Fireworks Fright: Horses Spooked by Private Party Display

In the West Sussex village, horse owners are pleading for more advanced notice of fireworks events after a display at a private party on November 8th, 2025 left their animals in a state of distress.

Residents reported that the fireworks, including a display by Pets Corner retail chain owner Dean Richmond, caused horses in the area to become "sweating with nerves." One local horse was allegedly injured that night and later had to be put down, though Mr. Richmond stated that his display was not definitively the cause.

Mr. Richmond acknowledged that he should have shared information about the planned fireworks more widely with nearby neighbors. He expressed his devastation over the incident and said he would not be holding any further fireworks displays in the future.

Kitty, an employee at a nearby equestrian center, described horses "escaping fields" that evening, while her colleague Paige said one of their horses was "drenched in sweat, really scared, nervous and pacing" after the fireworks. Both emphasized the importance of advance notice to better prepare for such events.

Lucinda Langhorn, who runs a separate riding school, echoed the sentiment, stating that "it only takes one firework and one spooked horse, then suddenly you have mayhem." She noted that there were other fireworks displays heard in the area that night as well.