If you’re old enough to remember the 1999 eclipse, you might remember the excitement of it all — cardboard glasses, everyone looking skywards and the slightly eerie feeling as daylight disappeared.
Well, 27 years later, we’re doing it all over again!
As the UK prepares for another partial solar eclipse, here’s what horse owners should know about how our horses might react.
🐴 Keep things normal
Horses love routine, so there’s no need to dramatically change their day. Stick to their usual feeding, turnout and stable routine where possible.
🌗 Expect them to notice
The change in daylight may catch some horses’ attention. They might become a little more alert, pause what they’re doing or look around as the light changes. Others may barely notice — particularly if there’s food involved!
🧘 Stay calm
If your horse does seem unsettled, keep calm and reassuring. Horses are very good at picking up on our body language, so there’s no need to make a fuss.
🌿 Know your horse
If you have a particularly reactive horse, think about where they’ll be during the eclipse and make sure their surroundings, fencing and gates are secure. There’s no reason to automatically bring horses in — you know your horse best.
👀 And what about eclipse glasses?
Leave those for the humans! There’s no need to put eclipse glasses on your horse. If you’re watching, make sure you use proper eclipse glasses or other appropriate eye protection — ordinary sunglasses aren’t enough.
Most horses should simply take the unusual change in their stride, but as always, knowing your horse and keeping their routine familiar is the best approach.
So, whether this is your first eclipse or your second one in a lifetime, enjoy the spectacle — and enjoy it with your four-legged friends nearby! 🌒🐴