Halloween can be a spooky time not just for people but for our horses too. From fireworks to trick-or-treaters, Halloween has plenty of potential stressors for our equine friends. Here are some ways to help you and your horse survive all hallows’ eve safely and stress-free!
CREATE A SAFE SPACE
Horses are naturally flight animals, and they may react strongly to new sights and sounds. Evaluate how much Halloween festivities they can tolerate and adjust based on their individual needs. If Halloween activities like fire works are happening nearby, consider keeping your horse indoors. If they’re more comfortable outside, choose a paddock away from the action that is safely fenced and has suitable shelter. If you are blanketing your horses make sure all surcingles are done up securely and turnouts are correctly fitted to minimise risk of moving or slippage should your horse get startled. Refresh with our Aloga Insider fitting guide here.
DESENSITISATION FOR HALLOWEEN NOISES
If you have a particularly sensitive horse and time allows, desensitisation training using recorded sounds ahead of the day is worth considering. Sounds can be played from your phone. Gradually introduce fireworks, spooky or loud sounds at a low volume giving your horse time to process them. Be sure to reward them for calm behaviour.
For particularly noise-sensitive horses, using earplugs or cotton balls (placed carefully) can help reduce exposure to noises. Equally some horse owners find that playing music or leaving a radio on in the yard can help mask Halloween sounds and create a more relaxed atmosphere.
VISITING TRICK-OR-TREATERS
Halloween can mean more people in unexpected places. Horses might become anxious around crowds, especially when masks and costumes are involved. Keep visits to a minimum if trick-or-treaters are around. Make sure fences and gates are securely closed and that your horses are in safe, enclosed areas where you can keep an eye on them. Opt to use a turnout blanket with reflective elements such as the Aloga Pro Turnout that has reflective elements like binding and tail strip which will make keeping a watchful eye on your horse easier. Whether you have visitors coming to or passing by your yard, remind them to stay quiet, not to approach horses without permission, to avoid flashing lights or sudden movements around them as well as asking them not to feed them treats.
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON
Our horses thrive on routine, so try to keep feeding, exercise, and turnout schedules consistent. Deviations might add to their anxiety on a night that can already be overstimulating. Horses are incredibly sensitive to our energy so if we are calm and relaxed this can help them stay calm too. If your horses start to get anxious on Halloween remain patient, move slowly, and speak softly when handling them to encourage relaxation. Be aware for signs of stress, such as pacing, excessive whinnying, or sweating. If your horse shows signs of anxiety, give them some extra reassurance and consider moving them somewhere calmer.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
Halloween can be unpredictable, so if there’s a chance of loud parties or nearby fireworks, consider staying on the property or checking in regularly to respond quickly if anything goes wrong. Have first-aid supplies ready in case your horse injures themselves and have head collars and lead ropes close to hand. Always have your vet’s emergency contact on hand.
HOW TO HAVE HORSEY FUN
DRESSING UP
If you are planning to dress up with your horse keep it as simple as possible. Opt for non-restrictive pieces that are easy-to-remove, that won’t obstruct their movement or vision. Avoid any costumes that dangle as they could get caught or trampled on, and stay away from tight elastic that could irritate your horse’s skin. Make sure you have tried on the costume for your horse ahead of time in a familiar, calm setting before Halloween. This will allow them to adjust and become accustomed to their new look.
HORSE SAFE HALLOWEEN TREATS
A safe and easy way to bring Halloween to the yard is making some horse-friendly treats. Here are some of our favourites:
- Pumpkin Bites: Pumpkins can be a tasty treat for many horses. Just be sure to use fresh pumpkin, not the sweetened or ones that are about to turn bad. Cut small cubes of pumpkin. They can be feed raw, or roast lightly in the oven for a softer texture. Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, making it a healthy snack for horses.
- Carrot and Oat Horse Cookies: This is an easy to make at home. Mix 1 cup of grated carrots, 1 cup of oats, 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, and a handful of flour to bind the mixture. Shape into small cookies, bake at 180°/350°F for about 15–20 minutes, and let cool. These cookies can be given as small rewards or Halloween treats.
Note: All treats should be given in moderation to avoid any digestive issues. Always check with your vet if your horse has dietary restrictions.
Halloween can be a fun time for us humans but it’s important to think ahead when it comes to your horse’s well-being. By preparing their space, managing noise and visual distractions, as well as keeping a calm presence can help your horse stay relaxed. Taking these proactive steps your horse can have a relaxed, low-stress Halloween!