Welfare and Concerns

Dangerous surroundings such as hazards in a field or broken fencing which is in a dangerous condition.  Horses being kept in a dirty stable for long periods/permanently or being kept in unsuitable places.  Please report this via the World Horse Welfare online form button on this page.

It is acceptable for horses to be without food and water for short periods of time, such as when being worked or to allow for a bucket being knocked over. However, horses not getting sufficient food or water may be at risk of problems such as ulcers, in which case we would encourage people to get in touch as soon as possible. It is acceptable for horses to drink from a natural source of clean water, such as a stream or river. If you cannot easily see a trough or buckets in the field, consider whether these might be in an area of the field which is out of sight, or if there is another natural water source available.  If you believe a horse does not have access to water, please report this via the World Horse Welfare online form on this page.

Horses naturally lie down to rest, particularly foals or young horses who may rest more frequently. If a horse is lying down but alert, this is likely normal behaviour. However if you are concerned please do contact World Horse Welfare via phone or the online form on this page.

Please contact World Horse Welfare through the online form if hooves are excessively long or cracked as this can be painful and debilitating to the horse. 

If the horse appears lame, either limping or non-weight bearing on a leg, please get in touch via this form.  It is important to note that horses will often ‘rest’ a hind leg when they’re standing and this is not something to be concerned about. Therefore, it is important wherever possible to distinguish between a lame horse and one which is resting a leg. Lameness is often only apparent when the horse is walking. 

Anything which is obviously causing serious pain or distress to the horse should be reported as an emergency.  Untreated injuries, wounds or other diseases such as skin, eye or breathing issues should be reported through the World Horse Welfare online form.

Key things to assess on an underweight horse are whether the ribs and spine are prominent and if the hip bones are protruding. Horses often lose weight during the winter; a time which coincides with them having long winter coats. This long hair can disguise poor body weight and areas such as ribs can be hidden. One of the more reliable areas to look at is the rear view, as horses will drop weight either side of their spine and can appear ‘triangular’ from behind.  If you are concerned that a horse is under or overweight, please report this via the World Horse Welfare online form.