Fireworks & Bonfire Night Essentials
Fireworks season is one of the most stressful times of year for horses, and a little preparation goes a long way. This page brings together the kit owners reach for around bonfire night and New Year: calming supplements, horse ear plugs and noise-reducing ear bonnets, from brands including NAF, Dodson & Horrell, Global Herbs, Equine America, Hilton Herbs and Lincoln. Prices start from around £3.
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How can I keep my horse calm during fireworks?
Find out when local displays are happening (councils, neighbours and local social media groups usually post dates), keep your horse's routine as normal as possible, and decide in advance whether they are calmer stabled or turned out with a companion. Check fencing and remove anything they could injure themselves on, and avoid riding when displays are likely. Stay safe yourself: a frightened horse can be unpredictable, so give them space. If your horse becomes very distressed each year, speak to your vet well before the night about further options.
Do horse ear plugs and noise-reducing ear bonnets help?
Many owners find that muffling sound takes the edge off sudden bangs. Foam or fleece ear plugs such as Cashel Equine Ear Plugs (from £11.53) and Supreme Products Fleece Earplugs (from £8.08) sit inside the ear, while noise-reducing ear bonnets like the Woof Wear Hi Vis Noise Cancelling Fly Veil (from £27.49) and Rhinegold Fly Veil/Noise Muffler (from £4.43) cover the ears. Introduce them on a quiet day first so your horse is used to wearing them before the fireworks start.
Which calming supplements are most popular?
Our best-selling calmers include Dodson & Horrell Placid (from £6.13), Science Supplements Prokalm (from £9.44), Equine America Super So Kalm powder (from £13.99) and paste (from £22.99), Global Herbs Supercalm (from £18.60) and Hilton Herbs Herballs (from £2.72). Some are fed daily and are best started several days ahead; others are quick-acting syringes or pastes for the day itself, so check each product's instructions. Supplements are designed to support a calmer temperament; they are not a treatment, and they will not stop every reaction.
Can I use calmers if my horse competes?
Check the ingredients against your governing body's rules before you compete. Some herbal ingredients are prohibited in competition: valerian, for example, is a prohibited substance under FEI rules. Product pages list each calmer's ingredients, and many brands publish competition guidance.
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Fireworks and horses: frequently asked questions
When should I start feeding a calmer before bonfire night?
It depends on the product. Daily-fed calmers usually work best when started several days before the event, while pastes and syringes are designed for quicker use on the day. Always follow the feeding instructions on the product you choose.
Should I stable my horse or leave them out during fireworks?
Do whatever your horse is normally calmest with. Some horses settle best in a familiar stable with a haynet and a companion nearby; others are safer turned out in a well-fenced field with friends. Avoid sudden changes on the night itself.
Are ear plugs safe for horses?
Ear plugs made for horses are designed to sit comfortably in the outer ear. Introduce them gradually, make sure they are the right size, and remove them once the noise has stopped. If your horse resents them, a noise-reducing ear bonnet may suit better.
My horse panics every year. What else can I do?
Talk to your vet well before fireworks season. They can assess your horse and advise on management changes or other options for very anxious horses.
How much do horse calmers cost?
At Just Horse Riders, calmers start from around £2.72 for Hilton Herbs Herballs, with most popular powders and liquids between about £6 and £35. Prices shown on the collection are live and may change.
Fireworks advice from the Just Horse Riders team. Last reviewed 2026-10-09. For a horse that is distressed or injured, contact your vet.