Are you prepared for Bonfire Night?

Are you prepared for Bonfire Night?  For many people Bonfire Night is an enjoyable evening watching spectacular firework displays and warming themselves by the bonfire. However for horse owners it can be a time for concern and distress. Fireworks can frighten even the most sensible horse and so all horse owners should be prepared for the fireworks season and make sure their animal is safe this year.

Every horse is different, and so it is important to consider its needs and temperament when deciding the best cause of action for fireworks. The British Horse Society has the following advice for owners:

Plan ahead

• Establish if there will be any firework displays in your area by checking the local press and shop notice boards, and listening to the radio.
• Wherever possible, arrange for fireworks to be set off away from where your horse is stabled. Contact neighbours and local firework display organisers to make them aware there are horses near by.

Keeping your horse calm

• It is important to decide whether to stable your horse or leave it in the field. To ensure as little distress as possible, it is sensible to keep your horse in its normal routine and environment with any companions to make it feel secure. If it is usually stabled, keep it stabled. If it is normally out in the field, keep it there as long as it is safe, secure and not close to the firework display area.
• Ensure that you, or someone experienced, stays with your horse if you know fireworks are being set off. Having a familiar face there may help to reassure your horse or pony.
• If it is absolutely necessary for you to leave your horse in the care of another person, be sure to leave clear instructions and contact details for both you and your vet should any problems arise.
• Playing music on a radio positioned outside the stable can often mask sudden noise, distract attention and be soothing.
• Putting cotton wool in your horse's ears will help to muffle the noise.
• If you know that your animal will be stressed consider moving your horse for the night.
• Try to remain calm yourself and keep positive, as horses will sense unease in a person and this may make things worse if the horse is startled.
• If you know your horse will be very distressed, try talking to your vet about sedation. The BHS would suggest this as a last resort, as there are a number of risks with such methods and can be just as distressing for the animal. The horse can become injured more easily and experience loss of coordination so it is important to stay with your animal at all times. Multiple sedations would not be recommended and leaving feed or hay with the animal while sedated is a definite no.

Environmental hazards

• If you chose to keep your horse stabled, check thoroughly for anything that could cause potential injury such as protruding nails and string.
• If your horse is to stay in the field, check that fencing is not broken and that there are no foreign objects lying around. When a horse is startled it will bolt and can cause serious damage to itself and property.

Additional safety considerations

• Don't risk riding when you think fireworks might be set off.
• Check if there will be a bonfire near your yard. If there is, make sure you have an emergency fire procedure in place. If you have any doubts, talk to your local fire safety officer.
• Make sure that you have adequate third party liability insurance. If your horse is frightened and escapes, causing an accident, then you could be held liable for compensation.
• It may seem common sense but be aware of your own safety; a startled horse can be dangerous.

It is not just horse owners who need to be careful. People organising fireworks should also inform local horse owners. It is also a good idea not to let fireworks off anywhere near fields or farms.

Most people don't realise how much suffering fireworks cause animals, particularly horses. Those who really want to have fireworks in their back garden should think carefully about how it will affect the local animals before they do so.

By being proactive in planning for fireworks and bonfire night, you can make the annual celebrations less stressful for you and your horse.

Advice from the BHS

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