Everything Horse magazine Magazine, October 2014

BONFIRE NIGHT ADVICE FROM DENGIE ‘BUST THE STRESS’ OF BONFIRE NIGHT Remember, remember the fifth of November – and a week or so either side – can be a really anxious time for horses and ponies, so it’s really important that we do as much as we can to help. This handy guide from Dengie helps to reduce the stress your horse suffers on Bonfire Night… • A fibre feed such as Dengie’s Hi-Fi Lite and Alfa-A Original is both low in sugar and starch, and will keep him occupied for quite some time, thanks to their slow chew times. • Keep an eye out for any displays in your area and let event organisers and households planning to let off fireworks in your neighbourhood know that there are horses nearby so that they can site their displays accordingly. • Hanging root vegetables such a turnips and carrots – or hazel twigs – from the stable ceiling will help to bust the boredom and keep your horse amused. • Stuffing forage into a fine-gauge hay net – or placing one inside the other – will make sure that it lasts for much longer and keeps the horse busy munching. • Remain with your horse during planned displays and use a radio to muffle any sudden loud noise. • Make sure that you keep to your horse’s normal routine and familiar environment. Change is unsettling and things need to remain as natural as possible. • If, from previous experience, you know that your horse is likely to become extremely distressed, it might be a good idea to talk to your vet about sedation. • Check paddocks to ensure there is nothing that could injure your horse should it become distressed. Don’t forget to look out for firework débris once the events are over. • Keep your vet’s contact details handy and make sure you have an emergency fire procedure in place. • Never ride where there are planned firework displays. • Ensure that fencing is in good repair and there are no breaks in hedges. For further information on Dengie fibre feeds and general nutrition, telephone the Dengie Feedline on 0845 345 5115 or visit www.dengie.com, where you can chat live to a nutritionist. October 2014 • Issue 13 • Everything Horse UK Magazine 21

Everything Horse magazine Magazine, October 2014 | Page 21