FIREWORKS!

FIREWORK NIGHTS:

...and why I can't wait for it all to be over!!!

 

Every year in November, animal owners, and especially those of us with horses, dread the weekend nights around 5th November.  It's my best friends' birthday on the 4th and I have never managed to celebrate with her, because i have to be here for cats and horses. 

Fireworks are very scary to all creatures wild and domestic, they don’t understand, and horses especially have a hard time, compounded if their room to flee is unsafe or restricted. There have been many horrific stories of injuries to horses who have galloped through fences into roads in terror of fireworks, even police horses.

The law is clear: it is illegal to light fireworks on any land adjacent to grazing cattle or horses, and thought should be considered to horses living near to your garden display too, as causing deliberate anxiety to any animal is an offence and can be prosecuted.

I keep my horses on land at my house, I am very lucky that my direct neighbours wouldn’t dream of causing my boys any distress, regardless of the law telling them it’s illegal. And indeed fireworks in our village are rarely close enough to cause concern, by ‘concern’ I mean my 2 boys, and my neighbours’ 3 horses, galloping around their fields in fear. But I do ask all those near me, and all the other horses in my village, within about a quarter mile of horses to please warn us of your intention to light fireworks. (drop a note through the door – when and where), so we can all take appropriate safety measures, preparation can be key in avoiding injury.

Know your horse:

So let’s assume you're in receipt of information that fireworks are going off within 1/4 mile of your horse:

If he’s happier being inside, then that’s the place to put him, but please don’t separate him from his mates, this will cause him more stress. Make a plan with other owners at your yard, or in my case, just make a plan!! Either keep them all in or put them all out. Arrange for one sensible owner to be in the yard just in case alarm needs raising, or treats need administering. If any horse is likely to behave in an agitated way in his stable, dress him like he’s travelling and boot his legs.

Mine, like lots of horses, feel happier outside, so that’s where they stay, if I had known someone very near me was having fireworks on the 12th, I would have also put protective leg wear like tendon or brushing boots on them too, to help avoid any potential injuries from unscheduled gallopage. Walk the field during the daylight to make sure there are no potential hazards that might cause injury during the flight.

Some horses might benefit from sleeping over at a friend’s house that night, moving your horse can be a good idea, but weigh the stress of a change of scenery with the potential risk of staying put. Your vet can help with sedation if you’re having a very hard time with your horse too, so ask him about this.

The BHS have some useful pointers too:

What to do

1. Look at local press and shop notice boards and listen to the radio to find out where the displays will be in your area.
2. Wherever possible, tell neighbours and local firework display organisers that there are horses nearby, so they can ensure fireworks are set off in the opposite direction and well away from them.
3. Decide whether to stable your horse or leave it in the field. It is sensible to keep your horse in its familiar environment, in its normal routine, 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.
4. If stabled, check thoroughly for anything that could cause potential injury such as protruding nails and string.
5. If your horse is to stay in the field, check that fencing is not broken and that there are no foreign objects lying around.
6. Ensure that you, or someone experienced, stays with your horse if you know that fireworks are being set off.
7. If it is absolutely necessary for you to leave your horse in the care of another person during a firework display, then be sure to leave clear instructions and contact details for both you and your vet should any problems arise.
8. If you know your animal will be stressed, talk to your vet about sedation or perhaps consider moving your horse for the night.
9. 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.It may seem common sense but be aware of your own safety; a startled horse can be dangerous.
10. Whatever you do – don’t risk riding when you think fireworks might be set off.
11. 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.
12. 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.

For further advice please contact the BHS Safety Department on 01926 707782 or email: d.parkinson@bhs.org.uk

Me? I put on my puffa and sit outside with them, a cup of tea, some cats and a husband with night vision binoculars John bought me last xmas.

Last year was a 3 bag of treats problem: they were scared, have fireworks gotten louder or am I getting older? But we got through it without too much stress, and three bags of treats (all different) and some carrots too.



Please let’s all enjoy ourselves and think of others.