Keep Your Horse Safe on New Year's Eve

31 December may be the traditional night for letting our hair down and celebrating the birth of a new year, but don't forget about keeping your horse safe!

 

There are often fireworks held around the country on new year's eve and many horses are frightened by the loud noises which accompany these displays.  On Guy Fawkes night in the UK this past November, several horses were badly injured and/or escaped their fields due to being terrified by fireworks, especially in more urban areas. 

 

If fireworks are being held in your area, make sure your horse is in a safe, escape proof enclosure where he has less likelihood of injuring himself if he gets a fright, or if at all possible, especially if your horse is frightened by loud noises, temporarily move him to another location to ensure his safety.

 

Also remember, if you have dogs they can be terrified by fireworks too, so make sure they are in an escape proof enclosure, especially if you are going out to celebrate.  If on a chain, make sure they can't attempt to escape by jumping a fence - at least one dog died this year trying to do this when frightened by fireworks, once again in the UK on Guy Fawkes night.

 

Even if there is no danger from fireworks, there will be plenty of people out there who've had too much to drink and might think it's entertaining to let your horse out of his paddock or even try and take him for a joy ride, so once again make sure your horse is in a safe enclosure with lighting and a gate away from the road, if possible, to try and deter the idiots out there.  If you are going out, ask neighbours who are staying home if they can keep an eye on your horse.  It's very sad that we even have to think of this but there have been too many incidents of horses being stolen or let out of their paddocks, to ignore that it is a real risk, especially on a night like new year's eve when many people are away from home.

 

Let's all have a great time on new year's eve, but also make sure our precious horses are safe, so we can continue to enjoy them in 2011!  Happy New Year!