22 October 2025

Fireworks: Tamzin and Merlot

Merlot

Died January 2022

Tamzin says: "Merlot was a 14-year-old Arab, a cheeky chap who didn’t hesitate to let you know what he thought about things.

"We’d been through a lot together, including his treatment and recovery from a chronic back condition. The photo is our return to low-level endurance rides after this, and it was lovely to feel Merlot finally more comfortable and happy. We were having a relaxed winter in 2021, and I wasn’t too concerned about fireworks because the horses are kept on top of a big hill with no nearby displays.

"But on New Year's morning 2022 I went to look after the horses and found Merlot hopping lame on a hind leg. This unfortunately turned out to be a badly broken bone in his foot, which wouldn’t have healed well because of other musculoskeletal issues he already had, so we very sadly had to have him put to sleep. We heard later that some local people had had fireworks nearby, so though we’ll never know exactly what happened, by far the most likely chain of events is that the fireworks spooked the horses and led to Merlot’s injury.  

"Merlot had been through a lot, and he deserved to have some years to enjoy being pain-free after having various physical issues for many years. Putting him to sleep was the only choice, but I’m gutted he missed out on that time. I’d never begrudge anyone their fun, but when fireworks can lead to a loss of life – couldn’t we just do something better?"