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Petplan Equine, a leading UK specialist equine insurance provider, is warning horse owners and those who are planning fireworks celebrations in areas near to where horses live to take extra care during November when fireworks and bonfires associated with Guy Fawkes and Diwali celebrations could frighten and cause injury to horses. It is estimated that around 60% of all animals become distressed by the loud noise and flashing lights of fireworks, however horses living outside may be more vulnerable. Petplan Equine in association with Petplan Equine veterinary expert Gil Riley, has compiled a handy list of dos and don’ts for horse owners and event organisers alike to help ensure this year’s celebrations go off with a bang without anyone taking fright!

Petplan Equine’s Horse Owners’ Top Tips

"We must remember that, being flight animals, even the most sensible horses can be prone to bolting when frightened which can lead to injury to the horse or others. The most important advice I can give horse owners is to be aware and prepared by making sure your horse is as safe and secure as possible", explains Gil Riley.

• Find out in advance when and where fireworks displays are taking place – check local listings, social media and tune into your local radio station
• If you know of an event close by contact organisers and ask them to stick to an agreed time and if possible, aim fireworks in the opposite direction
• If a display is due to take place in a field adjacent to where your horse grazes, consider moving him for the evening
• However, unless there’s a need to move your horse, maintaining a normal routine will help to keep his confidence
• If your horse normally lives out, then avoid additional stress by stabling him. If leaving your horse out, make sure all fencing and gates are secure, that electricity is working and there are no protruding nails etc. on which the horse could harm himself.
• If you decide to stable your horse make sure he has a thick bed with high banks and that there is nothing obvious on which he could injure himself.
• Give your horse plenty of hay to keep him occupied
• Leaving a radio on can muffle fireworks and help to keep him calm.
• Ear covers or cotton wool can help to reduce the noise
• Stay with your horse or ask someone to stay with him – not all horses worry about fireworks but those that do need reassuring. Make sure you check on your horse even if he is normally calm.
• If your horse is particularly nervous or you know that he is easily ‘spooked’ by fireworks it could be a good idea to ask your vet to prescribe a mild sedative.
• Ensure a supply of sand, water and serviceable fire extinguishers by stables
• If you are not on site, leave your details visible on a plaque on the gate so you can be contacted if there’s a problem
• After a fireworks event has taken place check your fields for spent fireworks as these could cause injury at a later date
• Check you have adequate third party liability insurance in place as the law states that you will be liable should your horse escape and cause injury or damage to a third party or their property

Petplan Equine's Event Organisers' Top Tips

If you’re planning to have fireworks and there are horses stabled nearby, then please consider horses in the area.

• Firstly, it’s a good idea to leaflet and email all residents and livery yards within a radius of two or three miles with details of your fireworks display
• Announce your fireworks event using social media by uploading details to your Facebook page and tweet about it in advance
• Be as specific as possible about when the display will take place and try to stick to this so that horse owners can be prepared at this time.
• Consider using lower-noise fireworks, i.e. those registered under category two of the British standard – e.g. garden fireworks
• If you have horses that live close by try if possible to set the fireworks off in the opposite direction

Charlotte Collyer, Senior Marketing Executive explains: "As horses are flight animals every care must be taken to ensure their safety and that of others when the atmosphere lights up with fireworks. While no one wants to spoil the party, a little forethought and communication can go a long way to making sure events go off with a bang without frightening the horses."

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For more information please contact:

Name	Telephone	Email
Charlotte Collyer	0208 707 8335	[email protected]

Petplan Equine is the UK's leading horse insurance provider offering a wide variety of flexible horse insurance and rider insurance policies which cater for all levels of experience.

Established more than 20 years ago, Petplan Equine is part of Allianz Insurance, one of the largest general insurers in the world.

For more information about a Petplan Equine horse insurance policy, please visit:
petplanequine.co.uk/insurance/quote.asp

Note to editors:

• Petplan Equine was founded in 1988.
• It is part of Allianz Animal Health, the largest provider of animal health insurance in the world and part of Allianz – one of the largest general insurers in the UK.
• In addition to horse and pony insurance options, Petplan Equine provides dedicated products for veteran horses and rider only insurance cover.
• It is the sister brand of Petplan, the largest provider of small animal insurance in the UK.
• Petplan Equine believes in supporting the equine community and provides more financial support to equestrian sports and activities than any equine insurance provider in the UK.
• The Pet Plan Charitable Trust was founded in 1994 to raise much needed funds for animal welfare and veterinary projects. Money is raised by Petplan and Petplan Equine customers giving an optional £1.50 to the Trust when they take out or renew their policy. To date, almost £5 million has been awarded by the Trust.
• Petplan and Petplan Equine are specialist insurers. As such, the company employs more horse riders and owners than any other and more former veterinary practice staff than any other to ensure the provision of specialist knowledge.
• Redwings Horse Sanctuary is the UK’s largest horse sanctuary, caring for over 1200 rescued horses at its nine sites around the country, with 500 more living in happy Guardian homes across East Anglia. The charity is entirely funded by public donation. Find out more at www.redwings.co.uk.