Welfare

Those who own, keep, ride or drive horses have a legal and moral obligation to ensure their health and well-being.

The British Horse Society is committed to raising the standard of knowledge of equine welfare amongst those who are responsible for the care of horses, and to helping alleviate suffering and distress where they occur.

We work through a nationwide network of fully trained volunteer Welfare Officers. Where possible, our officers provide advice and support allowing owners to improve their horse’s welfare. In more serious welfare cases, our officers work with other agencies to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to secure the horse’s future.

We offer a free telephone and email service providing expert advice on all matters relating to equine welfare and horse care.

We produce accessible and thorough advisory literature on many aspects of horse care and welfare, distributed free of charge to those who request it.

We introduce important initiatives to improve the welfare of horses such as the Emergency Services Protocol and the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies at Events.

We campaign on important welfare issues such as Strangles, Ragwort and responsible breeding.