Horse owners in Albourne, West Sussex, have urged advance notice of fireworks events after a display at a private party reportedly led to one horse being put down. Residents said fireworks on 8 November, including a display organised by Pets Corner owner Dean Richmond, left horses “sweating with nerves” and caused widespread distress among local animals.
Mr Richmond said he was “devastated” by the incident, stressing that it is “only an allegation that my display was the cause” and that other fireworks were also set off in the area that evening. He added that he had informed some neighbours in advance but acknowledged he “should have shared that information more widely” and apologised for any upset caused.
Kitty, who works at an equestrian centre about three miles from Mr Richmond’s property, said the fireworks initially sounded like a gunshot. She reported that many horses were escaping from fields that night, though they were now “okay.” Her colleague Paige described one horse as being “drenched in sweat, really scared, nervous and pacing,” and said it remained jumpy at loud noises following the display.
The fireworks, which began at 18:15 GMT and lasted about six minutes, were conducted by a professional company. Mr Richmond said the horse that later died was kept over 800 metres away from his property and that he had been in “direct contact” with its owner. Following the incident, he has confirmed he will not hold any further displays.
Lucinda Langhorn, who runs a separate riding school nearby, said she knew the owner of the deceased horse and described the situation as “always a tragedy.” She warned that even a single firework could spook a horse and cause serious consequences, urging organisers to consider how far-reaching the noise from displays can be.
