With firework season imminent, this would be the time to start thinking about trying desensitisation if you have horses or ponies or even dogs or cats that get upset by firework noise. According to our survey of almost 3000 owners, around 80% said their horses or ponies were affected, with 18% severely affected.
Surprisingly, in a 2020 survey of horse owners, only a few people mentioned using desensitisation, even though it’s fairly straightforward and can be very effective. Desensitisation involves a gradual increase in exposure to the noise and possibly also the flashes from fireworks. Whilst trying to desensitise to the flash of fireworks can be challenging, the noise of fireworks is very easy.
There are many recordings available online. In order to begin to desensitise a horse or pony, you would play the firework soundtrack very quietly. You might also play the firework noises over a radio or Bluetooth speaker playing in the stable; country or soft classical seems to work best, and definitely not jazz, rock, or pop.
You would repeat the firework noises quietly, perhaps 5-10 times during the day for a few days, and then increase the volume. If your horse or pony gets upset, then you would decrease the volume and start again. Over the course of 7-10 days, you should see less reaction in your horse/pony.
If you’re looking for ways to support your animals during this time, we’ve compiled resources to help you prepare and protect them:
- Fireworks and Pets and Desensitisation
- Protect your horse from fireworks
- Prepare Your Horse For New Year’s Eve Fireworks
- Fireworks & Horses – A Survey of Owners
- Fireworks and the Animal Welfare Act: New Report and Infographic
These resources provide practical advice and insights to help your animals feel more secure during the fireworks season.
