The holidays are upon us again, but unfortunately, these days cause a lot of stress for many horses. A lot of fireworks are set off around New Year's Eve, and of course, you want your horse to get through these days with as little stress and fear as possible. We have some great tips and products in this blog.
Provide a comfortable and safe environment
Place your horse in a safe and comfortable environment, such as a quiet stable or pasture, to minimize the risk of injury from spook reactions. Just to be sure, check for any foreign objects that your horse could hurt himself on. In addition, your horse will feel most comfortable with its pasture/stable mates, so do not separate them. To muffle the loud sounds of the fireworks, you can turn on the radio at the stables. The voices and music on the radio can be calming for many horses. Just remember that horses have super sensitive hearing, so don't turn it up extremely loud and let them get used to it slowly if you normally don't have a radio on. It is also wise to leave the lights on to minimize any flashes of light from the fireworks.
Different forms of distraction
Besides giving your horse plenty of roughage to distract him. You can also hang various other things in the stable to distract your horse. Think of horse toys and slow feeders, but always make sure your horse cannot get stuck in them (for example, if he starts rolling).
Maintain the same routine
Horses are used to their daily routines. So don't change this too much, as this will cause unrest. Give your horse its normal exercise, putting horses in stalls all day will make most horses even more stressed. If you normally take your horses outside, do so now. However, it is convenient for their rest if they are back inside before dark. This way you have the least amount of commotion when people start setting off fireworks.
Stay calm yourself
Your horse responds to your calmness and self-assurance, so above all, stay calm yourself. Pay no attention to the bangs you hear. However, always stay alert, horses can sometimes react impulsively out of fear.
Give your horse plenty of roughage and water
Make sure you give your horse plenty of roughage and access to water, especially around New Year's Eve. This can provide a nice distraction when the banging goes full blast at noon. In fact, chewing on roughage, for example, has a calming and stress-reducing effect on a horse.
Extra support against stress
Could your horse use some extra support against stress? Discover our calming supplements that provide relief from fireworks anxiety!
Quick support (on the day itself)
Do you only want to give your horse some extra support during New Year's Eve so that he experiences as little stress as possible? Then you can do so by giving different pastes and by using special earplugs. Below we highlight some of them:
NAF Instant Magic
NAF Instant Magic contains organic magnesium combined with a fast-acting herbal base for an effective and calming effect. You give this an hour to an hour and a half before the stressful situation.
VITALstyle StressControl+
VITALstyle StressControl+ has been specially developed for stress-sensitive (sport) horses. The concentrated paste contains a wide composition of natural relaxing ingredients that reinforce each other so that tension can flow off better. Give the recommended dose in the evening and/or approximately 3 hours prior to the stressful situation.
Cavalor Take It Easy tube
Cavalor Take It Easy tube contains a relatively high dose of Tryptophan and essential oils with a calming effect that gives quick results. Take It Easy Forte is specially developed to give an immediate calming effect. Depending on the stress level, give half to 1 full syringe 24 hours before the stressful situation. For optimal results give 1/3 syringe the night before, 1/3 syringe in the morning and 1/3 syringe an hour before it should have maximum effect. Maximum of 3 syringes per day.
LeMieux Earplugs Pomms
Pomms are the #1 selling earplugs in the US. They are a new design innovation to improve focus and encourage relaxation by allowing horses to hear normal tones while significantly reducing disturbing or loud noises. Pomms create an "acupuncture effect" on the horse's inner ear and induce a relaxing sensation. Made of soft, comfortable non-irritating material that protects the horse's sensitive ears from wind, water and dust. They are discreet, durable and do not fall out. Easy to roll into the ear canal for a comfortable, snug fit.
Longer support (for the whole month)
Would you like to support your horse the whole month of December against the possible stress he may experience due to the (firework) bangs? Then we have highlighted some fine supplements below for that purpose as well:
Pavo NervControl
Pavo NervControl is a doping-free product which stimulates inner peace in a natural way. By supporting the signal transmission of the nerves, tension flows off more easily. Cobalt is necessary for the production of vitamin B12 by the intestinal bacteria, which in turn plays a role in nerve conduction.
Essential amino acids like tryptophan and threonine are needed for the production of the hormones serotonin and melanin, which have a calming and anxiety-reducing effect in the brain. Selenium has been added and the amount of magnesium has been increased. Three forms of magnesium are used for optimal absorption while maintaining palatability. Human studies on magnesium and selenium show that these substances have an anxiety reducing effect.
NAF Magic
Magic is a magnesium calmer with a difference. It's a five star formula that contains a unique combination of herbs and nutrients known to help relax muscle tissue and support concentration. Magnesium is an essential nutrient to a horse’s wellbeing, and among its many roles is the regulation of nervous tension. As magnesium also acts on muscle tension, a horse low in magnesium may appear ‘tight’ in his way of going and express excitability or a lack of confidence. Low magnesium may be caused by a grazing deficiency or simply a horse or pony’s individual metabolism. Magnesium levels can also be reduced by regular travel and competition. Magic is more than just magnesium; it also contains a blend of herbs chosen for their traditional use in supporting confidence and concentration. The unique blend of magnesium and herbal support of Magic enables the horse to tackle all that is asked of it, calmly and confidently.
NAF Magic is available in a liquid and powder form.
Phytonics Strezz
Phytonics Strezz helps combat stress at critical moments, both emotionally and physically. Phytonics Strezz is a natural tranquillizer. To be used in case of restlessness, nervousness and anxiety.
VITALstyle Chillpill
The VITALsatyle ChillPill is a natural tranquilizer that makes horses less sensitive to stress. The optimal combination of natural ingredients ensures more inner peace and good concentration. The ChillPill has been developed on the basis of the Agaricus blazei mushroom. This is a mushroom that has a natural calming effect and has proven to be very effective for horses under stress. The pills need 5-7 days of incorporation time.
PUUR Nervo
PUUR Nervo for restlessness and nervousness in animals, especially for loud noises, fireworks or thunderstorms. Puur Nervo can be given with a plastic syringe directly into the mouth, possibly diluted with a little water.
Cavalor SoZen
Cavalor SoZen is developed for high stressed and hot horses. It contains a synergic herb mixture was created for Cavalor Calm in order to sooth the horses’s nerves without impairing memory or motor skills. Vitamins B1, B6, B12 are added in certain proportions, these vitamins give a calming effect. Tryptophane is a very important part of Calm this amino acid, can decrease stress and increase focus when given in the right proportions. Magnesium is also addd to relax the muscles. SoZen brings the horses body in balance. It calms the horse without making it drowsy.
