With the country celebrating the Fourth of July this weekend, horse owners around the country are being urged to take precautions to ensure their animals (including horses) remain safe.
Reports of horses being badly injured, or even killed, after being terrified by the loud sudden noises and flashing lights associated with fireworks, are common.
Cases in recent years include a horse having to be destroyed after breaking a leg following a fireworks event, horses suffering from severe colic following a local fireworks party and a mare who had to be put down after a she broke through a fence and severed severe injuries. These may seem like extreme cases but they are worth considering when celebrating near your horses.
If you plan on having an event with fireworks, please consider notifying local horse owners in your area as a good citizen so they may keep their animals safe.
Tony Tyler, director of UK operations at the ILPH, says: "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."
The ILPH advises horse owners to:
1. Make sure they are aware of firework parties in their area
2. Stable their horses and ponies if there are going to be fireworks nearby
3. Give them plenty of hay to keep them occupied
4. Check on them during the evening to make sure they are okay
5. Leave a radio on to camouflage the noise
6. Check their housing area in the morning for any stray fireworks
7. Have sand and water available in case of fire
Fireworks this time of year are always festive and fun and a wonderful tradition. Using common sense will make the day even more enjoyable for all involved.
In California fires are always a concern, here is a re-post of a blog post from last year that I wanted to re-run.
http://thesecondrace.blogspot.com/2009/09/fire-safety-disaster-preparedness-for.html
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