Fireworks set back horse recovery
On the Saturday before Bonfire Night in 2024, professional-grade fireworks were set off near the therapeutic riding centre, Foxfields Riding Centre, causing distress and injury to the horses, and financial strain to the yard itself.
Clare, whose riding school operates within the riding centre yard, was left with a badly injured Foxy – a horse who was so scared of the fireworks she damaged her hind leg – a stack of veterinary bills, and a desire for change.
Riding centre staff prepared the best they could
Riding staff were visited by the owner of the private land beside the yard, who informed them of their upcoming bonfire and fireworks event – but failed to explain whereabouts on the land, or leave a contact number. Left with little to go on but anticipation of the fireworks event, the riding centre staff took proactive measures to ensure the safety of their animals, especially the horses.
They gathered all the horses onto one central site to monitor them more effectively during the event, moving them from an area also known to be used by local youths to set off fireworks during the fireworks season.
Before the event, Foxy, one of the yard's newest recruits, a former racehorse on box rest, was sedated by a vet due to a pre-existing injury. Riding lessons were also rescheduled to end early, to allow the team to prepare and prevent any risks to clients and horses, alike.
Despite sedation, Foxy repeatedly reared up
Despite her sedation, during the fireworks display Foxy started to exhibit fearful behaviour, kicking the walls behind her repeatedly.
Clare tried to enter the stable, conscious of Foxy’s injuries, but could not calm her. She had no choice but to retreat and talk to Foxy from the stable door to try and soothe her.
The display itself lasted only 15 minutes, but as professional-grade fireworks were used, they created explosions rather than bangs.
Clare contacted the police, who said that they were unable to do anything due to the fireworks being let off from private land.
In the aftermath of the event, several horses displayed signs of stress, and the following morning it was clear that Foxy had damaged her back leg, which was severely swollen.
As an experienced horse handler, I tried to enter the stable, conscious of Foxy’s existing injuries but could not calm Foxy who was rearing up and kicking out. At this moment I felt helpless and thought of others struggling that night
See the full story
The real cost of fireworks
As the day progressed, Foxy's swelling increased and required immediate veterinary attention. The vet advised that the fireworks and Foxy's frightened reaction had significantly hindered her recovery.
Clare was also told to monitor Foxy’s condition closely, as the vet was concerned about the long-term implications on her health and behaviour.
As a result, Foxfields took a financial hit, with significant vet costs for consultations, treatments and potential future care.
Even so, the organisers of the display said that the events would continue, despite the distress to the horses.
Limited legal protection
Clare has sought legal advice and explored options to hold the private home accountable for the distress caused to the horses and the financial hit. Disappointingly, they discovered that the Animal Welfare Act offers limited protection in such cases, leaving them with few legal avenues for recourse.
They were advised that they could seek compensation for damages – to try and recuperate vet bill losses – but legal action would come at a significant cost to the yard.
All of which would not have happened if the firework event organiser had considered the welfare of nearby animals before freely using explosive fireworks on their land.
Clare appreciates that fireworks are a part of our history and culture, and doesn’t want to ban them – but she does believe in stronger animal welfare protections. Like 81% of respondents to our Kindness Index, Clare supports the creation of Firework Control Zones across England and Wales to safeguard animals and minimise distress.
