Pony killed by car after trying to escape fireworks

pony fireworks — (Image credit: Claire Willard)

The owner of a pony who died when he was struck by a car after he jumped out of his field while trying to flee from nearby fireworks has said “traditions need to change”.

Claire Willard’s 18-month New Forest colt Archer jumped a five-bar gate out of his field in Marchwood, Hampshire, on 4 November. When more fireworks went off Archer ran onto the road into the path of a car and was killed.

“I wouldn’t usually take pictures or post something like that but I wanted people to see the aftermath of what can happen when fireworks are let off near livestock. Archer was only 12.2hh, he was in a five acre field, and was still scared enough to jump a five-bar gate,” she said.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

TOPICS

Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.

‘Traditions need to change’: pony killed by car after trying to escape fireworks

Claire told H&H she received a telephone call from Sarah Mills, Archer’s breeder and owner of his fieldmate Harry, shortly before 10pm to tell her Archer had died.

“He told Sarah that while he was in his car Archer spooked again as more fireworks went off and he ran onto the road and was hit head first by an oncoming vehicle. We think he died instantly.”

“I wouldn’t usually take pictures or post something like that but I wanted people to see the aftermath of what can happen when fireworks are let off near livestock. Archer was only 12.2hh, he was in a five acre field, and was still scared enough to jump a five-bar gate,” she said.

“Sarah and I are both devastated. I had known Archer since he was foal and bought him from Sarah earlier this year. The plan was he’d spend the winter with Harry then come to join my other ponies in the spring.”

“I’ve had so many messages of condolences, but also messages from people saying they never thought fireworks could have an impact like this so the post has got people thinking,” said Claire.

“If people are so determined to see fireworks then they should go to an organised display and have some common sense around animals. I know fireworks are seen as a tradition, but in this day and age sometimes traditions need to change.”

You might also be interested in:

Firework incidents involving horses up as charities call for law change

Licences for buying fireworks could be on the cards for Scotland

Claire told H&H she received a telephone call from Sarah Mills, Archer’s breeder and owner of his fieldmate Harry, shortly before 10pm to tell her Archer had died.

“He told Sarah that while he was in his car Archer spooked again as more fireworks went off and he ran onto the road and was hit head first by an oncoming vehicle. We think he died instantly.”

Claire attended the scene while Archer’s body was removed from the road by a farmer. The following day when he was collected she took images that she has shared on social media.

“I wouldn’t usually take pictures or post something like that but I wanted people to see the aftermath of what can happen when fireworks are let off near livestock. Archer was only 12.2hh, he was in a five acre field, and was still scared enough to jump a five-bar gate,” she said.

“Sarah and I are both devastated. I had known Archer since he was foal and bought him from Sarah earlier this year. The plan was he’d spend the winter with Harry then come to join my other ponies in the spring.”

Claire’s post has been shared more than 9,000 times. Her friends Danni Alexander and Michael Pearson have set up a Facebook group, Archer’s Legacy – Campaign Against the Sale of Domestic Fireworks, which will be used to share firework stories, awareness campaigns and petitions.

“I’ve had so many messages of condolences, but also messages from people saying they never thought fireworks could have an impact like this so the post has got people thinking,” said Claire.

“If people are so determined to see fireworks then they should go to an organised display and have some common sense around animals. I know fireworks are seen as a tradition, but in this day and age sometimes traditions need to change.”

You might also be interested in:

Firework incidents involving horses up as charities call for law change

Licences for buying fireworks could be on the cards for Scotland

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round