year's Eve a bit with the tips mentioned. If you work through the measures #step-by-step, your evening will definitely be less stressful. You can do it!
