Looking after horses

Horses on farms or in stables and livery yards are protected by the Animal Welfare Act.

If you own or are responsible for a horse, you have a duty to look after its basic welfare by:

  • providing it with a suitable place to live
  • giving it a suitable diet
  • protecting it from pain, injury, suffering and disease
  • making sure it can behave normally and naturally
  • keeping records of all medical treatment
  • keeping up to date with a vaccination programme (under the control and advice of a vet)
  • registering it with a veterinary practice and a registered farrier

Your horse must also have a valid passport and a microchip.

You can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to 6 months if you are cruel to an animal or do not care for it properly. You may also be banned from owning animals in future.

There are additional welfare guides for horses used for agricultural purposes or for producing pharmaceutical products.