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According to the laws of Animal Welfare, it is the responsibility of humans to protect the life and well-being of animals. It requires that animals must be appropriately fed, cared for, and housed in ways that meet their natural behaviors and needs.
But what exactly does that mean?
„Most people’s problem with their horses is that the horses are overfed and underworked “- Clinton Anderson
Feeding horses can be a topic of a heated debate in the stable. Ultimately, how to feed one’s own horse is a personal decision, not a public debate. However, there are some principles that are crucial to a horse’s health. Horses should have access to roughage for at least twelve hours a day. To keep their digestive tract active, feeding breaks should not exceed four hours. Hunger periods longer than eight hours can be problematic; if the pH level in the stomach turns acidic, this can increase the risk of stomach lining irritation. Feeding breaks longer than four to six hours should ideally be rare exceptions. Every horse, even in group housing, needs enough space to eat undisturbed. Pastures must be free of toxic plants. Access to fresh water at all times is absolutely essential. Treats like fruit, vegetables, and baked goods contain sugars and carbohydrates and should be given in minimal amounts, or ideally not at all. Many of our leisure horses are unfortunately overweight and don’t get enough exercise—a problem with physical consequences and potential impacts on behavior. Persistent begging, uncontrolled energy bursts, diabetes, metabolic issues, and much more can be linked to inappropriate feeding practices. When in doubt, veterinarians or equine nutrition experts can provide solid guidance.
Safe travels: Implementing proper transport conditions for horses
Sometimes, your horse may need to be transported, in worst case as an emergency to the animal clinic. To make that less stressful, here are some tips for safely loading and transporting horses:
- Without the pressure of needing to go somewhere, practice loading your horse onto the trailer calmly. Small exercises can help transform the trailer from a scary space into a manageable resting area. The primary focus should be on maintaining calmness for both you and your horse.
- If your horse tends to be anxious in confined or unstable environments, observe what helps to manage that anxiety. Try using a hay net, traveling with a calm companion horse, practicing repeated loading and unloading, and avoid any sharp turns while driving (as always).
- Use travel boots, tail guards, breathable rugs, padding along trailer walls, and slip-resistant mats to reduce the risk of injury. The horse must be tied in the trailer with a lead rope that’s not too long to avoid entanglement, but not too short to limit head movement or eating. Ensure there is a panic release hook to allow the horse to free itself in an emergency.
- Make sure the trailer is securely hitched, the vehicle is in good working order, the driver has a trailer driving license and that all bars and the trailer door are safely secured.
- According to animal health regulations, horses are classified as livestock and must be transported according to livestock traffic regulations. Hence, "animal waste," such as urine and manure must not leak from the trailer. Bedding is therefore mandatory and also provides a more comfortable surface than a hard floor.
- No matter the length of the journey, always bring the horse's passport!
- EU regulations permit horses to be transported for up to 24 hours, if they are given water breaks at least every eight hours. After 24 hours, the horse must be rested for a full day in a suitable stable or paddock. However, it is advisable to check on your horse more frequently—ideally every two hours—to ensure it is standing calmly and isn’t overly stressed. While driving, imagine you have raw eggs loose on the passenger seat. Any sharp turns or sudden braking could make a big mess, so avoid these, and treat your horse as carefully as those raw eggs.
Horse transport made easy - products for a safe trip
The authors
Waldhausen's authors are experts in the equestrian sector and contribute their in-depth knowledge to our texts. Thanks to their own riding experience and expertise, they provide authentic and practice-oriented content based on years of experience. The aim is to support equestrian sports enthusiasts with well-founded and helpful texts that are suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
Waldhausen Team
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