

Horses and Fireworks - An Explosive Combination

A leading horse welfare charity is putting out a warning to all those holding events involving fireworks this November 5th to please inform local horse owners.

The ILPH (International League for the Protection of Horses) is appealing to everybody organising a firework event, whether a big display or a just a happy gathering in a back garden, to make sure that they give horse owners in their area advance warning.

Says Nadine Hawkes, Operations Support Manager at the ILPH, "Most people look forward to bonfire night, but for horse owners it can be a worrying time. Many horses and ponies can become stressed and upset by both the sight and sound of fireworks going off and if they are out in their fields it could have tragic consequences."

Horseowners are advised to:

* make sure they are aware of firework parties in their area;
* stable their horses and ponies if there are to be fireworks nearby;
* give them plenty of hay to keep them occupied;
* check on them during the evening to make sure they are okay;
* check the field in the morning for any stray fireworks that may of landed there;
* have sand and water available in case of fire.

As firework displays are becoming more common all the year round horse owners are being urged to be vigilant for notices advertising them locally.


