Look after your Horses on Bonfire Night
The BHS has a checklist for horse owners which can be viewed here: https://www.bhs.org.uk/advice-and-information/safety-advice-and-information/common-incidents/fireworks.
Our Checklist for Horse Owners:
• Local newspapers, notice boards and radio stations may have information about the firework displays in your area.
• Ask neighbours and firework display organisers to inform you in advance if they are looking to set off fireworks. If there is a local fireworks display to be held near your horses, ask if it can either be moved to a more suitable location, or held as far from the horses as possible.
• We recommend keeping your horse in its familiar environment, in its normal routine, with any companions to make it feel secure, however consider alternative arrangements if this is close to where the fireworks will be set off.
• If you decide to stable your horse make sure you check thoroughly for anything that could cause potential injury, such as protruding nails, string and ensure the haynet is safely secured.
• If your horse is to stay in the field, check the fencing is secure and there are no foreign objects around.
• Ensure that yourself or someone experienced stays with your horse if you know that fireworks are being set off to try and keep them calm.
• If you are leaving your horse in the care of another person then be sure to leave clear instructions and contact details for both yourself and your vet should any problems arise.
• If you know your horse will be stressed, talk to your vet about possible options, including sedation, or perhaps consider moving your horse for the night.
• Playing music on a radio positioned outside the stable can often mask sudden noise, distract attention and be soothing. Ensure your horse is used to the radio before the day of the fireworks being set off.
• Try to remain calm yourself and keep positive, as horses will sense unease in a person and this may make things worse if the horse is stressed.
• It may seem common sense but be aware of your own safety and do not put yourself in danger; a startled horse can be dangerous and unpredictable.
• Check if there will be a bonfire near your yard. If there is, make sure you have an emergency fire procedure in place. If you have any doubts, talk to your local fire safety officer.
• Make sure that you have adequate third party liability insurance. If your horse is frightened and escapes, causing an accident, then you could be held liable for compensation.
• Contact the Safety Team if you would like to have any of our Firework literature sent out to you.
Have you had a problem with Fireworks?
If you have experienced a problem with fireworks, please let us know by reporting the incident through our online form. For more information, refer to the laws related to fireworks by visiting the DEFRA website or if you are based in Scotland please read the Fireworks FAQS Scotland.
Area Meeting Dates
Area Meeting Dates are now on the Area Meetings Page, which can be found under the Welcome Tab.
BHS Leicestershire & Rutland & LRBA Road & Rider Awareness Evening
There is a free Road and Rider awareness event, jointly organised by BHS and LRBA, on the evening of Wednesday the 16th October at the Wisteria Hotel, Oakham. Please click here to open a PDF for the meeting details and how to book.
Prestwold near Loughborough
Since the LRBA Charnwood Area meeting on 28th of January at Woodhouse Eaves when the future of the popular riding scheme on the Prestwold Estate was one of the items discussed, there’s been informal contact with the Estate. They’re waiting to know from the government about future farm support so decisions can be made. The Estate is well aware of riders’ concern but has no answers yet, so calling individually is not helping anyone. LRBA’s Networks Officer, Vicky Allen, is happy to be the information point so wants people to email her with Prestwold Riding in the subject line. As soon as anything happens she will let them know. Please email: networks@bridlewayslrba.org.uk.
LRBA exists to improve, extend and maintain the wonderful network of bridleways in the two Shire counties of Leicestershire and Rutland and their immediate surroundings. At LRBA we have a splendid programme of LRBA Rides, for which you have to be a member. For other Non LRBA Rides please click here. The annual cost is only £10 and all you have to do is to send in the Membership Form.
The rides cost £10 (£5 for under 18s); the Ride Entry Form should be sent to the individual ride organiser listed on the Rides Programme. We have area meetings twice a year in the 7 areas across the two counties, at which we discuss bridleway matters. The dates and locations of the next set of meetings can be seen in Area Meetings. The News section gives information on bridleway closures and problems as well as events. The latest issue of our Newsletter can also be found in the news section and shows how active we are in trying to improve the network of riding routes in our region.
If there is a problem, who do we contact? Please go to the Who to Contact tab on the top menu.
Day to day updates are to be found on our Facebook page. Click on the logo below to catch up on our latest news and photographs. LRBA members can send information about local Bridleway problems and hazards to facebook@bridlewayslrba.org.uk to be immediately available to warn local riders. We can publicise and enhance details of LRBA events and those of other local equestrian organisations. Adverts are not permitted.
You should find all the information you need in the various sections of this website. If you feel something is missing, please get in touch with us at enquiries@bridlewayslrba.org.uk. To download your free Adobe PDF Reader please Click Here.