The Fourth of July is a day of celebration when we commemorate the Declaration of Independence. While it is a fun day of barbeques, parades, and fireworks for people, it can spark stress and fear in our dogs and horses.  

Horses are flight animals, so they will attempt to remove themselves from a situation if they think they are in danger, which can cause injury if they jump a fence or attempt to break out of their stall. On July 2, 2024, three horses were discovered running down the freeway on Interstate 5 in Newhall, Calif., after it is thought that they were startled by pre-holiday fireworks. Unfortunately, two of the horses were killed. Fortunately, tragedies such as that are rare, and with careful planning and learning to be aware of how your horse will react, the Fourth of July can be a peaceful night for both horses and humans.  

Safety precautions ahead of Fourth of July are dependent on your facility, your location, and what your horses are used to, said Lindsey DeAngelis, a trainer and barn manager at Meadow Lake Equestrian Center in Lancaster, Ky. “Our horses are on night turnout year-round, so they are outside 15 to 18 hours a day from 4 p.m. until 8 a.m.,” said DeAngelis, who believes that we should treat horses like horses and keep them in their natural state as much as possible. “On the Fourth of July, our horses still go out as normal to keep them on their regular schedule. Horses are herd animals, and I think they're more confident and comfortable when they're out in their normal environment, which for us is turnout.” While regulations regarding fireworks differ from state to state, fireworks are legal in accordance with the federal law in Kentucky, “so our neighbors shoot off fireworks for a month,” DeAngelis added. “If we were to keep horses inside whenever there were fireworks, they would be inside from Memorial Day to Labor Day!” 

Employees at Meadow Lake Equestrian Center live on the property, so DeAngelis ensures that a staff member or herself keeps an eye on the horses on Independence Day, especially after dusk when the fireworks begin, and during the finales at the end of the night. “Our horses are used to loud noises like cars, sirens, and guns ... I've hung out and watched all the horses and most of them just stand around,” she explained. “I think the most important time is the first 10 minutes after the fireworks start, we then check them halfway through, and at the end of the night to make sure everyone's back to grazing calmly.” 

DeAngelis has had clients in the past who prefer their horses to stay inside the barn, which she obliged. “If clients can sleep better at night knowing their horses are inside, that's fine,” she said. DeAngelis explained that she has friends in her equestrian community whose horses don't normally go out overnight, so they are kept in on the Fourth of July. Some keep radios on to dull the noise of the fireworks, while others administer calming sedation to horses who are particularly stressed out. (If you are competing, make sure to follow the USEF Equine Drugs & Medication Guidelines.) “I think it's important as barn managers that we explain to clients why we choose to do things and that we are aware of the fact that there is a big event happening, and it's not that we're just ignoring the fact that Fourth of July happens and that it could be a potential risk,” she said.  

DeAngelis can usually predict which horses will become stressed during fireworks, such as those who are also scared of storms, and will discuss a plan of action with their owner ahead of time. That usually entails keeping them in their stall and monitoring them closely throughout the evening. “My biggest worry is that they stress themselves into a colic,” DeAngelis said. “I want to make sure they settle down after the fireworks if they are struggling.” If it is your first year owning your horse, or if they are in a new facility, and you don’t know how they will react, “make sure you're there, at least monitoring them throughout the evening,” she said. 

While DeAngelis has not had to sedate any of the horses at her barn on the Fourth of July to date, she recommends that anyone who thinks their horse may need calming medication should make a plan in advance. “Do not call your vet on July 3rd and ask for it,” she said. “Know how much to give for your horses, as directed by your vet, so that if the worst happens, you are prepared and you're not scrambling.” In addition, have basic wound treatment on hand in case your horse gets startled and has an injury, as it may be difficult to get a vet out on a busy national holiday. “The biggest thing we can do to calm ourselves is to just be present and aware of what is going on, and then be prepared,” DeAngelis said. 

Some states permit sky lanterns (also known as a Chinese lanterns), which are small hot-air balloons made of paper with flames suspended at the base that heats the air, allowing the lanterns to ascend into the sky. When released on the Fourth of July, they create an additional fire hazard if they come in contact with dried grass, pine needles, hay, or shavings. “You can't control where lightning is going to strike, and you can't control where a rogue lantern is going to blow either,” DeAngelis said. However, you can take extra fire safety precautions and be prepared for the worst-case scenario. “I double check everything. I make sure our fire extinguishers are not expired and that I know where they are in each barn,” she said, adding that all staff and clients should be aware of fire extinguisher locations and know how to use them. “Summer is a great time for general barn cleaning such as dusting off fans, reducing cobwebs, checking wiring and outlets, and any other stuff that accumulates in the barn that may be a fire hazard,” DeAngelis advised.   

More fire safety tips can be found in the upcoming Fall issue of the US Equestrian magazine. 

World Horse Welfare offers tips on how to keep your horse calm and happy this Fourth of July. 

• Find out when and where local fireworks displays are going to be held. Ask your neighbors if they are planning any fireworks parties at their homes.  

• Do not alter your horse’s routine on the day of the fireworks display, as that in itself can increase stress. If they usually live outside but you plan to stable them during the fireworks, then begin a week before so that they get used to the change in routine. Practice the exact set-up that you plan to have during the fireworks, e.g., having a radio on to distract from the noise, shutting the top door, or having a ball to play with. 

• Check for any sharp or protruding objects in their stall or pasture, that could cause injury if the horse is spooked. 

• Ensure all fences, gates, and stall doors are secure. 

• While rogue fires from fireworks are rare, it is essential to prepare for the worst-case scenario. Make sure your barn is equipped with fire extinguishers, sand, and water. Have an evacuation plan in place in case of a fire. Have a tag with your name and phone number on your horse's halter in case they escape.  

• Minimize any hay, shavings, or flammable objects that could be ignited by stray sparks.  

• Check your horse regularly throughout the evening or stay with them to keep them calm.  

• Manage your own mood and stress levels — if you are calm and relaxed, your horse is more likely to be as well.