As bonfire night approaches, Redwings Horse Sanctuary is warning horse owners to be wary, after losing one its horses last years.
Dangerous
A fireworksparty near Redwings’ Essex visitor centre spooked the horses, as was evident from the churned up paddocks where they had been galloping around.
“Horses’ hearing is more sensitive than a human’s, and noises that are loud to us can be unbearable and terrifying to them,” said Redwings’ Education Officer Andie Vilel. “A frightened horse is a dangerous horse and there is little an owner can do to prevent an accident once the flight instinct has taken hold.”
Irreparable damage
Cinders was one of the horses at Redwingspanicked by the fireworks. She was found unable to walk and x-rays revealed a partially dislocated joint inside her hoof, which is a rare and severe injury. As the damage was irreparable the Redwings veterinary team put the 14-year-old mare to sleep.
“We would like to remind anyone who is planning afireworksdisplay, however small, to think about horses in their local area,” said Andie.
“Letting horse owners know well in advance where and whenfireworksare going to be let off will enable them to plan and take action if needed. Keepfireworksas far from animals as possible and direct them away from fields and stables.”
Protect your horses
Redwings are advising owners do as much as they can to protect their horses. Check their local area for publicised events
- Try to keep horses as safe and relaxed as possible eg leave a radio on near a stable to help mask noise
- Ensure fields are hazard free to help reduce the risk to galloping horses.
- Move horses to alternative accommodation, if necessary, or arrange for a mild sedation.
Raise awareness
By raising awareness of the potential dangers of fireworks to horses, Redwings hopes that tragic accidents like that suffered by Cinders can be avoided.
“Not only are horses at risk of injuring themselves, but they may break out of fields or stables and pose a risk to road users,” said Andie. “Every year tragic incidents occur and the cost, both emotional and financial, can be immense.”