Owners have reported horses ‘running in blind panic’ over the recent Guy Fawkes bonfire weekend due to the stress and trauma caused by fireworks, according to the British Horse Society (BHS).

BHS is now urging people to think before setting off fireworks near horses and other livestock after 25 incidents involving fireworks were reported to the charity over the weekend, with four horses being injured. In total, since 2010, 168 incidents have been reported. Tragically 49 horses have been injured and 11 horses have died as a result of fireworks being used near them.

“Horses are ‘flight’ animals, meaning they will probably move away quickly from a perceived threat,” said a spokesman for the charity. “When fireworks are near them, the loud noise and smoke can cause them to react and move away quickly – this can mean trying to get out of the stable or field. In Lincolnshire, one horse was severely injured after fleeing from fireworks and running onto the A57 and being hit by a car.”

The situation is so bad, that some horse owners are forced to get vets out to sedate their horses – resulting in extra costs, pointed out the BHS. “One horse owner said their horse was spinning in the stables, another said her horse was ‘running in blind panic, dripping with sweat and absolutely terrified’. Some horse owners have even reported of fireworks been let off just 10 yards away from their horses,” said Alan Hiscox, director of safety at The British Horse Society.

“These figures are just the tip of the iceberg and in reality the number of horses injured or even killed is much higher. Fireworks may be fun for humans, but we don’t want horses to go through trauma or distress.

A petition, by Julie Doorne, calling for a change of the laws governing fireworks use, has received almost 100,000 signatures fo support on the parliament website.

Sally takes Pride in her award

ONE OF the leading lights in the North-east of Scotland equestrian world, Sally McCarthy, the general manager of the BHS-approved, Aberdeen Riding Club, has been recognised at the Pride of Aberdeen Awards.

The award is for an individual that has shown an outstanding contribution to their sector and gone above and beyond what is expected of them.

Sally has run Aberdeen Riding Club – a not for profit riding school – for nearly 20 years and recently led a pioneering £2.2m project to build and design a brand new facility for the club – which meant relocating 90 horses, all the equipment and staff.

She said: “This is brilliant recognition for our industry and shows that running a business doesn’t have to be all about the profit margins – business can give something back to the community. My vision and drive for Aberdeen Riding Club has always been to make riding accessible and affordable for all. I’m delighted to have won this award.”