With an estimated 60% of all animals becoming distressed by the loud noises and flashing lights, fireworks season is a time of year that many horse owners dread.
Expert
Petplan Equine’s veterinary expert Gil Riley has compiled a list of tips to help you keep your horses safer during any nearby fireworks displays.
“We must remember that, being flight animals, even the most sensible horses can be prone to bolting when frightened which can lead to injury to the horse or others,” says Gil. “The most important advice I can give horse owners is to be aware and prepared by making sure your horse is as safe and secure as possible.”
Top tips
* Find out in advance when and where fireworks displays are taking place – check local listings, social media and tune into your local radio station
* If you know of an event close by, contact organisers and ask them to stick to an agreed time and, if possible, aim fireworks in the opposite direction
* If a display is due to take place in a field adjacent to where your horse grazes, consider moving him for the evening
* However, unless there’s a need to move your horse, maintaining a normal routine will help to keep his confidence
* If your horse normally lives out, then avoid additional stress by stabling him. If leaving your horse out, make sure all fencing and gates are secure
* If you decide to stable your horse make sure he has a thick bed with high banks and that there is nothing obvious on which he could injure himself
* Give your horse plenty of hay to keep him occupied
* Leaving a radio on outside the stable can muffle the sound of the fireworks and help to keep him calm
* Ear covers or putting cotton wool inside the ear can help to reduce the noise
* Stay with your horse or ask someone to stay with him – not all horses worry about fireworks but those that do need reassuring. Make sure you check on your horse even if you think he won’t be upset by the fireworks
* If your horse is particularly nervous or you know that he is easily ‘spooked’ by fireworks it could be a good idea to ask your vet to prescribe a mild sedative.
* Ensure there’s a supply of sand, water and serviceable fire extinguishers on the yard
* If you are not on site, leave your details visible so you can be contacted if there’s a problem
* After a fireworks event has taken place check your fields for spent fireworks as these could cause injury at a later date
* Check you have adequate third party liability insurance in place as the law states that you will be liable should your horse escape and cause injury or damage to a third party or their property
For further information on Petplan Equine please visit www.petplanequine.co.uk