A Hastings trust that helps children get a leg up on life is reeling after a beloved horse died from the panic and stress caused by fireworks.
Peaches, a mare in her 20s, became alarmed from fireworks being set off on Monday night for Guy Fawkes.
On Tuesday morning, Peaches' excruciating pain was so bad she was put down.
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Owner Ros Rowe says she developed colic, before becoming ominously calm and started to shut down.
"I was out with her until the fireworks subsided; I checked on her very early this morning - she was pacing around sweating, so I called the vet."
Ms Rowe says Peaches may have had a pre-existing condition, but believes the stress of fireworks being set off is her most likely cause of death.
"Horses don't like fireworks - they can stop eating, it can affect their gut, they can develop colic."
Based at Bridge Pa near Hastings, The Leg Up Trust helps disadvantaged children build trust, confidence and their self-esteem through horse riding programmes.
Ms Row says Peaches was a much-loved horse.
"She was a lovely old mare, looked after the foals, mended so many broken hearts of children."
Peaches isn't the first horse in the area to be affected by fireworks this year, Ms Rowe says. A mare aborted her foal two nights ago and another horse was injured due to fireworks.
Ms Rowe is pleading for fireworks to be banned and limited to public displays.
Newshub.
