Fireworks

EVERY year we hear shocking stories of horses fatally injured having been spooked by fireworks. It is a lot to ask a horse to cope with – many will at least evidence a disturbed night with a hideous bed for owners to muck out.

Some fear big displays will be replaced by myriad small ones in people’s gardens this week. The fight goes on to limit the sale of fireworks, to ask that people putting on displays let animal owners know, and to collate data from incidents via the British Horse Society to help campaign for change (news, p6). I hope your animals keep safe and well tonight.

On to a debate causing fireworks – whether grand prix dressage riders should be allowed to wear top hats (news, p5). Carl Hester comments this week (p16) on adults’ right to choose, the impact of role models, and what medics might say.

The row started after more than 100 riders signed a petition asking the international governing body not to bring in a rule making crash hats mandatory next year. There is an argument no rider has suffered serious injury for not wearing a crash hat at this level – which feels like tempting fate as I type. There is also an argument that those inspired by their heroes not to wear a crash hat have not been so fortunate. Does seeing your heroes in top hats influence people not to wear a hat at all? It would be interesting to research.

Wearing a top hat and tails is associated with “making it” at top level. But then if crash hats became the norm, they with tailcoats would come to symbolise the same.

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