World Horse Welfare – the leading horse charity dedicated to helping horses in the UK and around the world – has issued a renewed request to sightseers and walkers not to feed horses they might encounter on their travels.
“With the nicer weather on its way and with the Easter holidays upon us, more people are venturing out on walks,” the charity notes on its Facebook page, “and although it is nice to see horses when we’re out and about and that you may want to feed them with what you consider a ‘treat’ – we’re urging people not to feed any horse without the owner’s permission as it could do more harm than good.
Feeding horses something they aren’t used to – or even too much of something they are used to – can make them unwell or even kill them, the charity note. Horses can’t vomit, so digestive problems are dangerous for them and can easily turn into a veterinary emergency.
Cut grass/grass clippings should never be fed to horses and can kill them, they also explain, and giving food can cause fighting between individuals and result in injurie.
“Many horses need very careful weight management to stop them developing an extremely painful disease called laminitis,” they also caution.
“We know lots of people get huge enjoyment from horses and want to do something nice for them. Most horses enjoy a nice scratch on the neck or withers (shoulder) so, providing the horse is friendly and the owner is happy for you to do so, you could consider giving them fuss instead of food.
World Horse Welfare is an international charity whose values are grounded in pragmatism and compassion that strives to support and improve the horse-human partnership in all of its guises. Its mission is to work with horses, horse owners, communities, organisations and governments to help improve welfare standards and stamp out suffering in the UK and worldwide.
• More about World Horse Welfare at www.worldhorsewelfare.org
With thanks to Cashel Newlands