A veterinarian offers tips on how you can prepare in advance to keep your horse calm despite the noise and sight of festive fireworks. Here are two essential ways how to prevent such a thing.
1) If you know your horse has a history of fearful behavior during 4th of July, you should consult with a veteran whether acepromazine (often referred to as “ace”) might be the proper anxiety reliever for your horse. It should be given to your horse in advance and not at the moment that something unlikely might happen.
2) Some herbal supplements, especially those containing valerian and/or magnesium offer some calming effects, but it’s best to start them a few days in advance so levels can build up. Again, consult with a veteran regarding other effects they may have on your horse.
If you never had such experiences as we mentioned in the beginning, it doesn’t dispute the fact that something might happen for the first time. It is always good to take early steps for the safety of your horse. In addition, we strongly encourage you to watch out for yourselves and for your kids, because safety is not something to play with.