A new report from Redwings shares insights from their Fireworks and Horses survey, which collected over 5,000 responses from across the UK.
The data shows that even with advance notice, owners’ ability to protect their horses is limited, and stabled horses remain at risk of injury, illness, or death during fireworks.
While advance notice of private or public displays can help owners take some precautions, many horses cannot leave the yard and remain within sight or sound of fireworks. This means they are still at risk, no matter the measures put in place.
Most owners take steps such as extra forage, stabling, sedation, or staying with their horses, but the survey found these interventions are often only moderately effective, with no simple solution available. Alarmingly, many horses affected by fireworks are stabled at the time, yet still show stress-related behaviours.
Helen Whitelegg, Redwings’ Campaigns and Policy Manager, said: “Horses are highly sensitive flight animals, and even with precautions, the risks from fireworks remain significant. Awareness of planned displays is often low, leaving owners unprepared.”
Redwings is now campaigning to reduce the sound limits of fireworks to help protect horses and other animals, alongside ongoing education for horse owners. The charity also shares firsthand experiences from its sanctuary, having sadly lost three resident ponies to fireworks in the past.
Find out more about the petition.
Last year, Redwings launched their ‘Keep Horses In Mind’ campaign to encourage people to consider if, and how, they use and enjoy fireworks. To find out more about the charity’s work on fireworks, please visit: redwings.org.uk/fireworks