Firework noises are being played to rescued horses and ponies to get them ready for unexpected bangs during upcoming bonfire celebrations.

Grooms at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary have been playing the effects on CDs, including loud bangs, whistles and thunderous explosions, to desensitise their herds ahead of Guy Fawkes Night.

Sally Burton, the charity’s head of equine, said: ‘As the nights draw in and the fireworks begin we are always thinking about how we can minimise the distress to our horses and ponies.

‘Many of them are semi-feral and may have been living on Dartmoor or Bodmin moor, miles from any displays – or at least with the room to get as far away as possible.

‘Our rescued animals are kept in stables or in fields with strong fencing and the last thing we want is them either injuring themselves trying to get out or in a herd of terrified animals galloping from one end of the field to the other.’

Sally said they came up with the idea of playing the CDs to the horses and ponies a few years ago, and it has become their autumn ritual.

She added: ‘The newly arrived youngsters or feral ponies learn off the old hands. They see how calm they are and eventually learn the noises won’t hurt them.

‘We check on all our horses and ponies every night and last year – during one of the loudest displays in the area – they were all fast asleep, many lying down in their stables or so busy grazing in the field they didn’t even look up.

‘A frightened horse is a dangerous horse and we wanted to keep our staff safe. So far it’s worked a treat.’

Loud noise and flashes of light from fireworks can be incredibly frightening to horses, who have much more sensitive hearing than humans.

The charity has suggested other yards, or people with nervous pets, should follow its lead and play the sound effects to their animals whenever possible.

In a checklist of dos and don’ts to keep equine animals happy during the fireworks season the charity also urges people not to set off Chinese lanterns.

Sally added: ‘Chinese lanterns may look pretty but they can cause real problems when they land. They cause fires and the metal frame, which is all that remains once the lantern has burned away, can be difficult to see. It can cause serious injury – or even death if accidentally ingested by a grazing animal.’

The charity’s list of dos and don’ts is:

• Do not let off Chinese lanterns

• Wherever possible attend an organised display – although often louder than private displays animal owners can find out when and where they are being held.

• If you’re planning a firework party let neighbours or nearby landowners know, especially if there are horses or other livestock nearby.

• Horses thrive best when they have a set routine and sticking to what’s normal should help to keep them more relaxed.

• Ensure the horse’s environment is safe, with no objects that could cause injury if an animal becomes stressed.

• If possible keep your horse in an area where he will not be able to see the fireworks directly.

• Keeping the stable lights on can help to lessen the effect of coloured flashes.

• Placing a radio near your horse’s stable can help to muffle the noise of fireworks.

• If using a firework CD start quietly, just a few minutes at a time, and gradually build up the volume until your horse accepts it and is relaxed with the noise.

• Give your horse plenty of hay to keep him busy.

• Keep sand and water nearby in case of a fire around the stables. Make sure your fire extinguishers and emergency precautions are in good working order and everyone knows the fire drill

• Check your field for any stray fireworks or paper lanterns that might have landed before turning your horse back out.

• If your horse suffers serious anxiety during firework season, speak to your vet for specific advice.

• Never endanger yourself by trying to handle a terrified horse.